Crockpot Shredded Pork- Carnitas and Pulled BBQ Pork

Video below on how to make multiple meals with a very large pork shoulder

Ever wonder what someone does with a 13 pound pork shoulder? It's funny, because that was my nickname in high school. Pork shoulder. Ok, it wasn't. But, based on this simple recipe, and what we are going to do with it, I sure would not have minded if it was!

 This is a 'choose your own adventure' which features a simple pork shoulder rub to get the pork nicely flavored and cooked, and then you can shred it and eat it just like that. But then, and this is where it really heats up you guys, I am sharing two additional easy meals you can make with this 13 pound crock of pure loveliness! Unlike the choose your own adventure books, you are not limited to just choose one here, you can choose both. And regardless of which way you go, you will not regret it. I promise.

Ingredients/Recipe for pork shoulder rub:

Pork shoulder (or butt)- anywhere from 10-14 pounds

For the rub:

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion flakes

1 tbsp onion powder

1 tsp of pepper

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tbsp chili powder

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1 tbsp sea salt

1 tsp cumin

Putting it Together:

Mix all spices together and rub on/into both sides of the pork shoulder. Place in crockpot and cook on either low for 11-12 hours or high for 8-9 hours. The pork shoulder creates a ton of juice, so it will be plenty for the duration of the cooking. Once done, shred the meat in the juices within the crockpot.

 CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE RECIPES:

Adventure 1: Barbeque pork

Add to the pork (smaller amounts if doing half the shoulder, larger amounts if doing all):

BBQ sauce (1-2 cups)

Brown sugar (1/2 c - 1 c)

A little beer (optional)

Mix together and serve either solo or as a pulled pork sandwich

Adventure 2: Carnitas

Add to the pork: (smaller amounts if doing half the shoulder, larger amounts if doing all):

Chicken broth (1/2 can to 1 can)

Lime juice (1/4 cup to 1/2 cup)

Orange juice (1/4 cup to 1/2 cup)

Mix all together. Heat a pan on stovetop and fry up the pork in the pan until it has a little crisp to it, serve solo or on tacos. Excellent with corn tortillas, guacamole and salsa/tomatoes. 

Load of Crock Tip(s):

• The cooked pork right out of the crockpot freezes really well, so don’t be afraid to set some aside and freeze for a later date...I mean, it IS 13 lbs.

• Crisping up the pork on the stovetop for the carnitas option/adventure is key, so it is highly recommended to get them nice and crispy if choosing this adventure

• Don’t forget, the pork with just the rub, right out of the crockpot is also excellent and can be served solo with some potatoes and veggies, or even on a bun as a pulled pork sandwich

Whatever adventure(s) you choose, enjoy! And remember, unlike a math problem, there is no wrong answer here, I promise!