Slow Cooker Citrus-Garlic Pulled Pork

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

Tender pulled pork infused with bright citrus and garlic flavors, slow-cooked to perfection for an easy and flavorful meal. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice and garlic mix evenly over the surface of 3 pounds 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 until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, to develop a caramelized crust.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the seared pork shoulder to a slow cooker. Pour 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, and 1/2 cup chicken broth over the pork.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the cooking juices before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Citrus-Garlic Pulled Pork 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 Cooker Citrus-Garlic Pulled Pork?

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 Cooker Citrus-Garlic Pulled Pork?

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 Cooker Citrus-Garlic Pulled Pork 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 Cooker Citrus-Garlic Pulled Pork?

Latin American 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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