Spanish Seasoned Pork (Slow Cooker, Crockpot)
This is a shredded pork recipe that has unique and delicious flavors. A nice change from the typical pulled pork with BBQ sauce. It comes together easily and needs no tending while it cooks. The only tricky part is finding smoked paprika but I suppose that any sweet or hot regular paprika will do. Measurements of spices are approximate, I usually just sprinkle the meat until it is well-coated.
This is a shredded pork recipe that has unique and delicious flavors. A nice change from the typical pulled pork with BBQ sauce. It comes together easily and needs no tending while it cooks. The only tricky part is finding smoked paprika but I suppose that any sweet or hot regular paprika will do. Measurements of spices are approximate, I usually just sprinkle the meat until it is well-coated.
- Carbohydrate 7.71793657653953 g
- Cholesterol 154.2214058 mg
- Fat 139.771554709453 g
- Fiber 1.98822504499593 g
- Protein 13.9250724763665 g
- Saturated Fat 51.1497242788126 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 serving(s) (256g)
- Sodium 1147.95740092202 mg
- Sugar 5.7297115315436 g
- Trans Fat 6.626662413288 g
- Calories 1347 calories
Step-by-step
- Zest the orange (grate only the colored part of the skin), and juice it.
- In the bottom of your slow cooker or clay pot, sprinkle half of the seasonings and half the orange zest.
- Set the meat atop seasonings, then sprinkle the remaining half of seasonings/zest over.
- Pour the orange juice around the meat.
- Add enough water, if necessary, to just cover the bottom of the pot and moisten any seasoning that didn't adhere to the meat.
- Cook in the oven at about 250 degrees F for 5-6 hours or until it shreds easily with a fork. Or in your crockpot, medium 6-8 hours.
- Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream.
- If you want to be more labor-intensive, use fresh sliced onion and minced garlic, butterfly the meat or stab it several times and work the seasoning into the meat before popping it into the oven.
- These flavors could also be used with chicken -- maybe a whole bird, stuff the cavity with the spent orange -- remove the lid to brown the bird for the last 1/2 hour of cooking.
My Go-To Slow Cooker Spanish Seasoned Pork
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weeknights are a whirlwind of homework, soccer practice, and the ever-present dinner dilemma. That’s why I’ve become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes. They’re my secret weapon for creating delicious, home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen. This Spanish Seasoned Pork recipe is a perfect example. It’s flavorful, incredibly easy, and requires minimal hands-on time. The best part? It’s so versatile! It’s fantastic on its own, served with some simple sides like rice and beans, or it can be incorporated into tacos, burritos, or even salads for a lighter option.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. I love the rich, smoky flavor that the paprika provides, and the hint of orange zest adds a bright, unexpected touch. The spices are easily adjustable to your preference. Feel free to experiment with the amount of each spice to achieve your perfect flavor profile. I often add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little extra kick, but it’s equally delicious without. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how forgiving it is. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works just fine. If you’re short on time, you can skip the extra steps like butterflying the pork, and it still turns out fantastic.
The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. While the pork simmers away, I can focus on other tasks. By the time dinner rolls around, a delicious, tender, and flavorful meal is ready. It's a real crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or even a relaxed weekend gathering. The leftovers are just as delicious, making it a perfect recipe for meal prepping. I often make a double batch, saving half for lunches throughout the week. This Spanish seasoned pork has quickly become a staple in our household, and I hope it becomes one of your favorites too.
Tips and Variations
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
Citrus twist: Experiment with other citrus fruits like lime or lemon. A combination of orange and lime would add a really interesting flavor.
Add some veggies: Throw in some chopped onions, bell peppers, or even some diced potatoes during the last hour of cooking for a heartier meal.
Make it a meal prep star: Double the recipe and store the leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Serve it up: This shredded pork is incredibly versatile. It’s great on its own, in tacos, burritos, or even over a bed of rice and beans. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the Pork: Adapting the Recipe
The wonderful blend of spices in this recipe isn't limited to pork. The same delicious seasoning can be used on chicken, beef, or even vegetables!
For chicken, I recommend using a whole chicken and stuffing the cavity with the spent orange peel before cooking. The orange adds a lovely citrusy aroma and flavor to the chicken. Remove the lid during the last half-hour of cooking to allow the skin to brown nicely.
For beef, tougher cuts like chuck roast are ideal. The slow cooking process will break down the tough connective tissues, resulting in beautifully tender and flavorful beef. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as beef generally takes longer to cook than pork.
Vegetables, such as butternut squash or sweet potatoes, would also benefit from this seasoning. Simply toss the chopped vegetables with the spice blend, and roast them in the oven or slow cooker until tender. This method produces a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful side dish.
