Are you a fan of Qdoba’s delicious pulled pork? Do you wish you could recreate it at home?
Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll show you how to make Qdoba-style pulled pork in your very own kitchen.
This recipe is easy to follow and requires just two ingredients, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s cooked in a slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it until dinnertime.
So, let’s get started and learn how to make this mouth-watering pulled pork that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
How To Make Qdoba Pulled Pork?
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork shoulder
– 1 cup salsa
Instructions:
1. Begin by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cutting it into large chunks.
2. Place the pork in your slow cooker and pour the salsa over it.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
4. Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
5. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining salsa.
6. Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
That’s it! Your Qdoba-style pulled pork is now ready to be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve it in a burrito bowl with rice, beans, guacamole, and cheese, or use it as a filling for tacos or traditional burritos.
This recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also budget-friendly and can be customized to your liking. Feel free to add additional spices or seasonings to the salsa for a more personalized flavor.
So next time you’re craving Qdoba’s pulled pork, skip the restaurant and make it at home instead. Your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you!
Ingredients Needed For Qdoba Pulled Pork
To make Qdoba-style pulled pork at home, you’ll need just two ingredients: 2 lbs of pork shoulder and 1 cup of salsa. The pork shoulder should be trimmed of any excess fat and cut into large chunks before being placed in the slow cooker. The salsa is then poured over the pork, and the slow cooker is covered and cooked on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily. Once the pork is cooked, it should be removed from the slow cooker and shredded using two forks. The shredded pork is then returned to the slow cooker and mixed with the remaining salsa. The mixture should be covered and cooked on low for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. And that’s it! Your Qdoba-style pulled pork is now ready to be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Preparing The Pork For Slow Cooking
Before you start cooking your pork shoulder for Qdoba-style pulled pork, it’s important to prepare the meat properly. Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cutting it into large chunks. This will help ensure that the meat cooks evenly and doesn’t become too greasy.
Next, season the pork with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you’d like. You can use a store-bought seasoning blend or make your own by combining spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Rub the seasoning blend all over the pork, making sure to coat it evenly.
Once the pork is seasoned, place it in your slow cooker and pour the salsa over it. The salsa will add moisture and flavor to the meat as it cooks. Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
When the pork is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and let it cool for at least 20 minutes but ideally one hour before shredding with a fork. This will help prevent the meat from becoming too dry and will make it easier to shred.
Take the leftover liquid from the crockpot and strain it to remove any solids. If you don’t mind the fat, add the liquid back to the shredded pork and toss well. If you want to remove the excess fat, chill the liquid in an ice bath in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until the fat solidifies, then discard, and pour the remaining liquid over the meat.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked and flavorful Qdoba-style pulled pork that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Slow Cooking The Pork For Maximum Flavor
If you want your Qdoba-style pulled pork to be bursting with flavor, it’s important to slow cook the pork. Slow cooking allows the meat to become tender and juicy, while also allowing the flavors to meld together.
To begin, trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks. Place the pork in your slow cooker and pour the salsa over it. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. This is where you can really maximize the flavor of the pork. Working in batches, transfer shredded pork to a large nonstick skillet set over high heat and cook, undisturbed, until underside is well browned. Toss and continue to cook, tossing occasionally, until some of the edges are caramelized and crisp.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the browned pork to a paper towel–lined baking sheet. Cover with foil to keep warm and moist.
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining salsa. Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
By slow cooking the pork and then browning it in a skillet, you’ll achieve maximum flavor and texture in your Qdoba-style pulled pork. So take your time with this step and savor every delicious bite!
Shredding The Pork For The Perfect Texture
After the pork shoulder has cooked for 8 hours and is tender, it’s time to shred it into the perfect texture for your Qdoba-style pulled pork. There are several methods for shredding meat, but using two forks is one of the easiest and most accessible.
Start by taking the pork out of the slow cooker and placing it in a roasting pan with a lot of surface area. The sides of the pan should be high enough to catch most of the juice splatters but low enough to let your forks go to work.
Hold a fork in each hand and stab them both into the roast, facing outward with the tines back to back. Pull the forks apart gently, and the meat should pull off the bone in long strips. Set the strips aside, and keep pulling until all of the pork is shredded.
If you’re pulling a lot of pork, it can take half an hour or more to do it alone. If you have more than two sturdy forks, you can get a family member or friend to help you. Separate the whole roast into two chunks in two pans, and hand your phone to your friend so they can read these instructions too. Many forks make lighter work of pulling pork.
Bigger chunks are better if you’re serving the pulled pork by itself. If you plan to put it in something like a sandwich or a taco, shred it a bit more finely. Be careful not to over-shred it, so leave some nice big chunks of meat intact to cater for personal preference.
Shredding the pork is an essential step in achieving that perfect Qdoba-style pulled pork texture. By using two forks and taking your time, you’ll be able to create tender, juicy shreds that are perfect for any dish.
Serving Suggestions For Qdoba Pulled Pork
Now that you’ve made your delicious Qdoba-style pulled pork, it’s time to decide how to serve it. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
1. Burrito Bowl: Create a bed of rice and beans in a bowl, then top with your pulled pork. Add guacamole, cheese, and any other toppings you desire.
2. Tacos: Warm up some tortillas and fill them with your pulled pork. Top with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
3. Traditional Burrito: Fill a large tortilla with your pulled pork, rice, beans, and any other toppings you like. Roll it up and enjoy!
4. Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, cheese, salsa, and any other toppings you like. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Salad: Top a bed of greens with your pulled pork and any other veggies you like. Drizzle with dressing and enjoy a healthier option.
No matter how you choose to serve your Qdoba-style pulled pork, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. So get creative and enjoy this versatile dish!
