Slow Cooker Citrus-Honey Pulled Pork
Tender pulled pork infused with bright citrus and sweet honey, slow-cooked to perfection for a flavorful and juicy meal. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, orange juice, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 pork shoulder
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar until well combined.
- Step 2: Place 3 lbs pork shoulder in a slow cooker and pour the citrus-honey marinade over it, making sure the pork is well coated.
- Step 3: 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.
- Step 4: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, then return it to the juices and stir to combine well before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Citrus-Honey 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-Honey 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-Honey 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-Honey 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-Honey Pulled Pork?
Caribbean 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.
