Spiced Mexican Beer-Braised Pulled Pork

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

Tender pork shoulder slowly braised in a rich, spiced Mexican beer sauce, perfect for tacos or sandwiches. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 210 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 3-inch pieces, Mexican lager beer, olive oil 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: 190 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season 3 lbs pork shoulder pieces with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then brown them in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply caramelized. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced medium onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 12 oz Mexican lager beer and 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Return the pork to the pot and bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and braise gently for 3 hours until pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork, shred with two forks, then return to the sauce. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Mexican Beer-Braised Pulled Pork take to make?

Total time is about 210 minutes (20 min prep + 190 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 Spiced Mexican Beer-Braised 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 mexican lager beer from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Mexican Beer-Braised 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 Spiced Mexican Beer-Braised 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 Spiced Mexican Beer-Braised Pulled Pork?

Mexican 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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