New Mexico Pulled Pork Recipe
Description
Embark on a culinary journey to the Southwestern United States with this delightful New Mexico Pulled Pork recipe, a harmonious fusion of several inspirations that has evolved into a truly unique dish. This easy-to-prepare meal is perfect for casual gatherings, allowing guests to create their own sandwiches at their leisure. With an overnight marination to intensify flavors and a slow-cooking process that takes approximately 8 to 9 hours, this recipe transforms a simple pork roast into a mouthwatering centerpiece that everyone will love.
Recipe Details
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Recipe Category: Pork
- Servings: 20
- Calories per Serving: 276.3
Keywords
- Meat
- Southwestern U.S.
- For Large Groups
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 276.3 |
| Total Fat | 20.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 80.5 mg |
| Sodium | 178.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 1.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugars | 0.3 g |
| Protein | 19.8 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 5-6 lbs | Pork roast |
| 1 | Kosher salt |
| 1 | Black peppercorns |
| 1 | Cumin seed |
| 1 | Oregano |
| 2 | Chili powder |
| 1/4 | Onion powder |
| 1 1/2 | Garlic powder |
| 1/2 | Cayenne pepper |
Instructions
- Begin by cutting the pork roast into 1-inch thick steaks, taking care to trim any excess fat for a leaner result.
- In a spice mill or a sturdy grinder, combine the kosher salt, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and oregano, and grind them until they achieve a fine consistency.
- Transfer the freshly ground spices into a large mixing bowl, adding in the chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, mixing thoroughly to create a fragrant rub.
- Generously rub each pork steak with this spice mixture, ensuring an even coating to maximize flavor.
- Place the seasoned steaks into a large resealable plastic bag, adding any leftover spice rub to enhance the marinating process.
- Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- When ready to cook, remove the steaks from the refrigerator and give them an additional rub with any leftover spice mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- Position the steaks in a crock pot and set the temperature to high for the first hour, which will help to initiate the cooking process effectively.
- After one hour, reduce the heat to low, allowing the pork to cook gently for another 7 to 8 hours, transforming it into tender, pull-apart perfection.
- Once the cooking time has elapsed, carefully transfer the meat to a cooling rack, letting it cool until manageable.
- Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, reveling in the delightful aroma and texture.
- Return the shredded meat to the crock pot to warm it up, ensuring each piece is infused with the rich, savory juices collected during cooking.
- When ready to serve, use a slotted spoon to dip out portions of the pulled pork, allowing excess juices to drain away for a less messy sandwich experience.
- Serve the succulent pulled pork on hoagie or Kaiser rolls, offering an array of condiments for guests to personalize their sandwiches according to taste.
- For future enjoyment, consider bagging and freezing individual-sized servings of the pulled pork, making it convenient for quick meals. Simply microwave for 2 to 3 minutes to thaw and warm, and you’ll have a delicious sandwich ready in no time.
- NOTE: There’s no need to add any additional liquid while cooking; the natural juices from the roast will provide ample moisture, ensuring a juicy and flavorful end result.
This New Mexico Pulled Pork recipe is not just a dish; it’s an experience, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for flavorful, hands-on eating. Enjoy the festivities and the delightful taste that this recipe brings to your table!
