Slow-Cooker Greek Pulled Pork: A Mediterranean Feast
Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece with this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make Greek Pulled Pork. This recipe combines the rich, tender goodness of slow-cooked pork with the bright, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Imagine succulent pulled pork infused with lemon, oregano, garlic, and a touch of feta – it’s a culinary experience you won’t soon forget! The best part? It’s primarily a hands-off recipe thanks to the magic of your slow cooker or Instant Pot. Let’s dive into this delicious journey!
Why You’ll Love This Greek Pulled Pork
* **Incredibly Flavorful:** The combination of Greek herbs, spices, and lemon creates a complex and delicious flavor profile that’s both savory and refreshing.
* **Tender and Juicy:** Slow cooking ensures that the pork is incredibly tender and practically melts in your mouth.
* **Easy to Make:** With minimal prep time and the hands-off approach of a slow cooker or Instant Pot, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
* **Versatile:** Serve it on pita bread, in salads, over rice, or even as a topping for baked potatoes – the possibilities are endless!
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends, making it perfect for parties and potlucks.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Leftovers can be easily frozen for a quick and easy meal in the future.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this mouthwatering recipe:
* **Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt):** 3-4 pounds, boneless or bone-in. Bone-in will add even more flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, extra virgin.
* **Onion:** 1 large, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 4-6 cloves, minced.
* **Dried Oregano:** 2 tablespoons.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 tablespoon.
* **Dried Rosemary:** 1 teaspoon, crushed.
* **Lemon:** 1 large, juiced and zested.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup (or vegetable broth).
* **Red Wine Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons.
* **Kalamata Olives:** 1/2 cup, pitted and chopped.
* **Feta Cheese:** 1/2 cup, crumbled (optional, but highly recommended!).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional for Serving:** Pita bread, Tzatziki sauce, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, lettuce.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot) or Instant Pot:** A 6-quart or larger slow cooker/Instant Pot is recommended.
* **Large Skillet or Dutch Oven:** For searing the pork (optional but recommended).
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping vegetables and trimming the pork.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Lemon Zester and Juicer:** For zesting and juicing the lemon.
* **Tongs:** For handling the pork.
* **Two Forks:** For shredding the pork.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Slow Cooker Method
Let’s walk through the process of making this delicious Greek Pulled Pork using a slow cooker:
**Step 1: Prepare the Pork**
1. Remove the pork shoulder from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps to create a nice sear.
2. Trim off any excess fat from the pork shoulder. While some fat is desirable for flavor and moisture, too much can make the pulled pork greasy.
3. Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Don’t be shy – this is your chance to build a flavorful foundation.
**Step 2: Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended)**
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
2. Carefully place the pork shoulder in the hot skillet and sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned. This will take about 3-5 minutes per side. Searing adds depth of flavor and a beautiful crust to the pork. If your pork shoulder is too large to sear in one batch, cut it into smaller pieces and sear them separately.
3. Remove the seared pork shoulder from the skillet and set it aside.
**Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics**
1. In the same skillet (without wiping it out), add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This will release the natural sweetness of the onion and create a flavorful base for the sauce.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Stir in the dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and release their aromas.
**Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker**
1. Pour the chicken broth and red wine vinegar into the slow cooker.
2. Add the sautéed onion, garlic, and spices to the slow cooker.
3. Place the seared pork shoulder on top of the mixture in the slow cooker.
4. Pour the lemon juice and zest over the pork shoulder.
5. Add the chopped Kalamata olives to the slow cooker.
**Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection**
1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is easily shreddable with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your pork shoulder and the strength of your slow cooker. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F (90-96°C).
**Step 6: Shred the Pork**
1. Once the pork is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
2. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat or connective tissue.
**Step 7: Combine and Serve**
1. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss it with the cooking juices. This will keep the pork moist and flavorful.
2. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese (if using).
3. Serve the Greek Pulled Pork hot on pita bread, in salads, over rice, or as desired. Garnish with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, lettuce, and a dollop of Tzatziki sauce for a complete Mediterranean experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Instant Pot Method
If you’re short on time, the Instant Pot is a great alternative to the slow cooker. Here’s how to make Greek Pulled Pork in an Instant Pot:
**Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Pork**
Follow steps 1 and 2 from the slow cooker method to prepare and sear the pork shoulder.
**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**
Follow step 3 from the slow cooker method to sauté the onion, garlic, and spices.
**Step 3: Assemble in the Instant Pot**
1. Pour the chicken broth and red wine vinegar into the Instant Pot.
2. Add the sautéed onion, garlic, and spices to the Instant Pot.
3. Place the seared pork shoulder on top of the mixture in the Instant Pot.
4. Pour the lemon juice and zest over the pork shoulder.
5. Add the chopped Kalamata olives to the Instant Pot.
**Step 4: Pressure Cook to Perfection**
1. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the pressure valve is set to the sealing position.
2. Cook on high pressure for 60-75 minutes, depending on the size of your pork shoulder. For a 3-4 pound pork shoulder, 60 minutes should be sufficient. If your pork shoulder is larger, increase the cooking time accordingly.
3. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally pressure release for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure. This natural pressure release helps to keep the pork tender and juicy.
**Step 5: Shred the Pork**
Follow step 6 from the slow cooker method to shred the pork.
**Step 6: Combine and Serve**
Follow step 7 from the slow cooker method to combine the shredded pork with the cooking juices, feta cheese (if using), and serve as desired.
Serving Suggestions
This Greek Pulled Pork is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Pita Sandwiches:** The classic way to enjoy pulled pork! Warm pita bread and stuff it with the Greek Pulled Pork, Tzatziki sauce, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and lettuce.
* **Greek Salad Bowls:** Create a vibrant Greek salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette. Top with the Greek Pulled Pork for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
* **Rice Bowls:** Serve the Greek Pulled Pork over a bed of fluffy rice (white, brown, or even cauliflower rice) and drizzle with Tzatziki sauce.
* **Baked Potatoes:** Top baked potatoes with the Greek Pulled Pork, crumbled feta cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
* **Lettuce Wraps:** For a lighter option, serve the Greek Pulled Pork in lettuce wraps with your favorite toppings.
* **Pizza Topping:** Get creative and use the Greek Pulled Pork as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza.
* **Pasta Dishes:** Toss the Greek Pulled Pork with cooked pasta, olive oil, garlic, and some fresh herbs.
Tips and Variations
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker or Instant Pot, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. This will add even more flavor and nutrition to the dish.
* **Spice it Up:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice mixture.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different Greek herbs, such as mint or dill.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the pork shoulder with jackfruit or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
* **Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of intense flavor to the dish. Add about 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the slow cooker or Instant Pot.
* **Make a Tzatziki Sauce:** Homemade Tzatziki sauce is the perfect complement to this Greek Pulled Pork. You can find many recipes online, or simply combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, and salt to taste.
* **Wine Pairing**: A crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc would pair well with the bright flavors of the Greek Pulled Pork.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the pork shoulder and spice rub up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to cook it.
* **Storage:** Leftover Greek Pulled Pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing:** To freeze Greek Pulled Pork, allow it to cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Reheating:** Reheat Greek Pulled Pork in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. Add a little bit of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* *Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*
* **Serving Size:** 1 cup
* **Calories:** 350-450
* **Protein:** 30-40 grams
* **Fat:** 20-30 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 5-10 grams
Enjoy Your Mediterranean Feast!
This Slow-Cooker or Instant Pot Greek Pulled Pork is a delicious and easy way to bring the flavors of Greece to your kitchen. With its tender, juicy pork, bright Mediterranean flavors, and versatile serving options, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker or Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable culinary experience!