Instant Pot

1. Heat the Instant Pot on high using the sauté setting.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.