Slow Smoked Pork Shoulder with Napa Cabbage Slaw an

Name: Slow Smoked Pork Shoulder with Napa Cabbage Slaw and Queso Fresco
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons canola oil; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 3 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 large white onion, chopped; 2 heaping tablespoons ancho chile powder; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 3/4 cup fresh orange juice; 1/2 cup fresh lime juice; 1 or 2 chipotle in adobo, finely chopped; 1 boneless pork shoulder (about 5 pounds); Warm corn tortillas; Napa Cabbage Slaw, recipe follows; Hot sauce; Fresh cilantro leaves; 1 cup crumbled queso fresco; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons canola oil1 teaspoon celery seeds; Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper; 4 green onions, coarsely chopped; 2 serrano chiles; 1 head Napa cabbage, finely shredded; 1 large carrot, julienned; 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco

Servings: persons

2 tablespoons canola oil
4 sprigs fresh thyme
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 large white onion, chopped
2 heaping tablespoons ancho chile powder
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1 or 2 chipotle in adobo, finely chopped
1 boneless pork shoulder (about 5 pounds)
Warm corn tortillas
Napa Cabbage Slaw, recipe follows
Hot sauce
Fresh cilantro leaves
1 cup crumbled queso fresco
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons canola oil1 teaspoon celery seeds
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 green onions, coarsely chopped
2 serrano chiles
1 head Napa cabbage, finely shredded
1 large carrot, julienned
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco

1
Special equipment: 2 cups wood chips (hickory or apple), soaked in water 30 minutes
2
Heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3
Add the thyme, garlic, onions, ancho chile powder, brown sugar, cumin, coriander, orange juice, lime juice, 1/2 water and chipotle, and cook until the sugar is dissolved.
4
Remove from the heat and let cool.
5
Put the pork in a large pan and pour over the marinade.
6
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
7
Remove the pork from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.
8
Preheat a charcoal grill for indirect heat and place the soaked wood chips on top of the coals.
9
Place the pork on the grill, cover and let smoke until the temperature inside the grill is 220 degrees F. Add chips as necessary to continue smoking until the internal temperature of the pork reaches140 degrees F. Then just let the pork finish cooking until the internal temperature reaches about 190 degrees F. This can take about 5 hours.
10
Let the pork rest 30 minutes.
11
Shred the pork and serve in the warm tortillas topped with some Napa Cabbage Slaw, hot sauce, fresh cilantro leaves and queso fresco.
12
Whisk the mayonnaise, vinegar, oil and celery seeds until smooth.
13
Season with salt and pepper.
14
Whisk in the green onions and serrano chiles.
15
Place the cabbage and carrots in a large bowl.
16
Add the dressing and the queso fresco, and toss to combine.

435

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 26 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 tablespoons canola oil, 4 sprigs fresh thyme, 3 cloves garlic, chopped, 1 large white onion, chopped, and more.

Yes, Slow Smoked Pork Shoulder with Napa Cabbage Slaw and Queso Fresco falls under the Salads category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Slow Smoked Pork Shoulder with Napa Cabbage Slaw and Queso Fresco

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions