Name: Slow Cooker Cuban Pork
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: Serves approximately six people
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/2 cup lime juice; 1 & 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1 small sweet onion, sliced thin; 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed; 1 dried bay leaf; 3 pound boneless pork shoulder roast

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Seasoned perfectly and slow cooked until the meat shreds effortlessly, Slow Cooker Cuban Pork is a dish that will impress at any gathering. This flavorful pork can be served in various ways, making it a versatile option for tacos, sandwiches, or even alongside rice. Its unique combination of citrus and spices offers a delightful taste that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Simply whisk together the ingredients, season the pork, and let your slow cooker do the work.
Mouthwatering Flavor: The citrus juices combined with spices make this pork incredibly aromatic and delicious.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it in tacos, on rice, or even as a filling for sandwiches—perfect for any meal!
Perfectly Tender Meat: The slow cooking process ensures the pork becomes tender and easy to shred.
Make-Ahead Opportunity: Prepare it the night before and let it marinate for an extra flavor boost.

Tools and Preparation

Getting ready to make Slow Cooker Cuban Pork is simple when you have the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow Cooker
Medium Bowl
Whisk
Paring Knife
Cutting Board

Importance of Each Tool

Slow Cooker: The star of this recipe! It allows for hands-off cooking while infusing flavors into the pork.
Medium Bowl: Perfect for mixing ingredients together without making a mess.
Paring Knife: Ideal for making slits in the pork shoulder to enhance flavor absorption.
Cutting Board: Essential for shredding the cooked pork safely and efficiently.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1 & 1/2 teaspoons salt
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 small sweet onion, sliced thin
– 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
– 1 dried bay leaf
– 3 pound boneless pork shoulder roast

How to Make Slow Cooker Cuban Pork

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 cup orange juice
* 1/2 cup lime juice
* 1 & 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Step 2: Season the Pork

Make slits in the pork shoulder roast using a paring knife. Rub the marinade liberally all over the meat.

Step 3: Set Up Your Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned pork in a greased slow cooker. Add:
* Sliced sweet onion
* Peeled and smashed garlic cloves
* Dried bay leaf

Step 4: Add Remaining Marinade

Pour any leftover marinade over the pork. If time allows, cover and refrigerate overnight. Allow it to warm slightly on the counter before cooking.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for about eight hours or until an internal temperature of 202-205 degrees F is reached.

Step 6: Shred the Pork

Transfer the cooked pork to a cutting board. Let it cool slightly before shredding it into thick chunks using tongs or forks.

Step 7: Crisp It Up (Optional)

For extra flavor, crisp up the shredded pork in a nonstick skillet with some oil over medium-high heat. Cook until golden brown on both sides.

Step 8: Serve

Serve as desired! This dish pairs beautifully with pickled red onion or pico de gallo on corn or small flour tortillas alongside cilantro lime rice.

Note:

For more serving suggestions, proper storage tips, and alternative cooking methods like using an Instant Pot or oven, check out our full article!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cuban Pork

Slow Cooker Cuban Pork is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a meal at home, these serving ideas will enhance your dining experience.

Tacos

Soft Corn Tortillas: Fill warm corn tortillas with shredded pork and top with fresh cilantro and diced onions.
Flour Tortillas: Use small flour tortillas for a soft and chewy option, perfect for wrapping around the flavorful pork.

Bowls

Cilantro Lime Rice: Serve the pork over a bed of fluffy cilantro lime rice for a refreshing twist.
Black Beans: Pair with seasoned black beans for added protein and texture.

Sandwiches

Cuban Sandwich: Layer the shredded pork on crusty bread with Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard for a classic sandwich.
Pulled Pork Sliders: Serve on mini buns with coleslaw for delicious sliders at your next party.

Salads

Tropical Salad: Toss together mixed greens, mango slices, and avocado, then top with the Cuban pork.
Pico de Gallo Salad: Combine diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños to make a fresh side salad alongside the pork.

Sides

Pickled Red Onions: Add tangy pickled red onions as a garnish to brighten up each bite.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the flavors of the pork beautifully.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Cuban Pork

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Cuban Pork, follow these simple tips that will elevate your dish.

Bold Marinade: Marinate the pork overnight if possible; it allows flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and spices to maximize flavor; dried herbs can be less potent.
Adjust Cooking Time: Check the internal temperature; cook until it reaches 202-205 degrees F for perfect shredding.
Sear Before Serving: For added texture, pan-sear shredded pork in a hot skillet after cooking to achieve crispy edges.
Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings such as guacamole or salsa for more flavor options.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Cuban Pork

To complement your Slow Cooker Cuban Pork, consider these tasty side dishes that pair perfectly.

Cilantro Lime Rice: This fragrant rice dish adds freshness and balances out the richness of the pork.
Black Beans: A hearty side rich in protein that enhances the overall meal experience.
Plantains: Fried or baked plantains provide a sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with savory pork.
Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad adds crunch and sweetness that brightens up your plate.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition while being simple to prepare.
Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw topped with lime juice brings a zesty flavor that works well with pulled pork.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Slow Cooker Cuban Pork can be simple, but some common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch out for:

Insufficient marinating time: Not allowing the pork to marinate overnight can lead to less flavor. Ideally, let it marinate for at least a few hours or overnight for best results.
Overcrowding the slow cooker: If you add too much meat or ingredients, it won’t cook evenly. Stick to the recommended amount for perfect shredding.
Skipping the searing step: Not browning the pork before cooking can result in a lack of depth in flavor. A quick sear adds rich taste and texture.
Ignoring cooking time: Cooking the pork for too short a time can leave it tough. Ensure you cook it low and slow until it reaches the right internal temperature.
Not saving juices: Discarding the leftover juices means losing out on great flavor. Save them to drizzle over the shredded pork for added moisture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Allow the pork to cool completely before transferring it to prevent condensation.

Freezing Slow Cooker Cuban Pork

Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Consider portioning out servings for easy defrosting later.

Reheating Slow Cooker Cuban Pork

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pork in an oven-safe dish with a splash of broth or juice, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes).
Microwave: Place desired portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until warm, stirring occasionally.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and cook pork until heated through. Add juice if needed for moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Cuban Pork?

Slow Cooker Cuban Pork is a flavorful dish made from seasoned pork shoulder that cooks slowly until tender and easy to shred. It’s perfect for various meals.

Can I use other cuts of meat?

You can use other cuts like pork loin or roast, but they may require adjustments in cooking time due to varying fat content.

How do I serve Slow Cooker Cuban Pork?

Serve it on tortillas, with rice, or as part of sandwiches. Toppings like pickled onions or cilantro lime rice enhance its flavor.

What sides go well with Slow Cooker Cuban Pork?

Great sides include black beans, plantains, or a fresh salad. These complement the rich flavors of the pork beautifully.

How do I customize this recipe?

Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences or add additional ingredients like bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Cuban Pork recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as is or customize it with your favorite toppings and sides. We encourage you to try this recipe and experience its amazing flavor profile!