Smoky New Mexico Pulled Pork Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with this Smoky New Mexico Pulled Pork Delight. A unique fusion of spices creates a bold and aromatic rub that penetrates the pork shoulder, infusing it with a rich, smoky taste. Perfect for casual gatherings, this dish invites your guests to create their own sandwiches at their leisure. Simply marinate the pork overnight, slow-cook it until tender, and watch it transform into juicy, shred-worthy goodness. Ideal for serving with crusty hoagie or Kaiser rolls, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it a convenient option for busy days!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
boston butt pork shoulder
5-6 lbs (cut into 1-inch thick steaks, trimmed of fat)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (none)
black peppercorns
1 teaspoon (none)
cumin seeds
1 tablespoon (none)
oregano buds
2 tablespoons (none)
chili powder
1/4 cup (none)
onion powder
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
smoked chipotle powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the boston butt pork shoulder into 1-inch thick steaks, trimming excess fat as needed.
2
In a spice mill, combine the kosher salt, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and oregano buds. Grind them into a fine blend.
3
In a large bowl, mix the freshly ground spices with chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked chipotle powder, and cayenne pepper.
4
Generously rub the spice mixture onto each pork steak, ensuring even coverage.
5
Place the seasoned pork steaks into a large resealable plastic bag, pouring in any remaining rub for added flavor.
6
Seal the bag and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to deepen.
7
The next day, remove the steaks from the bag and rub in any leftover seasoning.
8
Transfer the seasoned pork steaks to a crock pot and set it on high for 1 hour to kickstart the cooking process.
9
After an hour, reduce the heat to low and let the pork cook for an additional 7 to 8 hours, until it’s fork-tender.
10
Once cooked, remove the pork from the crock pot and place it on a cooling rack until it’s cool enough to handle.
11
Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
12
Return the shredded pork to the crock pot to keep warm before serving.
13
To serve, use a slotted spoon to dish out portions of the pulled pork, allowing excess juices to drain.
14
Serve the pulled pork on hoagie or Kaiser rolls, accompanied by your favorite condiments and sides.
15
For individual servings, bag and freeze leftovers. To reheat, simply nuke for 2-3 minutes until warmed through for a quick and delicious meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky New Mexico Pulled Pork Delight?
It is a Southwest-inspired pulled pork dish featuring a bold, aromatic spice rub and slow-cooked pork shoulder that is perfect for sandwiches.
What cut of meat is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 5-6 lb boston butt pork shoulder.
How should I prepare the pork shoulder before seasoning?
Cut the boston butt into 1-inch thick steaks and trim any excess fat.
What spices are used in the dry rub?
The rub consists of kosher salt, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, oregano buds, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked chipotle powder, and cayenne pepper.
Do I need to grind the spices?
Yes, you should use a spice mill to grind the kosher salt, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and oregano buds into a fine blend.
How long should the pork marinate?
The seasoned pork steaks should be refrigerated in a resealable bag overnight to allow the flavors to deepen.
What is the first step of the cooking process in the crock pot?
Place the seasoned pork steaks in the crock pot and set it on high for 1 hour to kickstart the cooking.
How long does the pork cook on low heat?
After the initial hour on high, reduce the heat to low and cook for 7 to 8 hours until fork-tender.
What is the best way to shred the pork?
Once the pork is cool enough to handle, use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
How should the pulled pork be served?
Serve the pork on hoagie or Kaiser rolls using a slotted spoon to drain excess juices.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can bag and freeze individual servings for a quick meal later.
How do I reheat the frozen pulled pork?
Simply microwave the frozen portion for 2-3 minutes until it is warmed through.
What kind of rolls work best for these sandwiches?
Crusty hoagie rolls or Kaiser rolls are ideal for serving this pulled pork.
How do I ensure the pork is flavorful?
Generously rub the spice mixture onto each steak and ensure you include any leftover rub from the marinating bag in the slow cooker.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the combination of smoked chipotle powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper gives it a bold and spicy kick.
Can I cook the pork faster?
The recipe recommends a slow-cooking method for maximum tenderness, specifically 1 hour on high followed by 7-8 hours on low.
What are oregano buds?
Oregano buds are the dried flowering tops of the oregano plant, providing a more intense flavor than standard dried leaves.
Should I drain the juices before serving?
Yes, using a slotted spoon is recommended to allow excess juices to drain so the rolls do not get too soggy.
Can I prepare this for a large gathering?
Absolutely, it is described as a crowd-pleaser that allows guests to create their own sandwiches.
What should I do after shredding the meat?
Return the shredded pork to the crock pot to keep it warm until you are ready to serve.
Does this recipe use fresh or ground cumin?
The recipe uses cumin seeds which are then freshly ground in a spice mill for better flavor.
What gives the pork its smoky flavor?
The smoky taste comes from the smoked chipotle powder and the specific blend of Southwest spices.
How many pounds of meat are needed?
You will need 5 to 6 pounds of pork shoulder.
Should the pork be cooled before shredding?
Yes, place the pork on a cooling rack until it is cool enough to handle comfortably.
What type of salt is best for the rub?
The recipe specifies using 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chili powder.
Can I use a different cut of pork?
While boston butt is recommended for its fat content and shredding ability, other shoulder cuts may work.
Do I need to add liquid to the crock pot?
The instructions do not call for extra liquid as the pork will release its own juices during the slow-cooking process.
What are some suggested sides?
While not specified in the ingredients, typical sides include coleslaw, pickles, or corn on the cob.
Why cut the pork into steaks first?
Cutting the meat into 1-inch steaks increases the surface area for the spice rub to penetrate, ensuring more flavor in every bite.