Instructions

1. Rinse your pork shoulder in cool water and pat it dry with paper towels. A boneless pork shoulder works best for this dish, though you can use one with the bone in. Toss the paper towels in the trash immediately to avoid contaminating your work surface.

2. Massage your taco seasoning into the roast. You can use a packaged taco mix, but if you are watching your sodium levels it’s better to make your own. Start with salt and pepper. Table salt and finely ground pepper will work, or you can use an exotic, coarse salt and a freshly ground pepper mix. Add chili powder in the greatest amount and then smaller portions of coriander, cumin, oregano, paprika and thyme to taste. Add garlic powder and onion powder unless you generally use those ingredients fresh.

3. Coat the bottom of a deep skillet or heavy pot with olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Brown the seasoned pork shoulder in the oil on all sides until a dark brown crust forms.

4. Pour a dollop of olive oil into your slow cooker and spread it all over the bottom and sides with a clean paper towel.

5. Add sliced onions and smashed garlic to the slow cooker. These will both complement and enhance the taco seasoning rubbed into the pork. For a 4-pound roast, you might use 2 onions and 4 cloves of garlic, but the proportions depend entirely on your personal taste.

6. Place the seasoned, browned roast into the slow cooker on top of the onions and garlic. Add 1 to 2 inches of liquid. Beer works best, but you can use wine, stock, water or a combination.

7. Cover the slow cooker and turn it on. Cook the pork shoulder for 5 hours on high, or 8 hours on low.

8. Poke an instant-read thermometer into the center of the pork shoulder. Make sure that the tip of the thermometer does not touch the bone if you have not used a boneless pork shoulder. The lowest safe temperature for pork is 145 F. It will continue cooking when removed from the heat, so you can turn the slow cooker off when the pork reaches 135 F, but it shreds more easily if cooked longer.