Greek Pulled Pork is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings the taste of Greece into your kitchen. This recipe combines tender pulled pork with Mediterranean-inspired spices and ingredients, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exotic. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the pork to cook slowly and absorb all the delicious flavors from the spices, herbs, and vegetables. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a family dinner or looking for a dish to impress your guests, this Greek Pulled Pork is sure to be a hit.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The pulled pork can be served in various ways, from sandwiches and wraps to salads and grain bowls. It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a great choice for any meal. Plus, the slow cooker method ensures that the pork comes out tender and juicy every time, making this dish as easy to prepare as it is delicious.
Ingredients for Greek Pulled Pork
- 3-4 lbs (1.4-1.8 kg) pork shoulder or pork butt, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Greek Pulled Pork
1. Prepare the Pork
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder or butt. This will help reduce greasiness and ensure that the final dish is leaner. Season the pork generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear the Pork (Optional)
For added flavor, you can sear the pork before adding it to the slow cooker. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork and sear on all sides until browned. This step adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the pork but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. These aromatics will infuse the pork with flavor as it cooks. If you’ve seared the pork, transfer it to the slow cooker now. If not, just place the raw pork directly into the slow cooker.
4. Make the Spice Mix
In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, rosemary, thyme, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Stir to mix the spices well.
5. Add the Liquids
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, red wine vinegar, tomato paste, and lemon juice. Pour this mixture over the pork in the slow cooker. The liquid will help create a flavorful sauce and keep the pork moist during cooking.
6. Add the Spice Mix
Sprinkle the spice mix over the pork and gently rub it in with your hands. This will ensure that the pork is well-coated with the spices, infusing it with Mediterranean flavors.
7. Cook the Pork
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and the pork to become incredibly tender.
8. Shred the Pork
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat it with the sauce and juices.
9. Add the Olives and Feta
Stir in the chopped kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. These ingredients add a briny, tangy flavor that complements the pork and enhances the Mediterranean profile of the dish.
10. Garnish and Serve
Garnish the pulled pork with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This adds a burst of fresh flavor and color to the dish. Serve the Greek Pulled Pork with pita bread, on sandwiches, or over a bed of rice or salad. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides.
About the Main Ingredients
Pork Shoulder
Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, is a cut of meat that comes from the upper part of the pig’s front leg. It’s known for its rich, flavorful meat and higher fat content, which makes it ideal for slow cooking. The fat helps to keep the meat moist and tender as it cooks, resulting in deliciously juicy pulled pork. This cut of pork is perfect for recipes that require long, slow cooking to break down the meat and infuse it with flavors.
Garlic and Onion
Garlic and onion are essential aromatics that form the base of many savory dishes. In this recipe, they provide a foundational layer of flavor that enhances the taste of the pork. Garlic adds a pungent, slightly spicy kick, while onion contributes a sweet, caramelized note when cooked. Together, they create a rich flavor profile that complements the spices and herbs in the dish.
Mediterranean Spices
The blend of dried oregano, rosemary, thyme, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and coriander brings a distinct Mediterranean flavor to the pulled pork. These spices are commonly used in Greek cuisine and provide a complex, aromatic flavor profile. Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness, while cumin and coriander contribute earthy, warm notes. Cinnamon adds a hint of sweetness, balancing the savory flavors.
Kalamata Olives and Feta Cheese
Kalamata olives and feta cheese are classic Greek ingredients that add authenticity to the dish. Kalamata olives are known for their rich, briny flavor, which enhances the overall taste of the pulled pork. Feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy element that contrasts beautifully with the savory meat. Both ingredients are integral to achieving the Mediterranean flavor profile in this recipe.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice adds a bright, tangy acidity that helps to balance the rich flavors of the pulled pork. It also helps to tenderize the meat and enhance the overall taste of the dish. The acidity from the lemon juice complements the spices and herbs, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Greek Pulled Pork is a delicious and versatile dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. With its tender, flavorful meat and vibrant spices, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served in sandwiches, wraps, or over salads, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the rich flavors and ease of preparation that come with this slow-cooked Greek-inspired dish!
