Simple Mexican Pulled Pork
I am here for easy and delicious recipes. We all need a break sometimes – but flavor can’t be compromised.
This perfectly shredded pork with the rich flavors of smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, onion powder, roasted tomatoes, tomato paste and a touch of bone broth. I love the pan sauce – always save it. Top with fresh herbs and dig in. This is what makes this Simple Mexican Pulled Pork so good.
Ways to eat this.
Ok, pulled pork is so amazing, that it can be enjoyed in so many different ways.
Here are some quick ideas.
- Sandwiches with slaw
- Add greens…make into a salad
- Herby jasmine rice
- Warm tortillas with slaw, radishes or on it’s own
- Quesadillas….YES!
Did you see that slaw? My favorite!
I love having the main part of the meal in my slow cooker or Instant Pot. Then spend more time on the sides or condiments to the meal.
Like this slaw. It’s a favorite of mine. I love it the day it’s made as well as the next day – all those flavors blending together. Delish! Recipe to come…you will just have to wait…or come back to check it out.
More Slow Cooker + Instant Pot Recipes
Simple Mexican Pulled Pork
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 2-4 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 1.5 lb. pork shoulder (bone in, is best), cut in half
- 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
- 1 heaping tablespoon smoked paprika
- 4–6 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/3 cup chicken bone broth
- 1 heaping teaspoon tomato paste
- 1 14 oz. can roasted diced tomatoes
- 3–4 scallions, sliced thinly
- 1 small bunch cilantro, roughly chopped
Instructions
Instant Pot
- Heat the Instant Pot on high using the sauté setting.
- Sprinkle the pork shoulder with the salt and pepper on all sides. When the Instant Pot is hot, add in the 2 pieces and let sear for 4-6 minutes or until the underside is brown. Using tongs, flip over and sear the other side for 4-6 minutes.
- Turn the Instant Pot settings to pressure cook on high for 50 minutes. Add in the remaining ingredients – smoked paprika to roasted tomatoes (scallions and cilantro to garnish at the end). Place the lid on top and secure. Start and let the Instant Pot do the work.
- Release the pressure and remove the meat from the Instant Pot and place on a cutting board or in a shallow bowl. Pull apart with two forks or with tongs. Remove any large pieces of fat and discard. Pour the pan sauce (or follow the extra step below) on top of the shredded pork and garnish with the scallions and cilantro
Slow Cooker
- Heat up a skillet over high heat. Sprinkle the pork shoulder with the salt and pepper on all sides. When the pan is hot, add the 2 pieces of pork to the pan. Let sear for 4-6 minutes on the first side. Using tongs, flip over and sear the other side for 4-6 minutes.
- Turn your slow cooker to high for 6 hours. Add in all the ingredients – smoked paprika to roasted tomatoes. Mix around to slightly combine. Add the pork to the top and put the lid on it.
- After the 6 hours, test the doneness with two forks – The meat should pull apart easily. Let the meat rest with the lid removed for 30 minutes. Remove the meat from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board or in a shallow bowl. Pull apart with two forks or with tongs. Remove any large pieces of fat and discard. Pour the pan sauce (or follow the extra step below) on top of the shredded pork and garnish with the scallions and cilantro.
Extra step: heat the sauce up (without the meat in it) in a small skillet over medium heat. Let it come to a rapid simmer for 6-8 minutes. If you would like the sauce to be thicker, add in 1 tablespoon of tapioca or arrowroot powder or flour. Whisk to combine and stir until it becomes thicker. Pour 1/2 of the sauce over the shredded meat. Serve with more sauce if desired.
Notes
Extra step: heat the sauce up (without the meat in it) in a small skillet over medium heat. Let it come to a rapid simmer for 6-8 minutes. If you would like the sauce to be thicker, add in 1 tablespoon of tapioca or arrowroot powder or flour. Whisk to combine and stir until it becomes thicker. Pour 1/2 of the sauce over the shredded meat. Serve with more sauce if desired.
This meat freezes very well. Let cool completely and place in an air tight container – I like using pyrex or other glass container with a tight fitting lid. Add in some of the pan sauce. Label it and freeze.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: varies
- Category: pork
- Method: slow cooker
- Cuisine: dinner
Did you make this recipe? Take a picture and tag me @whitesparrowfoodco or #whitesparrowfoodco I’d love to hear what you thought of the recipe!
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