Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of tender, perfectly seasoned pulled pork that's been slow-cooking all day. This isn't just another recipe - it's a culinary journey that transforms a simple pork shoulder into a Greek-inspired feast that will transport you straight to the streets of Athens. Get ready to impress your family and friends with an incredibly easy yet restaurant-quality meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lb pork shoulder
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 pita breads
- Tzatziki sauce for serving
- Chopped cucumbers and tomatoes for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the pork shoulder by patting it dry with paper towels and generously seasoning all sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin.
- Place sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a bed for the pork shoulder.
- Sprinkle minced garlic over and around the onions to distribute flavor evenly.
- Carefully place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and easily shreddable.
- Once cooking is complete, remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer to a large cutting board.
- Using two forks, shred the pork meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Strain the cooking liquid and reserve some to moisten the meat if needed.
- Warm the pita breads either in a skillet or briefly in the oven.
- Assemble gyros by placing shredded pork in the center of each pita bread.
- Top with tzatziki sauce, chopped cucumbers, and tomatoes.
- Fold the pita bread and serve immediately while warm and fresh.
Tips
- Choose the right cut: A pork shoulder (also called pork butt) has the perfect fat content to ensure tender, juicy meat that shreds beautifully.
- Don't rush the cooking process: The 8-hour slow cook is crucial for breaking down tough muscle fibers and developing rich, deep flavors.
- Season generously: The combination of smoked paprika and cumin creates a robust flavor profile that makes these gyros irresistible.
- Keep the meat moist: Reserve some cooking liquid to moisten the shredded pork, preventing it from becoming dry.
- Warm pita breads just before serving to ensure they're soft and pliable.
- Fresh toppings are key: Use crisp cucumbers and ripe tomatoes to add freshness and contrast to the rich pulled pork.
- Make extra - these gyros are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and perfect for leftovers!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
