How to Cook Pork for Tamales in a Crock Pot: A Comprehensive Guide

Tamales, a traditional Mexican dish, are a delightful combination of masa dough filled with savory or sweet ingredients and steamed in corn husks. Pork is a popular filling for tamales, and cooking it in a crock pot is a convenient and flavorful method. This guide will provide a step-by-step process for cooking pork for tamales in a crock pot, ensuring tender and flavorful results.

Ingredients

  • 3-4 lbs boneless pork roast
  • 4 dried red chilies
  • 1/2 sliced onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 jalapenos, seeded and cut in half
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pork: Trim any excess fat from the pork roast and cut it into 3-inch chunks.

  2. Season the pork: In a large bowl, combine the pork chunks with salt and pepper to taste. Toss to coat evenly.

  3. Add the aromatics: Add the sliced onion, crushed garlic cloves, and seeded and cut jalapenos to the bowl with the pork. Toss to combine.

  4. Prepare the chilies: Remove the stems and seeds from the dried red chilies. Toast the chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, until fragrant.

  5. Add the chilies and liquid: Place the toasted chilies in a blender or food processor. Add enough water or broth to cover the chilies and blend until smooth.

  6. Cook in the crock pot: Transfer the seasoned pork and the blended chili mixture to a crock pot. Add enough water or broth to cover the pork by about an inch.

  7. Cook on low: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.

  8. Shred the pork: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks or a meat shredder.

  9. Season to taste: Taste the shredded pork and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add additional salt, pepper, or chili powder to your preference.

Tips for Optimal Flavor

  • Choose the right pork: For the best flavor, use a boneless pork shoulder or boston butt. These cuts have a good amount of fat, which will keep the pork moist and flavorful during cooking.

  • Toast the chilies: Toasting the chilies before blending enhances their flavor and aroma.

  • Use a variety of chilies: For a more complex flavor, use a combination of different types of dried red chilies, such as guajillo, ancho, and New Mexico.

  • Don’t overcook the pork: Overcooked pork will become dry and tough. Cook it until it is tender and falls apart easily, but not for too long.

  • Season to taste: Taste the shredded pork before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Shredded pork cooked in a crock pot is a versatile filling that can be used in a variety of dishes beyond tamales. Here are a few serving suggestions:

  • Tamales: Spread the shredded pork on a layer of masa dough and roll it up in corn husks. Steam the tamales until cooked through.

  • Tacos: Fill tortillas with shredded pork, your favorite toppings, and salsa.

  • Burritos: Combine shredded pork with rice, beans, and other fillings in a tortilla and wrap it up.

  • Enchiladas: Spread shredded pork on tortillas, top with cheese and sauce, and bake until bubbly.

  • Salads: Add shredded pork to salads for a protein boost and extra flavor.

Cooking pork for tamales in a crock pot is a simple and convenient method that yields tender and flavorful results. By following the steps outlined in this guide and incorporating the tips provided, you can create a delicious filling for tamales and other dishes. Whether you are a seasoned tamale maker or a novice cook, this guide will help you achieve optimal results.

Step by Step Tamale Recipe Prepared in the Crockpot & Instant Pot

FAQ

Do you have to cook pork before putting in slow cooker?

Preparing the pork I prefer to season the meat before adding it to the slow cooker with my favourite spices, along with salt and pepper. I also recommend browning the meat slightly prior to slow cooking which will help maximise the flavour. However, this is a step that can be left out if you don’t have enough time.

Do I need to add liquid to crock pot for pulled pork?

Transfer everything to a large slow cooker and add a splash of liquid — water is great, but so is broth, apple juice, or beer if you have them handy. Cover and cook on low until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily. Here’s the thing about slow cooker pork: You can’t rush it.

Do you slow cook pork on high or low?

Transfer the pork to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on the LOW setting until the pork is soft enough to pull apart with a spoon, 14 to 16 hours. Shred the meat.

What cut of pork for slow cooker?

Slow cooking is more forgiving because it’s done at a lower temperature so an hour or so too long isn’t going to ruin your pork; Pork Shoulder and Scotch Fillet – These cuts have more fat marbled through them so they are natural choices to use for slow cooker pork roasts.

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