Slow Cooker Carnitas Tamale Filling Pork al Pastor

Name: Slow Cooker Carnitas Tamale Filling Pork al Pastor
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 505 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 lbs bone-in pork shoulder (Boston butt), cut into 3-in chunks; 4 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed, seeded; 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed, seeded; 1 cup canned crushed pineapple, undrained; 1/2 cup fresh orange juice; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 6 garlic cloves, smashed; 2 tbsp achiote paste (annatto; found in Latin grocery aisle), crumbled; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp dried Mexican oregano; 2 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 cup gluten-free chicken broth

Slow-cooked pork shoulder seasoned with guajillo chiles, pineapple, and achiote in the al pastor style - perfect for stuffing tamales, tacos, or burritos.

505 minMediumServes 8470 cal/serving

MexicanDinnerSlow CookerStandardHigh ProteinGluten-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

4 lbs bone-in pork shoulder (Boston butt), cut into 3-in chunks
4 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed, seeded
2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed, seeded
1 cup canned crushed pineapple, undrained
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
6 garlic cloves, smashed
2 tbsp achiote paste (annatto; found in Latin grocery aisle), crumbled
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried Mexican oregano
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 cup gluten-free chicken broth

Instructions

1

Toast the 4 stemmed, seeded dried guajillo chiles and 2 stemmed, seeded dried ancho chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl, cover with boiling water, and soak 15 minutes until softened.
2

Drain the chiles and blend them with the 1 cup undrained canned crushed pineapple, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 6 smashed garlic cloves, 2 tbsp crumbled achiote paste (annatto; found in Latin grocery aisle), 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp dried Mexican oregano, 2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper until smooth.
3

Place the 4 lbs cut into 3-in chunks bone-in pork shoulder (Boston butt) in the slow cooker. Pour the chile sauce over the top and add the 1 cup gluten-free chicken broth. Turn the pork to coat.
4

Cook on LOW for 8 hours (or HIGH for 5 hours), until the bone-in pork shoulder (Boston butt) is very tender and shreds easily.
5

Remove the bone-in pork shoulder (Boston butt) and shred with two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir into the juices.
6

Verify the pork has reached an internal temperature of at least 190°F (88°C) for proper shredding. Taste and adjust seasoning. Use as a filling for tamales, tacos, or burritos.

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Questions

What is this recipe?

Slow-cooked pork shoulder seasoned with guajillo chiles, pineapple, and achiote in the al pastor style - perfect for stuffing tamales, tacos, or burritos. This reference files it under Mexican dinner: made in a slow cooker, rated medium and about 505 minutes start to finish.

How much time should I plan for this recipe?

As written, 505 minutes: 25 of prep and 480 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 4 (overnight, or about 8 hours): "Cook on LOW for 8 hours (or HIGH for 5 hours), until the bone-in pork shoulder (Boston butt) is very tender and shreds easily."

What should this recipe look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 4: cook until the bone-in pork shoulder (Boston butt) is very tender and shreds easily. A reading of 190 F on a thermometer settles it.

Is there a substitute for achiote in this recipe?

The entry for this recipe calls for 2 tbsp achiote paste (annatto; found in Latin grocery aisle), crumbled. In its place: Mix paprika with a pinch of turmeric and a few drops of vinegar for the color and mild earthiness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. As written, nothing in the ingredient list for this recipe is wheat, barley or rye. Gluten hides in packaged goods, so read the label on the broth.

Serve it with

Air Fryer Corn Ribs with Chili Lime side
Street Corn Salad (Esquites) salad
Crema de Aguacate sauce
Agua de Jamaica drink

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