slow cooker essentials: mexican shredded pork

49 Pinches 22 Photos
Wichita, KS
Updated on Jan 26, 2018

This is an excellent South-of-the-Border recipe for some yummy shredded pork. I played with the spices until I hit all the right flavor notes. Not too hot – Not too mild. Not too sweet – Not too sour. Just good flavors that will have you coming back for more. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

prep time 30 Min
cook time 8 Hr
method Slow Cooker Crock Pot
yield 6 - 7

Ingredients

  • PLAN/PURCHASE
  • 2 - 3 pounds pork loin roast, boneless
  • 1/4 cup flour, all-purpose variety
  • - salt, kosher variety, to taste
  • - black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon sweet butter, unsalted
  • 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika, smoked, if you have it
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 14 ounces diced tomatoes, 1 can, i prefer san marzano’s
  • 14 ounces rotel tomatoes, 1 can, i prefer homemade
  • 1/4 cup apple-cider vinegar
  • 4 ounces green chilies, diced, 1 small can, mild or hot, your choice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • ADDITIONAL ITEMS
  • - long-grain white rice, for serving
  • - sour cream, for topping
  • - cheese, your choice, for topping

How To Make slow cooker essentials: mexican shredded pork

  • Step 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • Step 2
    Chef’s Tip: This recipe can be made two ways: In the oven, or in the slow cooker. If you are using the oven method just follow the recipe as is. If you are going the slow cooker route, follow the recipe; however, instead of using a pot, place all the ingredients into a slow cooker, and allow it to cook on low for 8 – 10 hours.
  • Step 3
    Chef’s Note: This recipe does not really care what cut of pork roast you are using. As a matter of fact, for this recipe I am using a pork tenderloin, and a pork sirloin roast that I found in my walk-in freezer.
  • Step 4
    Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
  • Step 5
    Place a rack in the bottom position, and preheat the oven to 320f (160c).
  • Step 6
    Cut the pork roast into thick 1-inch (2.5cm) slabs.
  • Step 7
    Mix a bit of salt and pepper with the flour and dust the pork on both sides.
  • Step 8
    Place the grapeseed oil and the butter into a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat.
  • Step 9
    Chef’s Note: The pot needs to be ovenproof, and have a tight-fitting lid.
  • Step 10
    When the foaming subsides, give the pot a swirl to mix the oil and butter, and then add the pork.
  • Step 11
    Sear until nicely browned on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Add additional oil, or butter, if needed.
  • Step 12
    Remove the pork, from the pot and reserve.
  • Step 13
    Reduce the heat on the pot to medium, and add the chopped onions.
  • Step 14
    Chef’s Note: If the pan is a bit dry, add an additional tablespoon of grapeseed oil.
  • Step 15
    Cook until they soften and release their moisture (about 4 – 5 minutes), and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the fonds that developed on the bottom of the pot.
  • Step 16
    Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds.
  • Step 17
    Add the coconut sugar, cumin, paprika, and pepper to the pot, and stir to incorporate into the onions and garlic, about 60 seconds.
  • Step 18
    Add the tomatoes, vinegar, and chilies, and bring up to the boil.
  • Step 19
    Chef’s Note: For the can of Rotel tomatoes, I used my homemade version; however, a regular or hot can of Rotel will do just fine. https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/salsa/diy-essentials-homemade-rotel-tomatoes-chilies.html
  • Step 20
    Return the pork to the pot.
  • Step 21
    Cover, and in the preheated oven for 4 – 5 hours, or until the pork is falling apart.
  • Step 22
    Remove the pork, and shred using two forks.
  • Step 23
    Skim any fat off the surface of the sauce with a spoon, or ladle.
  • Step 24
    Return the pork to the sauce, and place back into the oven, for about 15 minutes.
  • Step 25
    Stir in the lime juice, and serve.
  • Step 26
    PLATE/PRESENT
  • Step 27
    My favorite way to serve this is over rice, accompanied with some fresh, warm tortillas. But, serve it anyway you please. Enjoy.
  • Step 28
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

Discover More

Culture: Mexican
Category: Pork
Ingredient: Pork

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