Ah, sweet pork barbacoa, the unsung hero of slow-cooked delights! It’s like that old sweater you find at the back of your closet—reliable, comforting, and surprisingly versatile. Imagine the aroma wafting through your house, mingling with memories of summer barbecues and family gatherings. I’ve tried to recreate that magic, and this recipe, trust me, is a love letter to your taste buds—an ode to the delicious chaos of flavors that only a slow cooker can orchestrate.
Steps
- Place the pork roast into the slow cooker. In a bowl, mix together light-brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Add chicken broth and tomato paste to the spice mix, whisking until smooth. Pour this mixture over the pork roast in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours. Once cooked, take the roast out and trim away the fat, then shred the meat.
- Skim off the top layer of fat from the broth in the slow cooker and discard. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, and let it rest on warm heat for 1 to 3 hours.
- Strain the broth before serving. Use the pork as a filling for tacos, enchiladas, or burritos, or serve it over nachos, salads, or tostadas.
Ingredients
- Pork roast
- 3/4 cup light-brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
Nutritional Values
Calories 1992 | Calories from Fat 576 | Fat 64g | Saturated Fat 24g | Cholesterol 560mg | Sodium 2864mg | Potassium 3880mg | Carbohydrates 176g | Fiber 8g | Sugar 168g | Protein 176g | Vitamin A 3504IU | Vitamin C 8mg | Calcium 296mg | Iron 16mg
FAQ
- Can I use fresh onions and garlic instead of powders in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute fresh onions and garlic for the powdered versions. However, this will add extra steps to the process and reduce the simplicity of the slow cooker method.
- Is it possible to adjust the sweetness level of the pork?
- Absolutely! You can add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to tailor the sweetness to your liking.
- What are some serving suggestions for Sweet Pork Barbacoa?
- This versatile pork can be used in a variety of dishes, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, nachos, salads, and tostadas. It pairs well with toppings like lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream, and various salsas.
- How should leftovers be stored and can they be used the next day?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pork often tastes even better the next day as it has more time to absorb flavors. It can be reheated and used in different dishes, such as enchiladas or burritos.
- Do I need to brown the pork before placing it in the slow cooker?
- Browning the pork is optional. While it can enhance the flavor, skipping this step maintains the recipe’s simplicity, making it ideal for a busy day.
Tips
- Avoid Over-Shredding: When shredding the pork, aim for moderately sized pieces to prevent a mushy texture. Over-shredding can negatively impact the final texture of the dish.
- Enhance Flavor the Next Day: Consider preparing this dish a day in advance. The flavors tend to deepen and improve after allowing the pork to sit overnight, making it even more delicious as leftovers.
- Customize Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more sugar if desired. This recipe is versatile, so you can tailor it to suit your taste.
- Versatile Toppings: Experiment with various toppings like lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, guacamole, and salsa to enhance your tacos. This allows for a personalized touch and can complement the flavors of the sweet pork.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker – Essential for cooking the pork over a long period to achieve the tender texture required for this recipe.
- Mixing Bowl – For whisking together ingredients like light-brown sugar, chili powder, and other spices.
- Whisk – To blend the chicken broth mixture thoroughly.
- Ladle – Useful for removing fat from the broth in the slow cooker.
- Strainer – To strain the broth after cooking.
