Pulled Pork is a delicious, tender, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for slow cooking, either in a slow cooker (crockpot), Instant Pot, or even in the oven. The key to great pulled pork is cooking it low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld and the pork to become fall-apart tender. Here’s a simple recipe for making mouth-watering Pulled Pork:
Pulled Pork Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs (1.4-1.8 kg) pork shoulder (also called pork butt or Boston butt)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (for tang)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
Optional Toppings:
- Coleslaw (for serving, if desired)
- Pickles (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Shoulder:
- Trim off excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some fat on for flavor. If you’re working with a bone-in cut, it’s perfectly fine to leave the bone in, as it adds extra flavor while cooking.
- Pat the pork dry with paper towels, then rub it with salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar (if using). Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed on all sides of the pork.
2. Sear the Pork (Optional but recommended for flavor):
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork shoulder on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned. This step helps to lock in the juices and adds flavor.
- Once browned, transfer the pork shoulder to your slow cooker, Instant Pot, or oven-safe pot.
3. Prepare the Cooking Liquid:
- In the same skillet where you seared the pork, add a little bit more oil if needed, and sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and barbecue sauce to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will create a flavorful liquid to cook the pork in.
4. Slow Cook the Pork:
Option 1: Slow Cooker
- Pour the prepared cooking liquid over the pork in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Option 2: Instant Pot
- Pour the cooking liquid over the pork in the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid and set the vent to sealing. Cook on manual (high pressure) for 60-70 minutes, then let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before quick-releasing the remaining pressure.
- Once done, the pork should be fall-apart tender.
Option 3: Oven
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Cover the pot (with a lid or foil) and cook the pork for about 4-5 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender. Baste the pork with the cooking liquid every hour or so if you like.
5. Shred the Pork:
- Once the pork is done, remove it from the cooking liquid and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes.
- Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using a bone-in cut, the bone should come out easily once the meat is cooked.
6. Assemble the Pulled Pork:
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker (or Instant Pot) with the cooking liquid. Mix to combine, adding more barbecue sauce if you prefer it saucier.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a bit more salt, pepper, or vinegar to balance the flavors.
7. Serve:
- Serve the pulled pork on buns (for sandwiches), over rice, or with coleslaw on top. You can also enjoy it in tacos or wraps, or as a topping for nachos.
- Optional: Garnish with pickles or extra barbecue sauce.
Tips:
- Make-Ahead: Pulled pork can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a bit of the cooking liquid to keep it moist.
- Sauce Options: While traditional pulled pork is served with barbecue sauce, you can customize it with a variety of sauces—like vinegar-based sauces, mustard sauces, or even a sweet-and-sour style sauce.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper and chili powder to suit your heat preference. You can also add a little hot sauce or jalapeños for an extra kick.
