Arepas with Pulled Pork

Ingredients

Pork shoulder

3-4 pounds

Vegetable oil

2 tablespoons

Garlic powder

1 teaspoon

Cumin

1 teaspoon

Smoked paprika

1 teaspoon

Salt

1 teaspoon

Black pepper

1/2 teaspoon

Arepas

4-6, store-bought or homemade

Lime wedges

for serving

Fresh cilantro

1/2 cup, chopped

Red onion

1, thinly sliced

Tomato

1, diced

Avocado

1, sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a spice rub.
3. Rub the spice mixture generously all over the pork shoulder to ensure even flavor.
4. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
5. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes per side. This step locks in flavors and adds depth.
6. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Roast for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
7. Once the pork is done, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks.
8. While the pork is resting, prepare the arepas according to package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe.
9. Slice each arepa in half, creating a pocket for the filling.
10. Fill each arepa with generous portions of pulled pork.
11. Top with sliced avocado, diced tomato, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh chopped cilantro.
12. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the arepas.