Smoked Paprika Pulled Pork with Citrus Slaw

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

Tender pulled pork seasoned with smoked paprika and slow-cooked to perfection, served with a zesty citrus slaw that adds a refreshing crunch. This american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, smoked paprika, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a small bowl and rub evenly over 3 lbs trimmed pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker and add 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup water around it.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until pork is tender and easily shredded with forks.
  4. Step 4: While pork cooks, mix 3 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, and 1 large grated carrot in a large bowl.
  5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp honey, and 1/2 tsp salt to create the citrus dressing.
  6. Step 6: Toss the cabbage mixture with the citrus dressing and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  7. Step 7: Once pork is done, shred with two forks and serve topped with the citrus slaw.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Paprika Pulled Pork with Citrus Slaw 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 Smoked Paprika Pulled Pork with Citrus Slaw?

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 Smoked Paprika Pulled Pork with Citrus Slaw?

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 Smoked Paprika Pulled Pork with Citrus Slaw 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 Smoked Paprika Pulled Pork with Citrus Slaw?

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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