Slow Cooker Citrus-Herb Pulled Pork
Tender pulled pork infused with fresh citrus and herbs, slow-cooked to juicy perfection for easy shredding. This american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, orange juice, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Rub 3 lbs pork shoulder with 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper evenly over the surface.
- 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 golden brown.
- Step 3: Transfer the pork to a slow cooker. Add 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1/2 cup chicken broth.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Step 5: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return to the slow cooker and mix with the cooking juices before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Citrus-Herb 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-Herb 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-Herb 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-Herb 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-Herb Pulled Pork?
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.
