Easy Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork
This Easy Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork is tender, flavorful, and effortlessly prepared with a spiced chili rub—perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls.
12 Servings
Ingredients
For the Spice Rub:
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt or 2 teaspoons table salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch ground cloves
For the Pork:
- 3½ pounds boneless pork shoulder roast
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
For Serving (Optional):
- Warm corn or flour tortillas
- Sliced avocado
- Thinly sliced radishes
- Shredded cabbage
- Fresh lime juice
- Salsa
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
Prepare the Spice Rub:
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, kosher salt, brown sugar, cumin, cayenne, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Whisk until well blended and set aside.
Season the Pork:
- If the pork roast is tied, remove the butcher’s string. Pat the roast dry with paper towels. Generously coat the pork with the prepared spice rub, ensuring all sides are evenly covered. Reserve any remaining rub for later use.
- Allow the pork to rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor. Bring to room temperature before cooking.
Brown the Roast:
- In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Sear the pork on all sides until a deep golden crust forms. This process enhances both texture and flavor.
- (If your slow cooker has a stovetop-safe insert, the browning may be done directly in it.)
Slow Cook the Pork:
- Transfer the browned roast to the slow cooker. Sprinkle in any remaining spice rub. Cover and cook on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
Shred the Pork:
- Remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to rest briefly, then shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir gently to coat with the rendered juices. Continue cooking on low for an additional 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve:
- Serve the Easy Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork warm with tortillas or rice. Garnish as desired with avocado slices, shredded cabbage, radishes, cilantro, fresh lime juice, and salsa.
Notes
This Easy Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork is naturally gluten-free, but it is important to ensure that all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
- Use gluten-free chili powder and cumin, as some commercial spice blends may include fillers or anti-caking agents containing gluten.
- Choose corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for serving.
- Confirm that the salsa and any store-bought toppings (such as sauces or spice mixes) are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.