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Easy Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork

Easy Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork

Juicy, spice-rubbed pork shoulder slow-cooked until shreddable, then tossed in zesty chipotle-citrus juices. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or nachos.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 3.75 lb boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into chunks
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for searing
  • 2.5 tsp kosher salt or to taste
  • 1.5 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2.25 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1.5 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1.5 cup sliced onion
  • 0.75 cup orange juice fresh is best
  • 3 tbsp lime juice
  • 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp minced chipotle in adobo add more for extra heat
  • 1.5 tsp brown sugar balances the acidity

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Combine salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, paprika, and chili powder in a bowl.
  • Pat pork dry and cut into 3–4 chunks.
  • Rub pork with the spice blend and minced garlic.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the pork on all sides.
  • Spread the sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Set the browned pork on top of the onions.
  • Whisk orange juice, lime juice, broth, chipotle, and brown sugar.
  • Pour the mixture around the pork, not directly on top.
  • Cook on LOW until fork-tender, about 8 hours.
  • Transfer pork to a pan and shred with two forks.
  • Skim fat from the cooking liquid and simmer to reduce for 8 minutes.
  • Toss the shredded pork with the reduced juices.
  • Broil on a sheet pan to crisp edges, 4–5 minutes, if desired.

Notes

Serve in warm tortillas with chopped onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. For bowls, add rice, beans, and avocado. For milder heat, reduce chipotle or swap in more chili powder. Leftovers keep 4 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen; reheat with a splash of broth or juices.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.