A flavorful and tender Mexican-inspired pulled pork recipe, perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a main dish.
Prepare the pork shoulder by trimming excess fat and cutting it into large chunks.
Cutting the pork into chunks helps it cook evenly and absorb flavors better.
In a stockpot, combine the pork chunks, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, water, and all the spices.
Mix the ingredients well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
Check the pot occasionally to ensure there's enough liquid; add more water if needed.
Once the pork is tender, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly.
Letting the pork cool makes it easier to handle for shredding.
Shred the pork using two forks or your hands.
Shredding the pork while it's still warm makes the process smoother.
Return the shredded pork to the pot and mix with the cooking liquid to keep it moist.
Adding the cooking liquid back ensures the pork stays juicy and flavorful.
Serve the pulled pork warm with your choice of sides or use it as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.