Slow-Cooked Pork with Spanish Orange and Cumin Glaze

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

Tender slow-cooked pork shoulder glazed with a zesty orange and cumin sauce, bringing a sweet and smoky character to the dish. This spanish-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, orange juice, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Spanish cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the glaze.
  2. Step 2: Place the 3 lb boneless pork shoulder in a slow cooker and pour the orange cumin glaze evenly over the meat, coating all sides.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from slow cooker, shred with two forks, then return to the slow cooker and toss in the remaining glaze juices to coat.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving warm with rice or crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork with Spanish Orange and Cumin Glaze 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 with Spanish Orange and Cumin Glaze?

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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Pork with Spanish Orange and Cumin Glaze?

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 with Spanish Orange and Cumin Glaze 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 with Spanish Orange and Cumin Glaze?

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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