Savory Citrus Pulled Pork

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 4 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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Get ready to dive into the world of tender, mouthwatering pork with this Savory Citrus Pulled Pork. It's a delightful twist on a classic, infusing bright citrus flavors into succulent pork shoulder. Perfect for any season, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients for Savory Citrus Pulled Pork

The star of this recipe is the pork shoulder, known for its rich flavor and marbling, which helps keep the meat juicy. The orange juice and lime juice bring a burst of citrus freshness, while soy sauce adds a savory depth. Apple cider vinegar provides a tangy contrast that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar. Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky note, with cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder layering in earthy, aromatic flavors. Lastly, a touch of black pepper for a gentle kick, and olive oil to help sear the meat to perfection.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork for 24 hours if time allows.
  • If you don't have an oven-safe pot, you can transfer everything to a roasting pan covered with foil.
  • Leftovers are perfect for freezing. Just store in an airtight container with some of the juices.

Serving Suggestions

This savory citrus pulled pork is a hit in tacos topped with fresh slaw and avocado. Or, try it on a toasted bun with pickled onions and a dollop of your favorite coleslaw. It also makes a fantastic filling for enchiladas or as a main dish alongside roasted vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
While pork shoulder is recommended for its fat content and tenderness, you can use pork butt or even a pork loin, though the latter might be a bit leaner.
Is there a substitute for smoked paprika?
If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika with a dash of liquid smoke can work in a pinch.

Savory Citrus Pulled Pork Recipe Walkthrough

First, let's whip up our marinade. In a bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything's well-blended.

Next, grab your pork shoulder and place it in a large resealable bag or a deep dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure it's all coated nicely. Pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but if you have the time, let it sit overnight for maximum flavor.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). While that's heating up, take a large oven-safe pot and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sear the pork on all sides until it's beautifully browned — about 3 minutes per side should do the trick.

Once the pork is seared, pour the marinade over it in the pot. Cover with a lid and slide it into the oven. Bake for 3 to 4 hours, or until the pork is so tender it practically begs to be pulled apart with a fork.

After baking, remove the pork from the pot and shred it using two forks. Don’t forget to mix it with those lovely juices left in the pot before serving — that’s where all the flavor hides!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The citrus marinade gives the pork a refreshing and tangy flavor that stands out.
  • It's a versatile dish that can be served in various ways, from tacos to sliders.
  • Simple ingredients come together for complex flavors without much fuss.
  • Slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring tender, juicy pork every time.

Ingredients

4 lbs pork shoulder
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup lime juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to create a marinade.
2. Place the pork shoulder in a large resealable bag or a deep dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the meat is well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
4. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 3 minutes per side.
5. Pour the marinade over the pork, cover the pot with a lid, and transfer to the oven.
6. Bake for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
7. Remove the pork from the pot and shred using two forks. Mix with the juices from the pot before serving.

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