Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork with Honey Jalapeno Lime Slaw! Imagine tender, succulent pork that falls apart with the gentlest touch, glazed in a perfect balance of sweet barbecue and fiery spices, then topped with a zesty, refreshing slaw that adds a bright punch of flavor. This recipe isn't just a meal - it's a flavor journey that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, and possibly proposing marriage to your cooking skills!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 jalapeno, diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Coleslaw mix for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the pork shoulder by patting it dry with paper towels and generously seasoning all sides with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder into a slow cooker, creating a base layer of flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce and honey until well combined. Pour this sweet and spicy mixture over the pork, ensuring it's completely covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 8 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and easily pull apart.
- While the pork is cooking, prepare the honey jalapeno lime slaw. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, diced jalapeno, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- After 8 hours, remove the pork and use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large fatty pieces.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the remaining cooking liquid to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Toss the coleslaw mix with the prepared honey jalapeno lime dressing just before serving.
- Serve the pulled pork on buns or plates, topped with the fresh, zesty slaw.
Tips
- Choose the right cut: A pork shoulder (or Boston butt) is ideal for pulled pork due to its high fat content, which ensures maximum tenderness.
- Low and slow is the golden rule: Cooking the pork on low heat for 8 hours allows the meat to break down slowly, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Don't skip the seasoning step: Generously coating the pork with spices before cooking creates a deep, complex flavor profile.
- For extra heat, keep the jalapeno seeds in the slaw. If you prefer milder flavors, remove the seeds before dicing.
- Make sure to mix the shredded pork with its cooking liquid to keep it moist and flavorful.
- The slaw is best prepared just before serving to maintain its crisp texture and fresh taste.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep - it stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated easily for quick meals throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 120mg
