Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Orange and Smoked Paprika

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with bright orange zest and smoky paprika, perfect for shredding into tacos or sandwiches. This spanish-inspired pork ready in about 320 minutes pairs boneless Pork shoulder, Orange zest, fresh Orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 Spanish cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tsp orange zest in a small bowl. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the 3 lb boneless pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned and caramelized, then transfer to a slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced large yellow onion and 1/2 cup fresh orange juice along with 1 cup chicken broth around the pork in the slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the slow cooker, shred with two forks, and mix with the cooking juices. Serve hot in tacos, sandwiches, or over rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Orange and Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 min prep + 300 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Orange and Smoked Paprika?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep boneless pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Orange and Smoked Paprika?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Orange and Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Orange and Smoked Paprika?

Spanish pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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