basic pulled pork recipe

The Best basic pulled pork recipe

I’ve been making pulled pork for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is a classic, and I love it because it’s so easy to make.

The key to making great pulled pork is to cook the pork low and slow, so the meat just falls apart. I like to use a shoulder or butt roast, as they have more fat than other cuts, which makes them tender and juicy.

When I’m cooking for my family, I often serve the pulled pork with some coleslaw or pickles on the side. It’s a perfect comfort food dish that’s great for any occasion.

My kids love it when I serve it with some crusty buns or over rice. I’ve also found that using a slow cooker or Instant Pot makes this recipe even easier to prepare, as you can just throw all the ingredients in and let it cook while you’re busy with other things.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can serve it at a backyard barbecue, a family gathering, or even just a weeknight dinner. And the leftovers are always delicious, whether you reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Basic Pulled Pork Recipe

4.7 from 1505 votes

This basic pulled pork recipe is a simple and delicious way to cook pork shoulder. It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or as a main dish with sides.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Pulled Pork

2 kg pork shoulder
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 cup chicken broth

For the BBQ Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a dry rub.
2Apply the rub evenly on all sides of the pork shoulder.
3Place the pork in the slow cooker.
4Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker, around the pork.
5Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
6The pork will be very tender and the internal temperature should be 190°F-205°F (88°C-96°C).
7While the pork is cooking, prepare the BBQ sauce.
8In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
9Stir well to combine.
10Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
11The sauce will thicken slightly and the color will deepen.
12Once the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
13Use two forks to shred the pork into small pieces.
14Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the BBQ sauce.
15Stir well to ensure the pork is fully coated in the sauce.
16Serve the pulled pork hot, with your choice of sides.
17Enjoy it on buns as sandwiches, in tacos, or as a main dish with coleslaw and baked beans.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 1000mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can add chopped onions, bell peppers, or other vegetables to the slow cooker while cooking the pork.

This basic pulled pork recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just need a quick weeknight dinner.

The leftovers are also delicious when reheated in the oven or microwave.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that you can easily customize it by adding different seasonings or spices to suit your taste preferences.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Pulled Pork

Q: What type of meat should I use for pulled pork?

A: For pulled pork, you’ll want to use a tougher cut of meat like a shoulder or butt roast. These cuts have more connective tissue than other cuts of meat, which breaks down during cooking and makes the meat tender and juicy.

Q: How do I keep my pulled pork from drying out?

A: To prevent your pulled pork from drying out, make sure to keep it moist by adding some barbecue sauce or other liquid to the pan while it’s cooking. You can also cover the pan with foil if you’re cooking it in the oven.

Q: Can I make pulled pork in advance?

A: Yes, you can make pulled pork in advance by cooking it on the weekend and then reheating it on Monday for dinner. Just be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to reheat them.

Q: How do I serve pulled pork?

A: Pulled pork is incredibly versatile – you can serve it on its own with some coleslaw or pickles on the side, or use it as a topping for baked potatoes or salads. You can also serve it with some crusty buns or over rice.

Q: Can I add other flavors to my pulled pork?

A: Yes, you can add other flavors to your pulled pork by adding different seasonings or spices to the pan while it’s cooking. Some popular options include brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cumin.

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