Mexican Pulled Pork for a Paleo Diet

This flavorful pulled pork is packed with smoky spices and perfect for anyone following a paleo lifestyle. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and pairs wonderfully with fresh veggies or a simple salad.

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TIME8 hr 57 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

2 Anaheim chile peppers 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder 1 teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons bacon fat 1 cup beef broth 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste 1 onion, halved and sliced 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced 1 lime, juiced 4 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon dried oregano ¼ teaspoon chili powder ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 1 bay leaf Toppings: 2 ripe avocados, sliced 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 2 limes, quartered

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by placing your oven rack about 6 inches from the heat and preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil. Slice the Anaheim peppers in half lengthwise, take out the stems, seeds, and ribs, then put them cut-side down on the baking sheet. Broil them until their skin is blackened and blistered, which should take around 5 to 8 minutes. Once done, transfer the peppers to a bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and let them steam for about 20 minutes as they cool. After that, peel off the skins and chop up the flesh.

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Step 2

Season the pork with salt and pepper. Heat some bacon fat in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the pork on all sides, about 3 minutes per side. Then, move the pork to your slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth and spread the tomato paste over the pork to coat it. Add the roasted peppers, chopped onion, red and yellow bell peppers, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne, and a bay leaf.

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Step 3

Let it cook on low for roughly 8 hours until the pork is super tender. When it’s ready, shred the meat with two forks and serve it up with some avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for a fresh, tasty finish.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use a fatty cut like pork shoulder for the best tenderness and flavor.
- Cook low and slow to allow the spices to deeply infuse the meat.
- Let the pork rest a few minutes before shredding to keep it juicy.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is full of bold flavors and hearty textures that satisfy without using any grains or processed ingredients. It’s perfect for anyone following a paleo lifestyle who still wants a rich, comforting meal. Plus, the slow cooking makes the pork tender and easy to shred.

Serving ideas

Serve with fresh avocado slices, a squeeze of lime, and some crunchy cabbage slaw for added texture. It also goes well wrapped in large lettuce leaves or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage & leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the pulled pork in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.