Zesty Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork with Citrus and Spice

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 8 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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There's nothing quite like coming home to the tantalizing aroma of slow-cooked pork. This Zesty Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork with Citrus and Spice combines the rich, savory taste of pork with fresh citrus and a kick of spice, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.

Ingredients for Zesty Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork with Citrus and Spice

The star of this dish is, of course, the pork shoulder. Its marbled fat ensures it stays juicy and flavorful through the long cooking process. The orange juice and lime juice add a refreshing citrus burst, while the apple cider vinegar gives a tangy balance. Olive oil helps in melding all the flavors together. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks. The paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper bring warmth and depth. Onion and garlic provide an aromatic backbone, while salt and pepper enhance the overall taste.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you're short on time, you can cook the pork on high for 4–5 hours instead, but for the best texture, low and slow is the way to go.
  • For extra depth, sear the pork shoulder in a skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
  • Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to store them with plenty of the cooking liquid to keep the meat moist.

Serving Suggestions

This pulled pork is fantastic on slider rolls for a party, or piled high on a hearty sandwich bun for a more substantial meal. Pair it with a side of baked beans or a crisp, green salad for a balanced meal. For an added touch, serve with a wedge of lime for extra zest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, pork butt or Boston butt works well if pork shoulder is unavailable.
How can I adjust the spice level?
For less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely. For more kick, add extra cayenne or even some chopped jalapeños.

Zesty Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork with Citrus and Spice Recipe Walkthrough

Start by mixing together the orange juice, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This is your flavorful marinade, and it sets the stage for the deliciousness to come.

Place the pork shoulder in your slow cooker. Pour the citrus-spice mixture over the pork, ensuring it’s well-coated. This helps the flavors penetrate deep into the meat as it cooks.

Scatter the sliced onions and minced garlic around the pork. These add a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor that complements the meat perfectly.

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for about 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded. This low and slow method ensures the meat is incredibly tender.

Once done, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the juices in the pot and toss well to ensure the meat is fully saturated with the flavorful liquid.

Serve the pulled pork on burger buns, topped with coleslaw and a few pickles for a bit of crunch and acidity that rounds out the dish beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
  • Packed with a dynamic flavor profile that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
  • Versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides.

Ingredients

3 lbs pork shoulder
2 cups orange juice
1/2 cup lime juice
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Burger buns or slider rolls, for serving
Coleslaw, for serving
Pickles, for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Mix together orange juice, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour the citrus-spice mixture over it.
3. Add sliced onions and minced garlic around the pork.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
5. Remove pork from the slow cooker, shred with two forks, and return it to the juices.
6. Toss well to combine and serve on burger buns with coleslaw and pickles.

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