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Game Day Margarita Pulled Pork (Crock Pot)

The first time I made pulled pork, it was for a Super Bowl party that my friends and I threw in college. I remember the nervous excitement of tending to that massive pork shoulder, the anticipation building with every hour as the aroma filled our tiny apartment. The juicy, tender, flavor-packed pork vanished in minutes that night, devoured by hungry fans cheering on their teams. Ever since then, pulled pork has become my go-to dish for any big game day – it’s always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes – 8 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Yield: Approximately 6 cups pulled pork
Dietary Type: Gluten-Free (check seasoning ingredients), Dairy-Free

Ingredients

3 lbs pork shoulder
3 tablespoons Mrs. Dash’s Extra Spicy Seasoning
½ cup apple cider
½ cup tequila
¼ cup triple sec
½ cup lime juice
1 cup tomatillo salsa

Equipment Needed

Crock Pot (slow cooker)
Large bowl or container for marinating
Fork(s) for shredding
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife for trimming (optional)

Instructions

Begin by trimming any visible fat from the pork shoulder. While some fat is desirable for flavor, excess fat should be removed to prevent the finished product from becoming greasy.
Thoroughly rub the Mrs. Dash’s Extra Spicy Seasoning into all sides of the pork shoulder. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Let the seasoned pork rest for 20 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a large bowl or container. Pour the apple cider over the pork. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator overnight (or for at least 4 hours). This step is crucial for tenderizing the pork and infusing it with flavor.
The next day, remove the pork shoulder from the refrigerator. Place it in the crock pot.
Pour in the remaining ingredients: tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and tomatillo salsa.
If necessary, add more apple cider to cover the meat, or nearly cover it. If the pork is already mostly submerged in the marinade, you can discard any excess marinade to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin.
Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the pork shoulder, as well as your crock pot. The pork is done when it is easily shredded with a fork.
Once the pork shoulder is cooked, carefully remove it from the crock pot and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to cool for about 20 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and shred.
While the pork is cooling, reserve some of the cooking liquid from the crock pot. However, skim off the fat that rises to the top; you want to retain the flavorful liquid, not the excess grease.
Using two forks, pull the pork shoulder apart into shreds. Discard any remaining large pieces of fat or gristle.
If the pulled pork seems dry, rehydrate it with some of the reserved cooking liquid. Add just enough liquid to moisten the pork without making it soggy.
Serve the Game Day Margarita Pulled Pork immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an even deeper flavor, sear the pork shoulder in a hot skillet before placing it in the crock pot. This adds a beautiful crust and enhances the meaty flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the crock pot. If your pork shoulder is too large, cut it in half to ensure even cooking.
If you want a smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the seasoning rub.
To thicken the sauce, remove the lid from the crock pot during the last hour of cooking. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate.
If you accidentally add too much liquid, you can thicken the sauce by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water, then whisking it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Game Day Margarita Pulled Pork is incredibly versatile! Serve it on Hawaiian dinner rolls for sliders, in tortillas for tacos or burritos, or even piled high on nachos. A dollop of guacamole, some pico de gallo, and a sprinkle of cilantro add the perfect finishing touch.

Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the pork in the refrigerator overnight. Then, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little bit of the reserved cooking liquid to keep it moist. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	270 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	20g	31%
Saturated Fat	7g	35%
Cholesterol	81mg	26%
Sodium	75mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	1g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	0g	0%
Protein	20g	39%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Spicier Kick: Substitute the mild tomatillo salsa with a habanero lime salsa for those who prefer more heat. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
Citrus Boost: Add the zest of one lime to the crock pot for an even more pronounced citrus flavor.
Sweet and Tangy: Incorporate a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey for a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
Beer Braised: Replace the apple cider with a Mexican lager for a different flavor profile.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the pulled pork over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different cut of pork?
A: While pork shoulder is ideal due to its high fat content (which renders beautifully during the long cooking process), you can use pork butt (also known as Boston butt) as a substitute. Pork loin is not recommended as it tends to dry out.

Q: Can I make this without alcohol?
A: Yes, simply substitute the tequila and triple sec with an equal amount of orange juice or additional apple cider. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q: How do I know when the pork is done?
A: The pork is done when it easily shreds with a fork. If it’s still tough, continue cooking for another hour and check again.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead dish. Cook the pork as directed, then shred it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat as needed.

Q: What should I serve with this?
A: This pulled pork pairs perfectly with coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or potato salad. And of course, don’t forget the margaritas!

Final Thoughts

This Game Day Margarita Pulled Pork is a guaranteed touchdown for any gathering! It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and find your perfect flavor combination. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your feedback. And remember, the best part of any game day is sharing delicious food with friends and family!

Game Day Margarita Pulled Pork (Crock Pot) Recipe