There’s an undeniable magic that happens when a pork shoulder undergoes the slow cooking process. It transforms from a tough cut of meat into something unbelievably tender, deeply flavorful, and incredibly juicy. Many of you have enjoyed my guide on how to cook a Boston butt, and today I’m excited to share another fantastic method to prepare a pork shoulder, then effortlessly shred it for use in delightful tacos, satisfying rice bowls, and so much more.

If you’re a fan of delicious pork recipes, you might also like my popular posts on How to Bake Pork Chops in the Oven, Easy Pineapple Pork Chops, or these mouthwatering BBQ Baked Pork Chops. Each offers a unique way to enjoy this versatile meat.

This recipe begins with a robust and aromatic spice rub generously applied to a pork shoulder. The seasoned pork is then slow-cooked with diced green chiles and a rich salsa verde. This combination infuses the meat with incredible flavor as it slowly braises, creating a tender, juicy, and shreddable pork that’s bursting with bold, Tex-Mex-inspired taste.

What truly makes this recipe a standout is its incredible versatility and ease. Once you’ve got this perfectly shredded pork, the culinary possibilities are endless. It’s not just for tacos; it’s excellent for burritos, enchiladas, nachos, a hearty addition to quesadillas, or even as a flavorful topping for burgers and sandwiches. The rich, savory profile of the pork makes it a welcome component in almost any meal.

Why You’ll Adore This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe:

• Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for busy individuals and families. After a quick 20-minute prep, your slow cooker takes over, doing all the heavy lifting to transform a simple pork shoulder into a culinary masterpiece while you go about your day.
• Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of a smoky spice rub, zesty green chiles, and tangy salsa verde creates a deep, complex flavor profile that is both savory and slightly spicy, truly elevating simple pork into an extraordinary dish.
• Incredible Versatility: Beyond its classic taco application, this pulled pork is a chameleon in the kitchen. Use it in burritos, quesadillas, on top of nachos, stirred into chili, or served over rice bowls for an easy and delicious meal transformation.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: A single, well-sized pork shoulder can easily yield enough pulled pork to feed 10-12 people. This means you’ll have plenty of delicious leftovers to repurpose into other quick and easy meals throughout the week, saving you time and effort in future cooking.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: The tender, shreddable texture and approachable flavors make this a hit with both adults and children. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s palate, ensuring a satisfying meal for the whole family.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Delicious Pulled Pork Tacos

Creating these incredible slow cooker pulled pork tacos is a straightforward process that yields maximum flavor with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for perfectly tender, shreddable pork every time.

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Pork Shoulder

Begin by placing your pork shoulder roast on a large plate or a clean cutting board. Pat the pork dry with paper towels; this helps the spice rub adhere better. In a small bowl, combine all the dry spice rub ingredients: ground cumin, dried oregano, ground coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix them well to create a uniform blend. Generously rub this aromatic spice mixture all over the pork, ensuring every side is thoroughly coated. The rub forms a flavorful crust during cooking. Once seasoned, carefully transfer the pork to your slow cooker pot.

Step 2: Add the Liquids and Aromatics

Once the pork is seasoned and in the slow cooker, strategically add the remaining ingredients. Pour the diced green chiles, salsa verde, and chicken broth around the pork roast. It’s important to gently stir these liquids around the base of the pork without disturbing the spice rub on top, as we want that flavor to concentrate on the meat. Ensure the liquids cover at least half of the pork to prevent it from drying out during the long cooking process and to create a rich, flavorful braising liquid.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the low setting for 8-10 hours, or on the high setting for 4-6 hours. The cooking time can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and the size of your pork shoulder. You’ll know the pork is perfectly done when it is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart with two forks with very little resistance. This long, slow cooking process is key to achieving that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious pulled pork for days to come. Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this pulled pork freezes exceptionally well. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring as much air is removed as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat the pork in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until hot.

Pork shoulder, also widely known as pork butt or Boston butt, is unequivocally the best joint for making pulled pork. This cut is rich in connective tissue and has a generous amount of fat marbling throughout. It’s this specific composition that is crucial; during the long, slow cooking process, the connective tissues break down into gelatin, and the fat renders, keeping the pork incredibly moist, tender, and juicy. This ultimately results in succulent, flavorful pieces of pork that are effortlessly easy to pull apart and shred, creating that perfect pulled pork texture.

Yes, it’s advisable to take a few moments to prepare the pork shoulder by trimming off any large, excessive layers of fat from the exterior. While some fat is certainly beneficial for flavor and moisture, too much can result in an overly greasy final product. A thin layer of fat is good for flavor and helps keep the meat moist, but thick chunks should be removed to ensure a balanced and delicious outcome.

If you find the sauce in your slow cooker to be thinner than desired once the pork is cooked, you can easily thicken it. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture directly into the liquid in the slow cooker. Turn the slow cooker to the high setting and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has reached your preferred thickness, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.

Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier kick, you have several options. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub, include a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the green chiles, or even add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the slow cooker liquid. For serving, offer extra sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños, or a hot salsa, to allow everyone to customize their heat level.

While salsa verde provides a unique tangy flavor, if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with a similar amount of your favorite green enchilada sauce for a comparable flavor profile. Alternatively, a combination of canned diced green chiles (more than the recipe calls for) and a splash of lime juice can also work in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different.

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