slow cooker essentials: mexican shredded pork
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
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Step 1PREP/PREPARE
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Step 2Chef’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.
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Step 3Chef’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.
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Step 4Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
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Step 5Place a rack in the bottom position, and preheat the oven to 320f (160c).
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Step 6Cut the pork roast into thick 1-inch (2.5cm) slabs.
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Step 7Mix a bit of salt and pepper with the flour and dust the pork on both sides.
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Step 8Place the grapeseed oil and the butter into a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat.
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Step 9Chef’s Note: The pot needs to be ovenproof, and have a tight-fitting lid.
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Step 10When the foaming subsides, give the pot a swirl to mix the oil and butter, and then add the pork.
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Step 11Sear until nicely browned on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Add additional oil, or butter, if needed.
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Step 12Remove the pork, from the pot and reserve.
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Step 13Reduce the heat on the pot to medium, and add the chopped onions.
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Step 14Chef’s Note: If the pan is a bit dry, add an additional tablespoon of grapeseed oil.
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Step 15Cook 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.
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Step 16Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds.
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Step 17Add the coconut sugar, cumin, paprika, and pepper to the pot, and stir to incorporate into the onions and garlic, about 60 seconds.
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Step 18Add the tomatoes, vinegar, and chilies, and bring up to the boil.
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Step 19Chef’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
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Step 20Return the pork to the pot.
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Step 21Cover, and in the preheated oven for 4 – 5 hours, or until the pork is falling apart.
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Step 22Remove the pork, and shred using two forks.
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Step 23Skim any fat off the surface of the sauce with a spoon, or ladle.
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Step 24Return the pork to the sauce, and place back into the oven, for about 15 minutes.
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Step 25Stir in the lime juice, and serve.
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Step 26PLATE/PRESENT
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Step 27My favorite way to serve this is over rice, accompanied with some fresh, warm tortillas. But, serve it anyway you please. Enjoy.
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Step 28Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
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