Slow Cooker Coquito-Spiced Pulled Pork

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

Tender pulled pork infused with the warm spices of traditional Puerto Rican coquito, slow cooked until melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, coquito mix, garlic cloves 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: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 3 lbs pork shoulder with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then sear on all sides, about 3 minutes per side until browned.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the pork to a slow cooker and add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 medium sliced onion, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg.
  3. Step 3: Pour 1 cup coquito mix, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, and 1/4 cup fresh lime juice over the pork. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the spiced sauce. Serve warm in sandwiches, tacos, or over rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Coquito-Spiced Pulled Pork take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 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 Coquito-Spiced 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 Coquito-Spiced 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 Coquito-Spiced 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 Coquito-Spiced 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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