Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Smoked Paprika and Garlic
Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked with smoked paprika, garlic, and herbs, resulting in a deeply flavorful and juicy dish perfect for tacos or hearty meals. This spanish-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs boneless pork shoulder, smoked paprika, minced garlic cloves 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs, boneless pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 6, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
- for serving lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the surface of the 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and caramelized.
- Step 3: Transfer the pork shoulder to a slow cooker and pour 1 cup chicken broth around it. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is fall-apart tender.
- Step 4: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss with the cooking juices to keep moist.
- Step 5: Serve garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Smoked Paprika and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 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 Smoked Paprika and Garlic?
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 Smoked Paprika and Garlic?
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 Smoked Paprika and Garlic 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 Smoked Paprika and Garlic?
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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