Delicious and Tender Sweet Pulled Pork Barbacoa Recipe

4 stars
4.38 (18)
Delicious and Tender Sweet Pulled Pork Barbacoa Recipe
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
6 mins
Total Time:
11mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on September 11, 2023

Indulge in the rich and succulent flavors of sweet pulled pork barbacoa. This recipe combines tender pork shoulder with a delectable blend of sweet and savory seasonings, creating a mouthwatering dish that will leave you craving for more. Slow-cooked to perfection, the meat becomes incredibly juicy and easily shreds apart. Whether you serve it on a soft bun or with rice and beans, this sweet pulled pork barbacoa is a crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends. Give it a try and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice

Directions

  1. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
  2. Place the pork shoulder in a large baking dish or any container suitable for marinating.
  3. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure it is fully covered. Cover the dish or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  4. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  5. Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator and transfer it to a roasting pan. Pour any remaining marinade over the pork.
  6. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Slow-cook the pork for approximately 4-5 hours or until it is fork-tender.
  7. Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
  8. Using two forks, shred the pork into smaller pieces. Discard any excess fat.
  9. In a saucepan, combine fresh lime juice, orange juice, and pineapple juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
  10. Add the shredded pork to the saucepan and stir well to coat the meat with the juices. Cook for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  11. Serve the sweet pulled pork barbacoa on buns as sandwiches or alongside rice and beans for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts

  • Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican method of slow-cooking meat, usually beef or lamb, in a pit or covered with banana leaves.
  • The addition of brown sugar, fruit juices, and spices in this recipe gives the classic barbacoa a sweet and tangy twist.
  • Pulled pork barbacoa is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways, such as in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or even on top of nachos.
  • Leftover sweet pulled pork barbacoa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used for meal prepping or making delicious leftovers.