Authentic Mexican Shredded Pork: Your Go-To Recipe for Tacos, Burritos & More (Instant Pot & Slow Cooker)

Juicy, tender, and incredibly flavorful, this Mexican Shredded Pork is the ultimate versatile protein for any meal. Master this easy recipe using either your Instant Pot for speed or a slow cooker for maximum tenderness, with just 5 simple ingredients.

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Welcome to “Pork-tastic” week! That’s what my husband Matt and I lovingly call those weeks when we find ourselves enjoying delicious pork almost every single day. And honestly, in our household, these “pork-tastic” weeks happen quite often! My entire family, especially the kids, absolutely adores pork. When I prepare it, I can almost guarantee sparkling clean plates and eager requests for second, or even third, helpings.

One of my absolute favorite methods, and undoubtedly the easiest, for cooking pork is to shred it. Whether I opt for the convenience of my Instant Pot or the traditional, low-and-slow magic of my slow cooker, the result is consistently superb: perfectly juicy, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and wonderfully flavorful shredded pork every single time. It’s a culinary staple that delivers on taste and simplicity, making it a true family favorite.

If you’re a fan of succulent, shredded meats that can transform into countless meals, you’re in for a treat with this recipe. And for more hands-off cooking, be sure to also check out our equally simple and delicious recipe for Instant Pot Shredded Beef, which also includes slow cooker instructions for your convenience.

Why This Mexican Shredded Pork Will Become Your New Go-To Recipe

This Mexican Shredded Pork isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary cornerstone that brings incredible flavor and versatility to your kitchen with minimal effort. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love making it:

• Economical & Family-Friendly: Pork shoulder or butt is often one of the most budget-friendly cuts of meat available, especially when purchased in larger quantities or on sale. We often stock up at warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club, where we can find excellent prices on large packages. A single large cut can easily be divided, with half providing enough delicious meals for our entire family for 2-3 days, and the other half frozen for future use. This makes it a smart choice for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping without breaking the bank.
• Incredibly Versatile: The beauty of this shredded pork lies in its adaptability. Its rich, savory flavor profile makes it a perfect canvas for a wide array of dishes, transcending cuisines and meal types. From traditional Mexican favorites like Pork in Salsa Verde and hearty Chile Colorado to classic tacos, burritos, enchiladas, flautas, quesadillas, or even as a flavorful topping for salads, nachos, and sandwiches – the possibilities are truly endless. It’s the ultimate base for creative meal planning!
• Effortlessly Easy to Prepare: You’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can achieve with so little effort. This recipe calls for just 5 simple, wholesome ingredients, and the hands-on time is incredibly minimal. Whether you choose the set-it-and-forget-it convenience of a slow cooker or the rapid efficiency of an Instant Pot, the process is straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend cooking.
• Wholesome & Healthy: Made with natural, unadulterated ingredients, this shredded pork is a fantastic choice for a healthy diet. It’s naturally gluten-free, and by ensuring you use a compatible broth, it easily fits into Whole30 and paleo lifestyles. It’s a protein-packed meal component you can feel good about serving to your family.
• Unquestionably Delicious: Above all else, you will absolutely adore the taste of this shredded pork. It consistently turns out incredibly juicy, wonderfully tender, and packed with a deeply savory flavor that will have everyone coming back for more. The simple combination of ingredients creates a rich, comforting taste that’s simply irresistible.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Shredded Pork

Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful Mexican shredded pork requires just a handful of quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Pork Shoulder, Pork Butt, or Country Style Pork Ribs: This is the star of our dish, and the cut you choose makes a significant difference. These specific cuts, rich in marbling and connective tissue, are ideal because their inherent fattiness and structure break down during the long cooking process, resulting in an incredibly juicy and flavorful outcome. Avoid leaner cuts like pork loin or pork stew meat; they lack the necessary fat content and will unfortunately yield a dry and less flavorful result. Look for cuts with a good amount of visible fat for the best tenderness.
• Chicken Broth: This liquid gold is more than just a cooking medium; it infuses the pork with a foundational savory flavor and keeps it moist throughout the slow cooking process. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended so you can control the saltiness. If you are following a Whole30 diet, ensure you select a compatible broth that is free from added sugars, MSG, and other non-compliant ingredients. You can also use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch, though chicken broth offers the best flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for building a robust flavor base. The beauty of this recipe is that there’s no need for tedious chopping; simply peel the cloves and toss them whole into the pot. They will soften and release their aromatic essence as the pork cooks, imparting a deep, savory aroma.
• Onion: Much like the garlic, half of a peeled onion adds a layer of sweet and savory complexity without requiring any precise chopping or dicing. It contributes to the overall Mexican-inspired flavor profile, mellowing and blending beautifully with the other ingredients during the long cooking time.
• Salt: Proper seasoning is key to bringing out the best in the pork. Kosher salt or coarse sea salt are preferred for their clean taste and ease of measurement. If you opt to use fine table salt, remember that it is much saltier by volume, so you’ll need to reduce the amount slightly (typically by about half) to prevent the pork from becoming overly salty.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities and detailed instructions.

How to Make Perfectly Tender Shredded Pork (Step-by-Step)

Whether you prefer the slow, hands-off approach of a Crock-Pot or the speed and efficiency of an Instant Pot, achieving succulent shredded pork is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for both methods:

Slow Cooker Directions

The slow cooker method is perfect for achieving fall-apart tender pork with minimal supervision. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.

1. Prepare the Meat

• If you’re using a large pork butt or shoulder, it’s best to cut the meat into 4-5 roughly equal pieces. This ensures more even cooking and makes it easier to handle once tender.
• Place these pork pieces evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker pot. You don’t need to sear or brown the meat for this recipe, though you certainly can for added depth of flavor if you have time.

2. Add Remaining Ingredients

• Pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth around the pork. This liquid will prevent the meat from drying out and will create a rich cooking liquid.
• Next, add half of an onion (peeled, no need to chop), 3 whole peeled garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of kosher or coarse sea salt directly over the pork pieces. The vegetables and salt will infuse the meat with flavor as it cooks.

3. Cook to Perfection

• Secure the lid firmly onto the slow cooker.
• Set your slow cooker to the LOW setting and let it cook for 6-8 hours. In my experience, the longer and slower the meat cooks on low, the more incredibly tender and juicy the result will be. Avoid rushing it on high heat if you want truly melt-in-your-mouth pork.

4. Shred the Meat & Finish

• Once the cooking time is complete, the pork should be very tender and easily pull apart. Carefully use tongs to remove the cooked pork pieces from the pot and transfer them to a large platter or cutting board. Allow them to cool slightly, making them easier to handle.
• Using two forks or your clean hands (if comfortable with the heat), shred all of the pork, discarding any large pieces of excess fat or connective tissue that haven’t rendered down.
• As the cooking liquid in the slow cooker cools, a layer of clear fat will typically rise to the top. Use a large spoon to skim off and discard this excess fat.
• For a smoother broth, use a fine-mesh strainer to strain the remaining cooking liquid, separating it from the cooked onion and garlic (which can also be mashed and mixed back in if desired).
• Finally, mix 1 cup of this flavorful cooking liquid into your shredded pork. This step is crucial for keeping the pork moist and infusing it with even more flavor.

Instant Pot Directions

The Instant Pot offers a fantastic, much faster alternative for achieving tender shredded pork without compromising on flavor, perfect for when you’re short on time.

1. Prepare the Meat and Ingredients

• Just like with the slow cooker method, if you’re using a large pork butt or shoulder, cut the meat into 4-5 equal pieces to ensure even cooking under pressure.
• Place these pork pieces directly into the Instant Pot insert.
• Add the rest of the ingredients over the meat: 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, half of a peeled onion, 3 whole peeled garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of kosher or coarse sea salt.

2. Pressure Cook

• Secure the lid onto your Instant Pot and ensure the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
• Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on HIGH pressure and set the timer for 1 ½ hours (90 minutes). The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before cooking begins.
• Once the cooking cycle is complete, the Instant Pot will beep. Carefully perform a quick release of the remaining pressure. You might want to place a kitchen towel lightly over the vent to catch any potential splatters of steam or moisture.

3. Shred the Meat & Finish

• Using tongs, carefully remove the cooked pork pieces from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a large platter or cutting board. Allow them to cool slightly before handling.
• With two forks or your clean hands, shred all of the pork, making sure to remove any large, unwanted pieces of fat or gristle.
• Use a large spoon to skim off any excess fat that has risen to the top of the cooking liquid in the Instant Pot.
• For a clear, flavorful broth, use a fine-mesh strainer to strain the cooking liquid.
• Mix 1-2 cups of this strained cooking liquid back into the shredded pork. This step is essential for keeping the pork moist and enhancing its flavor.

Delicious Ways to Serve Your Mexican Shredded Pork

The versatility of this Mexican shredded pork is truly its superpower! It’s a foundational ingredient that can elevate countless dishes. Here are just a few ideas to inspire your next meal:

• Classic Tacos: Serve in warm corn or flour tortillas with your favorite toppings like cilantro, onion, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of salsa.
• Chile Colorado with Pork: Incorporate this tender pork into a rich, smoky red chile sauce for a deeply satisfying and authentic Mexican stew.
• Shredded Pork in Salsa Verde: Simmer the pork in a vibrant, tangy green tomatillo salsa for a bright and flavorful dish.
• Shredded Pork and Avocado Burritos: Wrap it up in large flour tortillas with rice, beans, avocado, cheese, and salsa for a hearty and portable meal.
• Flautas or Taquitos: Roll the shredded pork into corn tortillas, fry until crispy, and serve with crema and guacamole.
• Enchiladas: Stuff corn tortillas with the pork, cover with your favorite enchilada sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly.
• Nachos: Pile it high on tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapeños, and all your favorite nacho fixings for the ultimate comfort food.
• Quesadillas: Sandwich the pork and cheese between tortillas and grill until golden and melty.
• On Top of a Salad: For a lighter meal, add a generous serving of warm shredded pork to a fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette.
• With a Side of Espagueti Verde: Pair it with this creamy Mexican green spaghetti for a delightful and comforting meal.
• Sandwiches or Sliders: Pile it onto buns with a little extra broth or your favorite barbecue sauce for a different twist.

Storing and Reheating Your Shredded Pork

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious shredded pork for days to come or saving it for future meals. Here’s how to do it right:

To store your shredded pork, place it in an airtight container. It’s highly recommended to add any of the remaining cooking liquid (broth) over the pork before sealing. This extra moisture is crucial; pork stored covered in broth will retain its juiciness and flavor much better, preventing it from drying out. The meat will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, this shredded pork freezes exceptionally well. Simply transfer it, with some of its broth, to freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

When you’re ready to reheat, you have a few options to ensure it stays moist and delicious. The best method is to sauté it in a skillet with 1-2 tablespoons of oil (or a touch of lard for extra flavor) over medium heat, adding a splash of the reserved cooking liquid (or even just a little water) to rehydrate and infuse more flavor. You can also gently reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, again, adding a little liquid to prevent dryness. For larger batches, reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 300°F (150°C) with some broth until warmed through.

Expert Tips and Creative Variations

Elevate your Mexican shredded pork experience with these handy tips and ideas for variations:

• Slow Cooker vs. Instant Pot – The Verdict: While both appliances yield excellent results, in my opinion, cooking pork in the slow cooker often produces the absolute best, most fall-apart tender results. The prolonged, gentle heat allows the collagen to break down more completely, retaining all of its natural juices for an exceptionally succulent texture. However, for those times when you need dinner on the table faster, the Instant Pot is an absolute lifesaver. It still produces very tender shredded pork, though it might not achieve the same level of profound juiciness as the slow cooker. Both are fantastic, just choose based on your time constraints!
• Don’t Waste the Broth: The flavorful cooking liquid left behind after preparing your pork is liquid gold! Don’t discard it. This rich broth is excellent for a variety of uses:
  • As a base for cooking pinto beans, adding a deep, savory note.
  • To enhance the flavor of a comforting soup, such as a Ground Turkey Soup Recipe.
  • To mix into masa when making tamales, ensuring a moist and flavorful dough.
  • As a delicious stock for rice, other grains, or even just sipping on its own.
• Spice It Up: While the basic recipe is simple, you can easily add more Mexican flair. Consider adding a bay leaf during cooking for an aromatic touch. A teaspoon of ground cumin or dried Mexican oregano (or both!) will deepen the authentic flavors. For a hint of citrus brightness, a splash of orange juice or lime juice can be added at the beginning or mixed in with the broth after shredding.
• Crispy Carnitas Twist: To transform your tender shredded pork into a quick version of carnitas, spread the shredded pork (with a little of its broth or oil) on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until the edges are deliciously crispy. This adds a wonderful texture contrast.
• Smoky Flavor: If you enjoy a smoky depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the pot along with the other ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shredded Pork

I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this versatile Mexican Shredded Pork! If you give this recipe a try, please leave me a commentwith a star rating below. Your feedback means a lot! Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch with my latest recipes and culinary adventures. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates and cooking tips.

More Delicious Main Dish Recipes to Explore

If you loved this recipe, you might enjoy these other flavorful main dishes from our kitchen:

• Gluten-Free Mole Poblano: A rich and complex traditional Mexican sauce perfect for chicken.
• Enchiladas Rojas: Classic red enchiladas, a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Ground Beef Entomatadas: Simple yet incredibly flavorful tortillas smothered in a tomato sauce.
• Albóndigas in Chipotle Sauce: Tender Mexican meatballs simmered in a smoky, spicy chipotle sauce.

Recipe Card: Mexican Shredded Pork

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