Name: Juicy Crockpot Mexican Pulled Pork
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-492130H1M32S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 to 4 lbs pork shoulder; 1 large onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons cumin; 2 teaspoons paprika; 2 teaspoons chili powder (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Juice of 2 limes; 1 cup chicken broth

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Are you ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with a dish that’s both delicious and effortless? Juicy Crockpot Mexican Pulled Pork is the answer to your mealtime prayers, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful feast. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, allowing you to enjoy tender, savory pork without spending hours in the kitchen.

This mouthwatering dish features a blend of spices and slow-cooked goodness that fills your home with an irresistible aroma. Whether you serve it in tacos, burritos, or atop rice, this pulled pork will impress everyone at the table. Get ready to dive into a world of flavor that will leave you craving more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Juicy Crockpot Mexican Pulled Pork recipe is not just easy; it’s also bursting with flavor that will transport you straight to Mexico with every bite. The slow cooking process allows the pork to become incredibly tender and infused with zesty spices, creating a dish that’s rich and satisfying. You’ll find yourself making this time and again as it’s perfect for any occasion.

Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it in various ways—tacos, sandwiches, or even as a stand-alone dish. Plus, leftovers can easily be repurposed into different meals throughout the week. Lastly, using a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other tasks while dinner cooks itself.

Key Ingredients

Juicy Crockpot Mexican Pulled Pork ingredients

The success of Juicy Crockpot Mexican Pulled Pork lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful dish:

Pork Shoulder: The star of the show; its marbling ensures juiciness and tenderness.
Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to balance out the spices.
Garlic: Infuses the pork with a robust flavor that enhances every bite.
Cumin: Provides an earthy warmth that is quintessential in Mexican cuisine.
Paprika: Offers both color and smokiness to elevate the flavor profile.
Chili Powder: Adds heat and complexity; adjust based on your spice preference.
Lime Juice: Brightens up the dish with acidity, making flavors pop.
Chicken Broth: Keeps the pork moist during cooking while adding richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic so they are ready to go.
In a small bowl, mix together cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork shoulder for maximum flavor.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the bottom of your crockpot. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the pork and pour chicken broth around it into the pot without washing off any seasoning.
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours or high for about 4 hours until the pork is tender enough to shred easily with two forks.
Once cooked, remove the pork from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Mix it back into the juices for added flavor before serving.

Expert Tips

Selecting Quality Meat: Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder; this will ensure maximum tenderness and juiciness after cooking. Look for cuts that are bright red with a good amount of fat running through them.

If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less chili powder than recommended. You can always add more later if desired!

Sauce Consistency:If you prefer a thicker sauce once it’s done cooking, remove some juices from the crockpot before shredding the meat and simmer them on high in a saucepan until reduced.

Presentation Ideas

Create an impressive spread by serving Juicy Crockpot Mexican Pulled Pork in warm tortillas alongside fresh toppings like diced avocados, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, crumbled queso fresco, or shredded cabbage. Consider setting up a taco bar where guests can customize their own tacos or bowls with their favorite fixings for an interactive dining experience. For added flair, garnish each plate with lime wedges and extra cilantro for freshness that pops visually as well as in flavor!

FAQs

Can I use another cut of meat instead of pork shoulder?

You can substitute pork butt or even chicken thighs if you’d like a lighter option. However, keep in mind that each cut has different cooking times; chicken may require less time than pork shoulder.

How do I store leftovers?

Allow any leftover pulled pork to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare everything but cook it ahead of time—simply store all ingredients in your crockpot insert (refrigerate overnight) until you’re ready to cook it on low during busy weekdays!

I don’t have a crockpot; can I still make this recipe?

If you don’t have a crockpot available, you can make this recipe using an oven. Simply sear your seasoned meat in an oven-safe pot on medium-high heat first before adding onions/garlic/broth/juices then cover tightly with foil while baking at around 300°F (150°C) until tender (about 4-5 hours).