Mediterranean Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork
Indulge in the rich, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this slow-cooked pulled pork recipe. Perfect for those cozy evenings, this dish combines the warm aromas of olive oil, garlic, and aromatic herbs, creating a succulent masterpiece that practically melts in your mouth. With minimal prep time and a hands-off cooking approach, you'll have tender, flavorful pork ready to be served as a sandwich, over rice, or in a warm pita. Whether gathered around the dinner table or at a backyard barbecue, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy the journey of aromas and textures with every bite!
8
Servings
350
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless pork shoulder
3 lb (trimmed and tied if necessary)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (for marinade)
Lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
Dried oregano
2 teaspoons (for marinade)
Dried mint
2 teaspoons (for marinade)
Mustard
2 teaspoons (for marinade)
Pesto sauce
2 teaspoons (for marinade)
Garlic cloves
6 (crushed)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
3.8g
Carbs
27.5g
Protein
0.6g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork?
It is a succulent dish featuring pork shoulder marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs, then slow-cooked until tender.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What type of meat is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and tied.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides about 27.5g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 23g of fat in each serving of this pulled pork.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
This is a low-carb option with only 3.8g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any fiber in the recipe?
Yes, it contains approximately 0.6g of fiber per serving.
What ingredients make up the marinade?
The marinade consists of olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried mint, mustard, pesto sauce, and crushed garlic.
Why is lemon juice used in this recipe?
Lemon juice provides acidity that helps tenderize the pork and adds a bright, fresh flavor characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 6 crushed garlic cloves for a rich, aromatic flavor.
Can I use a crock pot for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for a slow cooker or crock pot.
What herbs give this pork its Mediterranean flavor?
A combination of dried oregano and dried mint is used to create the signature Mediterranean profile.
Is pesto a standard ingredient for this dish?
While unique for pulled pork, 2 teaspoons of pesto sauce are added to the marinade to enhance the savory depth.
How should I serve Mediterranean pulled pork?
It is versatile and can be served as a sandwich, over rice, or stuffed into a warm pita.
Does this recipe include mustard?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of mustard are used in the marinade to add tang and help the herbs adhere to the meat.
Is the recipe considered healthy?
With high protein, low carbs, and heart-healthy olive oil, it fits into many healthy dinner plans.
How do I prepare the pork shoulder before cooking?
You should trim any excess fat and ensure it is tied if necessary to maintain its shape during the long cooking process.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Common tags include pork, mediterranean, slow cooker, comfort food, and healthy dinner.
Can I make this dish for a barbecue?
Yes, its flavorful and tender nature makes it a great alternative to traditional BBQ pulled pork for backyard gatherings.
Is salt and pepper included in the measurements?
Salt and black pepper are used to taste for seasoning the meat before or after cooking.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil for the marinade.
Is this a hands-off cooking recipe?
Yes, once prep is finished, the slow cooker does all the work, making it a low-effort meal.
Can this be frozen for later use?
Slow-cooked pulled pork typically freezes very well once shredded and cooled.
What is the ingredient count?
There are 10 total ingredients required for this recipe.
What makes the meat so tender?
The long, slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissues in the pork shoulder, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Does the recipe contain sugar?
Based on the provided nutritional data, the sugar content is negligible or null.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Yes, the large yield of 8 servings makes it excellent for preparing multiple meals in advance.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, though you may need to increase the volume of fresh herbs since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.