Spanish-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Paprika and Garlic

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

Tender slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with smoky paprika and garlic, perfect for shredding and serving over rice or in sandwiches. This spanish-inspired pork ready in about 320 minutes pairs pork shoulder, boneless, smoked paprika, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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: 300 min Serves 6 Spanish cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried oregano to make a spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 3 lb pork shoulder all over with the spice mixture.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the pork to a slow cooker. Add 1 sliced large onion and 2 bay leaves around the pork.
  5. Step 5: Pour 1 cup chicken broth and 2 tbsp white wine vinegar into the slow cooker.
  6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours until pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  7. Step 7: Remove pork and shred with two forks, discarding bay leaves.
  8. Step 8: Return shredded pork to the slow cooker juices and stir to coat.
  9. Step 9: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving over rice, in sandwiches, or tacos.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spanish-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Paprika and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 min prep + 300 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 Spanish-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Paprika and Garlic?

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, boneless from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spanish-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Paprika and Garlic?

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 Spanish-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Paprika and Garlic 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 Spanish-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Paprika and Garlic?

Spanish 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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