shredded pulled pork recipe

The Best shredded pulled pork recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite shredded pulled pork recipe, a dish that has become a staple in our household. I first tried this recipe at a family gathering where my cousin’s wife, who’s an amazing cook, made it for us.

The way the tender pork fell apart with each bite, the flavors of the spices and the tanginess of the barbecue sauce all combined to create a taste sensation that left us all wanting more. Since then, I’ve made it for my family countless times, and it’s always a hit.

We love it for its ease of preparation, its versatility – we can serve it with a variety of sides, from classic coleslaw to creamy mashed potatoes – and its health benefits. The slow-cooked method allows the meat to absorb all the flavors without adding extra fat.

Plus, you can easily adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste. My kids adore it, and I must say I do too!

It’s perfect for busy weeknights when we need something quick and satisfying or for special occasions when we want to make a statement. And let’s not forget about leftovers – this dish stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer and reheats perfectly for a quick meal another day.

Slow Cooker Shredded Pulled Pork

4.8 from 737 votes

Tender, slow-cooked pulled pork with a rich, smoky flavor. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or on its own.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time8 hrs
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pulled Pork

2 lbs pork shoulder
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

For the Coleslaw

2 cups shredded cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder.
2In a small bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork shoulder.
4Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
5Pour barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar over the pork.
6Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
7The pork is done when it is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
8Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
9Using two forks, shred the pork into small pieces.
10Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the cooking liquid.
11While the pork is cooking, prepare the coleslaw.
12In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots.
13In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt.
14Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine.
15Serve the shredded pulled pork on buns with a generous helping of coleslaw.
16Enjoy your meal!

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Fork

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 1000mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper. For a quicker version, cook the pork in a Dutch oven in the oven at 300°F for 3 hours.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Shredded Pulled Pork Works

This shredded pulled pork recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a casual family dinner or a more formal gathering with friends. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer-term storage.

When reheating, make sure to add some liquid back into the dish to prevent drying out. And don’t be afraid to get creative with serving ideas – try pairing it with different sides like roasted vegetables or crispy fries for a unique twist.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Shredded Pulled Pork

Q: What is shredded pulled pork?

Pulled pork is a type of barbecue dish made by shredding or pulling apart cooked pork shoulder into shreds or strands. The meat is typically slow-cooked in liquid until tender and falls apart easily.

Q: What is the difference between pulled pork and shredded pork?

While both terms refer to shredded or pulled meat, ‘pulled’ usually implies a more rustic texture with larger chunks of meat, whereas ‘shredded’ implies finer strands.

Q: Can I use other types of meat instead of pork?

While traditional pulled pork uses pork shoulder, you can experiment with other meats like beef brisket, chicken thighs or even turkey breast. However, keep in mind that cooking times and liquid levels may vary.

Q: How long does it take to cook shredded pulled pork?

The cooking time will depend on your method – slow cooker, oven or stovetop – but generally speaking, it takes around 8-12 hours to achieve tender results using low heat.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time by cooking the pork up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerating or freezing it until ready to reheat.

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