• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Everyday Latina
  • Recipes
  • Authentic Mexican Recipes
  • Mi Casa
    • Kid-Friendly Tips
    • Natural Home Remedies
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Authentic Mexican Recipes
  • Mi Casa
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Mexican Shredded Pork

    Published: Feb 10, 2023 · Modified: Mar 16, 2023 by Gemma · This post may contain affiliate links.

    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.

    Jump to Recipe

    {This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link.}

    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).

    Jump to:
    • 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.

    Kettle & Fire is a great brand of cooking broths and bone broths that use clean-ingredients, are Whole30 approved, and add depth of flavor to any dish. Use my code EVERYDAYLATINA and to get 20% off your order. Click here to order.

    How to Make Shredded Pork

    Shredding pork with forks

    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:

    • Chile Colorado with Pork
    • Shredded Pork in Salsa Verde
    • Shredded Pork and Avocado Burritos
    • Flautas
    • Enchiladas
    • Tacos
    • On top of a salad
    • With a side of Espagueti Verde

    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.

    More Main Dish Recipes

    • Gluten-Free Mole Poblano
    • Enchiladas Rojas
    • Ground Beef Entomatadas
    • Albóndigas in Chipotle Sauce

    Recipe

    Everyday Shredded Pork (Instant Pot and Slow Cooker) #shreddedpork #instantpotshreddedpork #slowcookershreddedpork

    Mexican Shredded Pork

    by Gemma Aguayo-Murphy
    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.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 8 hours hrs
    Total Time 8 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 12

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot or slow cooker

    Ingredients
      

    • 4-6 lbs pork butt, pork shoulder, or country-style ribs cut the pork butt or shoulder into 4-5 pieces
    • 2 cups chicken broth (use compatible broth for Whole30)
    • 1 tablespoon kosher or course sea salt
    • 3 garlic cloves
    • ½ onion

    Instructions
     

    Slow Cooker Directions

    • Place the pork in the pot. Add the rest of the ingredients over the meat. You can roughly chop the onion and garlic to place on top, but it is not necessary.
    • Place the lid on the pot and set the timer on low for 6-8 hours. The slower the meat cooks in the slow cooker, the more tender the result.
    • 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.
    • With a large spoon, 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.
    • Use in your favorite dishes that require shredded or pulled pork.

    Instant Pot Directions

    • Place the pork in the bottom of the pot. Add the rest of the ingredients over the meat. You can roughly chop the onion and garlic to place on top, but it is not necessary.
    • Place the lid on the pot and move the valve to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 1 ½ hours.
    • When the time is up carefully quick release the remaining pressure. Use a kitchen towel over the vent in case there’s any excess moisture that comes out.
    • 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.
    • With a large spoon, skim off the fat from the top of the cooking liquid. Then, use a mesh strainer to strain the broth. Mix 1-2 cups of the cooking liquid into the shredded pork. 
    • Use in your favorite dishes that require shredded or pulled pork.

    Notes

    Storing Shredded Pork
    • 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 up to 2 months in the freezer.
    Did you try this recipe?Leave me a comment and star rating below or mention @everydaylatina on Instagram!

    My Amazon Picks

    Originally published May 23, 2020. Updated post and photos February 2023.

    More Authentic Mexican Recipes

    • Frijoles Refritos (Mexican Refried Beans)
    • Guajillo enchilada sauce in a saucepan
      Guajillo Enchilada Sauce
    • 6 cooked sopes on a platter for a sopes recipe
      Mexican Sopes Recipe
    • Bowl of picadillo con papas topped with sliced jalapeños
      Picadillo con Papas

    About Gemma

    Gemma is the recipe developer, writer and food photographer behind Everyday Latina. Gemma was born in Mexico, but has spent the majority of her life in the United States. She has been sharing recipes since 2018 with an emphasis on her parents' traditional Mexican cuisine and a focus on clean, healthy ingredients. Her goal is to build a community of people who appreciate family, food and culture and, who like her, want to live a healthy, happy everyday life.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Pam

      September 22, 2021 at 7:17 am

      5 stars
      I made those recipe with the slow cooker method and so good. Meat was tender, juicy, and flavorful. I used the meat for a couple different meals. Love it!

      Reply
      • everydaylatina

        September 22, 2021 at 7:42 am

        Thank you Pam! The slow cooker method has to be my favorite because the meat comes out extra tender. So happy you liked it!

        Reply
    2. Lupe

      April 15, 2021 at 7:43 pm

      5 stars
      I made this today for dinner and it was so delicious! We paired it with rice and roasted vegetables.

      Reply
      • everydaylatina

        May 19, 2021 at 1:57 pm

        Hi Lupe, that’s wonderful! So glad to hear!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Gemma! I am originally from Mexico and the recipe developer, writer, and food photographer behind Everyday Latina. Here you will find traditional Mexican cuisine and a focus on clean, healthy ingredients. 

    More About Me →

    Trending Recipes

    • Two gluten-free empanadas de sardina on a plate with cilantro and jalapeño slices beside them.
      Gluten-Free Empanadas de Sardina
    • Plate with refried beans, toast and huevos con jamon
      Huevos con Jamon (Scrambled Eggs with Ham)
    • Three tacos dorados de pollo on a brown Mexican plate topped with garnishes
      Tacos Dorados de Pollo (Crispy Chicken Tacos)
    • Glass with dairy-free duraznos con crema surrounded by fresh peaches
      Dairy-Free Duraznos con Crema

    Summer Recipes

    • Shrimp Ceviche in a brown bowl with a lime.
      Mexican Shrimp Ceviche
    • Three clear glasses of Agua De Sandia with water slices besides them.
      Agua De Sandia
    • Grilled Rajas con Papas #grilledrajasconpapas #rajasconpapas #papasconrajas #mexicanfood
      Grilled Rajas con Papas
    • Spicy pineapple-jalapeño salsa #pineapplesalsa
      Spicy Pineapple-Jalapeño Salsa

    Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Disclosure and Privacy

    Newsletter

    Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • TikTok

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Everyday Latina