Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is like setting the stage for a great story. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 bay leaves
If you’re looking for substitutions, you can use lemon juice in place of lime for a different citrus note, or try using smoked paprika to add a hint of smokiness to the dish.
Instructions
Now, let’s bring this dish to life with some simple steps:
- In a small bowl, mix together the orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Place the pork shoulder in your slow cooker and pour the juice mixture over the top.
- Add the olive oil, cilantro, and bay leaves, then scatter the sliced onions over the pork.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss with the juices to ensure it’s well-coated and flavorful.
I love to make this dish on a busy weekday, letting it cook slowly while I tackle errands or spend time with my family. The reward of a delicious dinner after a long day is always worth it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International