Zesty Spanish-Style Pulled Pork
This Zesty Spanish-Style Pulled Pork takes your traditional pulled pork to new heights with a unique blend of spices and citrus zest. The combination of smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano infuses the meat with rich, bold flavors, while the addition of fresh orange juice provides a delightful brightness and acidity. Slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot or oven, this dish requires minimal effort, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as it cooks. Ideal for serving on tacos, in sandwiches, or over rice, this shredded pork is not only delicious but versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, and your guests will rave about the delightful twist on a classic favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Pork
3 lbs (Trimmed and ready for seasoning)
Salt
1 tablespoon (Kosher is preferable)
Black Pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons (Freshly ground for best flavor)
Smoked Paprika
2 tablespoons (Can substitute with sweet or hot paprika if necessary)
Oregano
2 tablespoons (Dried)
Cumin
1 tablespoon (Ground)
Orange
1 (Zested and juiced)
Granulated Garlic
1/2 tablespoon (Can adjust to taste)
Onion Flakes
4 tablespoons (Dried)
Instructions
1
Begin by zesting the orange, making sure to grate only the colored part of the skin, then squeeze out the juice and set both aside.
2
In the bottom of your slow cooker or clay pot, evenly sprinkle half of the mixed seasonings—salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, granulated garlic, and onion flakes—followed by half of the orange zest.
3
Carefully place the boneless pork on top of the seasoned layer, then sprinkle the remaining half of the seasoning mixture and orange zest over the pork.
4
Pour the freshly squeezed orange juice around the meat, adding a bit of water if necessary to ensure there’s enough liquid in the bottom to prevent burning and to moisten any dry seasoning.
5
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours in your crockpot or in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for approximately 5 to 6 hours or until the pork shreds easily with a fork.
6
Once cooked, remove the pork from the cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the cooker, mixing it with the remaining juices for extra flavor.
7
Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream, or make flavorful tacos with your favorite toppings. For an added twist, consider using fresh sliced onion and minced garlic by incorporating them into the meat before cooking.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Spanish-Style Pulled Pork?
This is a unique take on traditional pulled pork that uses a blend of Spanish-inspired spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano, brightened with fresh orange juice and zest.
What cut of meat is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of boneless pork, trimmed and ready for seasoning.
How do I prepare the orange for the pork?
First, zest the orange (grating only the colored part of the skin), then squeeze out the juice and set both aside for seasoning.
What are the primary spices in this dish?
The flavor profile is built with smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, granulated garlic, onion flakes, salt, and black pepper.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
The pork should be cooked on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours until it shreds easily with a fork.
Can I cook Spanish-Style Pulled Pork in the oven?
Yes, you can cook it in a clay pot or oven-safe dish at 250°F (120°C) for approximately 5 to 6 hours.
What is the best way to shred the pork?
Once cooked, remove the pork from the cooker and use two forks to pull the meat apart into shreds.
Should I keep the juices after cooking?
Yes, after shredding the pork, return it to the cooker and mix it with the remaining juices to ensure the meat is flavorful and moist.
What can I substitute for smoked paprika?
If you don't have smoked paprika, you can substitute it with sweet or hot paprika depending on your preference.
Do I need to add water to the pot?
You should only add a bit of water if the orange juice isn't enough to prevent the bottom from burning or to moisten dry seasonings.
Can I use fresh garlic and onions instead of dried?
Yes, you can incorporate fresh sliced onion and minced garlic into the meat before cooking for an added flavor twist.
How should I serve this pulled pork?
It is versatile and can be served on tacos, in sandwiches, or over rice. It pairs well with shredded cheese and sour cream.
Is this recipe suitable for tacos?
Absolutely, this shredded pork makes excellent flavorful tacos when paired with your favorite toppings.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 tablespoon of Kosher salt for the best seasoning results.
How much orange juice is needed?
The recipe uses the juice from one whole orange, which provides both brightness and necessary liquid for cooking.
Why do I need to zest the orange?
The zest contains essential oils that provide a concentrated citrus aroma and flavor that juice alone cannot provide.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, pulled pork is an excellent make-ahead dish as the flavors often improve after sitting in the juices.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients: pork, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, orange, granulated garlic, and onion flakes.
What is the texture of the finished pork?
The pork should be tender enough to be easily shredded with a fork after slow cooking.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically notes that you can adjust the 1/2 tablespoon of granulated garlic to suit your taste.
Is this recipe high in effort?
No, this is a minimal-effort dish where the slow cooker or oven does most of the work while the flavors meld.
What temperature do I use for a clay pot in the oven?
Set your oven to 250°F (120°C) for a slow-roasted result in a clay pot.
Can I use hot paprika?
Yes, if you prefer a spicier kick, hot paprika is a great substitute for smoked paprika.
How do I layer the seasonings?
Sprinkle half the seasonings and zest at the bottom of the pot, place the pork on top, and then cover the pork with the remaining half.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried oregano?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of dried oregano.
What kind of pepper should I use?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor impact.
How do I ensure the pork is moist?
Mixing the shredded meat back into the cooking juices at the end is the key step to keeping it moist.
What kind of orange juice should I use?
The recipe specifies using freshly squeezed orange juice from the orange you zested.
Is this dish suitable for guests?
Yes, it is described as a delightful twist on a classic favorite that guests will rave about.
Can I use onion powder instead of onion flakes?
While the recipe calls for dried onion flakes, you can use onion powder, though you may want to reduce the amount slightly as powder is more concentrated.