INGREDIENTS:
For the Pulled Pork
- 1.5 kg pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chipotle powder (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 300ml BBQ sauce (preferably smoky or chipotle-flavoured)
- 200ml orange juice (or pineapple juice for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
For the Burrito Filling
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 200g cooked rice (Mexican or cilantro-lime)
- 400g black beans, drained and rinsed
- 200g grated cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- Fresh coriander, chopped
- Lime wedges (to serve)
- Sour cream and salsa (for garnish)
Reasons Why People Love Our BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe
✅ Bold, smoky flavour with a hint of spice
✅ Traditional Mexican ingredients, slow-cooked to perfection
✅ Perfect for meal prepping or hosting a party
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork
Start by trimming excess fat from the pork shoulder. Pat the pork dry and rub all over with smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle powder (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). This helps develop a rich, caramelised crust. Transfer the browned pork to the slow cooker.
2. Build the Sauce
In the same pan, sauté the sliced onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes until soft and golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour in the BBQ sauce, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavours.
Pour the sauce over the pork in the slow cooker, ensuring the meat is well coated.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
- Low for 8 hours for the most tender results
- High for 4-6 hours if you need it done faster
The pork is ready when it easily shreds with a fork.
4. Shred the Pork
Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place on a large plate. Use two forks to pull the meat apart into shreds. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat in the sauce. Keep warm.
5. Assemble the Burritos
Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave. Lay a tortilla flat and spoon pulled pork into the centre. Top with rice, black beans, cheese, red pepper slices, jalapeño (if using), and a sprinkle of fresh coriander.
Fold in the sides, then roll the tortilla tightly into a burrito.
6. Toast and Serve
Lightly toast the wrapped burritos in a hot, dry pan for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Serve with sour cream, salsa, and lime wedges on the side.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Sugars: 8g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Fibre: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What to put in a pulled pork burrito?
A pulled pork burrito typically includes tender pulled pork, Mexican rice, black beans, cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack), and fresh toppings such as grilled peppers, pico de gallo, and coriander.
Do you put BBQ sauce on pulled pork before or after cooking?
For the best flavour, add BBQ sauce both before and after cooking. Cooking the pork with sauce helps it absorb the smoky, sweet taste, while tossing it in fresh sauce after shredding keeps it moist and adds a glossy finish.
What makes this recipe authentically Mexican?
This recipe combines traditional Mexican flavours like chipotle, cumin, and smoked paprika with slow-cooked pork, inspired by Carnitas. The use of citrus juice and fresh toppings like coriander also reflects authentic Mexican street food.
What is the secret to juicy pulled pork?
The secret is choosing a well-marbled cut like pork shoulder, cooking it low and slow, and keeping it moist with braising liquid (like BBQ sauce or stock). Letting the meat rest before shredding also helps retain juices.
How long does pulled pork take on a barbecue?
Pulled pork on a barbecue typically takes 8-12 hours at a low temperature (110-130°C / 225-250°F). Cook until the internal temperature reaches 90-95°C (195-203°F) for the most tender, pull-apart texture.
