Recently on a social media post, I saw a poll about favorite meat to use for tacos. I was stunned to see that pork wasn’t on there. Shredded or pulled pork is my absolute favorite in Mexican cuisine, and that’s usually what I order from my favorite taco stands or restaurants.
It all came about a few years ago when I went to Hawaii. There was a little taco place called Killer Tacos, on the Big Island. I had some pulled pork nachos that were out of this world amazing, and I’ve been eating pulled pork in my Mexican food ever since.
I have a tip for you, too. After the pork is done cooking in the slow cooker, take out what you’re planning to use and fry for a few minutes in a large frying pan. Crisping up some of the pork is what gives this a great texture and flavor, and makes it more authentically “carnitas”.
Feel free to play with some of the ingredients. I use Tajin seasoning, but I realize not everyone will have that in their spice rack. I do suggest it because it has a limey flavor that works very well with Mexican food. Similarly, a squeeze of fresh lime over the finished pork will work fine.
Slow cooking this is the way to go for any pulled pork, and I highly recommend this cooking method. The tenderness of the meat and the slow cooked flavors really enhance what you’re making.
I use this pulled pork for the following:
- Tostadas
- Nachos
- Tacos
- Burritos
- Enchiladas
- Taco Salads
- Fiesta Casserole
Usually I make a large enough pork shoulder that I have meat for at least two meals for a family of five or six. To store leftovers, place in an air tight container up to a week in the fridge, or freeze up to 3 months. We eat Mexican and Hispanic food a lot in my house, therefore I always try to have pulled pork around. I hope you enjoy!
Mexican Style Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 1 Boneless pork shoulder
- 1 can diced chilies
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons Tajin seasoning
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a saucepan over medium high heat.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over pork.
- Add pork to sauce pan and brown on all sides.
- Line slow cooker with liner. Add pork shoulder.
- Add all other ingredients to slow cooker.
- Cook on low 7-8 hours, on high for 4.
- Once finished, shred pork and fry over medium high heat in a sauce pan until edges are brown and crisp.
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