Spicy Tequila Carnitas with Apple Salsa

Those chilly fall days are here and it’s time to dust off the slow-cooker! Spicy pulled pork is always a favorite of ours to make because before you even open the front door you can smell the delicious aroma of a slow-cooked pork loin marinating in a spicy barbecue tequila sauce and an array of spices. I paired ours with a sweet and tangy apple salsa that provides the perfect crunch and sweetness to compliment the tender, spicy, slow-cooked pork. It makes enough for a large group or perfect to make at the beginning of the week and take the leftovers for lunch.

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(makes 8-10 tacos)

Ingredients:

3lbs of boneless pork loin, fat trimmed

1 Tbs kosher salt

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup of tequila (any kind)

Juice from two limes

For Apple Salsa:

2 gala apples, finely chopped

1/2 cup diced red onion

3 Tbs fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Juice from half a lime

1/4 tsp salt

A pinch of cayenne pepper

Other ingredients:

Shredded cheese

Sour cream

Hot sauce

Tortilla shells

(1.) Combine salt, chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a small back, seal, and shake to mix. (2.) Place pork loin on a plate and sprinkle dry rub seasoning over the pork. Turn to coat evenly in mixture and then place in the slow-cooker. (3.) In a medium sized bowl stir together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, tequila, and lime juice. (4.) Pour over pork loin, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. When pork is finished cooking, shred with two forks.

Combine salsa ingredients in a medium sized bowl and stir to mix.

Add a few spoonfuls of the pulled pork to a tortilla shell, top with shredded cheese and other toppings, a few spoonfuls of apple salsa, and serve!

Enjoy!