So, here’s the thing about pulled pork—it’s like a hug from your slow cooker. Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of something so savory and tender it practically melts in your mouth. I remember the first time I made it; I was just blown away by how simple it was and how everyone kept coming back for seconds. Unbelievable, right?
Steps
- Begin by pouring a teaspoon of vegetable oil into the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the pork shoulder roast on top of the oil.
- Add the remaining ingredients, which include barbecue sauce, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic, dried thyme, and a chopped onion.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the pork until it becomes tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Once cooked, shred the pork and return it to the slow cooker to mix it with the juices for enhanced flavor.
- If making sandwiches, serve the pulled pork on buttered hamburger buns for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 4-pound pork shoulder roast
- Bottled barbecue sauce
- Yellow mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
- Chicken broth (store-bought or homemade)
- Light brown sugar
- Chili powder
- Garlic
- Dried thyme
- 1 chopped onion
- Buttered hamburger buns (for serving sandwiches)
FAQ
- What cut of pork is best for making pulled pork?
- The preferred cut for pulled pork is pork shoulder roast because it is cost-effective, forgiving to cook, and has a lot of marbling, which results in tender, juicy meat.
- How much pulled pork should I prepare per person?
- Plan for about one-third to half a pound of pork per person. A 4-pound pork roast will typically serve about eight people.
- How should I store leftover pulled pork?
- Store the completely cooled pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to six months.
- What are some recommended side dishes to serve with pulled pork?
- Some great side dishes to accompany pulled pork include baked beans, simple macaroni and cheese, and traditional creamy coleslaw.
- How can I reheat pulled pork without drying it out?
- To prevent the pulled pork from drying out, reheat it in the oven or slow cooker, rather than the microwave. Make sure to save and use the juices from the initial cooking to keep the pork moist during reheating.
Tips
- Adjust the cooking time and ingredient amounts if your pork shoulder roast is not exactly four pounds, as the size of the meat can affect the outcome.
- Consider adding some extra flavor by incorporating ingredients like pepperoncini peppers or a splash of hot sauce, as suggested by other cooks.
- For optimal texture and flavor, shred the pork and return it to the slow cooker to soak up the juices before serving.
- When reheating leftovers, use the oven or slow cooker with the saved juices to prevent the pulled pork from drying out.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker – Essential for cooking the pulled pork as described in the recipe.
