Mexican Shredded Pork

Juicy, tender and so flavorful, this Mexican Shredded Pork is the perfect addition to any dish. Made with only 5 simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to make in the Instant Pot or slow cooker.

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Pork-tastic! That's what my husband Matt and I refer to weeks in which we eat pork almost every day. In our household, this actually happens pretty often.

My whole family loves pork. When I make it, it's pretty much guaranteed my kids' plates will be clean and they'll be asking for more.

One of my favorite and the easiest ways to cook pork is to shred it. I either stick it in my slow cooker or my Instant Pot and I get a juicy, tender, and flavorful result every single time.

If you are a fan of shredded meat, then check out this equally as easy recipe for Instant Pot Shredded Beef (includes slow cooker directions).

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Why You'll Love This Shredded Pork Recipe
Ingredients
How to Make Shredded Pork
Tips and Variations
FAQ
Recipe

Why You'll Love This Shredded Pork Recipe

Economical: We like to buy our pork from Sam's Club or when we find it on sale. The packages of pork are a great price and it is so much meat! I usually divide them in half and freeze one. Just one half can feed all of us for 2-3 days.

Versatile: This pork can be added to so many dishes and it is delicious every time! From burritos, to pork in salsa verde, chile colorado, tacos, enchiladas. . . the possibilities are endless.

Easy to Prepare: Only 5 simple ingredients are needed to make this pork in either the slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Healthy: The recipe uses wholesome ingredients that are also gluten-free and Whole30 compatible.

Delicious: Above all, you will love how delicious this pork turns out. It is so juicy, tender, and tastes so good!

Ingredients

Pork Shoulder, Pork Butt or Country Style Pork Ribs: The fattiness of these cuts of meat is what helps achieve a juicy, flavorful result. Do not use pork loin or pork stew meat as these cuts lack fat and will yield a dry outcome without much flavor.

Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds a great taste and complements the pork beautifully. If you are doing Whole30, just be sure to use a compatible broth.

Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and throw them in the pot, without the need to chop.

Onion: Peel half of an onion and add it to the pot. Again there is no need to chop or dice.

Salt: Kosher salt or coarse sea salt will both work. If you use table salt, the roast will come out saltier so be sure to decrease the amount of salt a bit.

See recipe card for quantities.

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How to Make Shredded Pork

Slow Cooker Directions

1. Prepare the Meat

If using a pork butt or shoulder, cut the meat into 4-5 equal pieces.
Place the pork in the pot.

2. Add Ingredients

Next, add 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
Add a half of an onion, 3 whole garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of salt over the meat.

3. Cook

Place the lid on the pot and set the timer on low for 6-8 hours. In my experience, the slower the meat cooks in the slow cooker, the more tender the result.

4. Shred the Meat

When the time is up, use tongs to remove the meat from the pot and let it cool slightly.
Use two forks or your hands to shred all of the meat and remove any excess fat.
As the broth cools a layer of clear fat will rise to the top. Use a large spoon to skim off the fat from the top of the cooking liquid.
Then use a mesh strainer to strain the broth. Mix 1 cup of the cooking liquid into the shredded pork.

Instant Pot Directions

1. Prepare the Meat and Ingredients

If using a pork butt or shoulder, cut the meat into 4-5 equal pieces.
Place the pieces of pork in the pot. Add the rest of the ingredients over the meat.

2. Cook

Place the lid on the pot and set the valve to sealing.
Pressure cook on high for 1 ½ hours.
When the time is up, carefully quick release the remaining pressure. You may want to use a kitchen towel to lightly cover the vent in case there's any excess moisture that comes out.

3. Shred the Meat

Using tongs, remove the pieces of pork from the pot and let them cool slightly.
Use two forks or your hands to shred all of the meat and remove any excess fat.
Use a large spoon to skim off the fat from the top of the cooking liquid.
With a mesh strainer, strain the broth and mix 1-2 cups of the cooking liquid into the shredded pork.

How to Serve

Use this pork in whatever dish calls for shredded pork or pulled pork. Some ideas include:

Storing and Reheating

Place the meat in an air-tight container. Add any of the remaining cooking liquid to the pork. When storing shredded pork, it will keep better if it is covered in the broth. The meat will keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat, sauté in 2 tablespoons of oil and add some of the cooking liquid to prevent it from dying out and to add more flavor.

Tips and Variations

In my opinion cooking pork in the slow cooker yields the best results. The meat comes out fall-apart tender and retains all of its juices. However, for a fast alternative, the Instant Pot works great too. The shredded pork is also very tender but I don't think it comes out quite as juicy as when made in the slow cooker.
Save any leftover cooking liquid as this broth is great when making pinto beans, as a base for Ground Turkey Soup Recipe, or to mix into the masa for tamales.

FAQ

What is the difference between shredded pork and pulled pork?

Shredded pork and pulled pork are different terms used to describe the same thing, which is pork that has been cooked long and slow until it is easy to pull apart. At times though, when people hear the term pulled pork, many associate it with barbecue and southern dishes.

What is the difference between pulled pork and carnitas?

This recipe is different from carnitas. Carnitas is also a Mexican pork dish but the pork is cooked in lard with a variety of seasonings until the meat is tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

What cut of pork is best for shredding?

A cut of pork with a good fat content, such as pork butt, pork shoulder or country-style ribs, will result in the most succulent and tender meat to shred.

Is it better to shred pulled pork hot or cold?

Hot pulled pork is the most tender and easiest to shred. As it cools, the pork will toughen so it will be best to reheat it if you still need to shred it.

I hope you enjoy!

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW IF YOU MAKE THIS OR TAG ME ON INSTAGRAM @EVERYDAYLATINA.

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