I’m so excited to share this marinated pulled pork recipe with you all! This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too.
The tender, flavorful meat is a result of a simple yet effective technique that’s perfect for busy home cooks. I love how easy it is to prepare and customize to suit our family’s tastes.
My kids adore the taste and texture of this dish, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings. Plus, the health benefits of using leaner pork and plenty of veggies make me feel good about serving it up.
Marinated pulled pork has its roots in traditional barbecue styles, where slow-cooked meats were infused with bold flavors. This recipe takes that concept and makes it accessible for home cooks of all levels.
By using a mixture of spices, herbs, and acidity from citrus or vinegar, we create a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. The best part?
It’s incredibly easy to make ahead and reheat when needed.
Marinated Pulled Pork
4.8 from 614 votes
This marinated pulled pork is slow-cooked until tender and infused with a tangy, smoky marinade. The pork is then shredded and served on buns or with sides for a hearty meal.
1In a large bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until the sugar dissolves.
2Place the pork shoulder in a large resealable bag or a dish, pour the marinade over it, turning to coat evenly.
3Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
4Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the liquid, and sear the pork on all sides until deeply browned, about 4 minutes per side.
6Transfer the pork to a slow cooker or a Dutch oven, and top with sliced onion.
7Pour the reserved marinade over the pork and onions.
8Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours in a slow cooker, or in a 300°F oven for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
9The internal temperature should reach at least 195°F for shredding.
10Remove the pork from the cooking liquid and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes.
11Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat.
12Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid, then toss the shredded pork with enough liquid to keep it moist.
13Serve the pulled pork on toasted buns with coleslaw or your favorite sides.
14The meat should be moist and flavorful with a slight tang from the marinade.
For extra smokiness, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the marinade. Leftover pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.
Watch Video Of How Marinated Pulled Pork Works
This marinated pulled pork recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family.
It’s incredibly versatile, too, so feel free to experiment with different spices and marinades to suit your tastes.
And don’t worry about leftovers – this dish freezes beautifully and reheats perfectly for future meals.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Marinated Pulled Pork
Q1: What type of pork should I use for this recipe?
A1: You can use either boneless pork shoulder or butt for this recipe. Pork shoulder is a great option because it’s relatively inexpensive and has plenty of connective tissue that breaks down during cooking, making the meat tender and juicy.
Q2: Can I substitute the citrus juice with something else?
A2: While citrus juice adds a nice brightness to the dish, you can definitely substitute it with another acidic ingredient like vinegar or even beer. Just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different.
Q3: How long can I store the marinated pork in the fridge?
A3: You can store the marinated pork in the fridge for up to 3 days before cooking. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Q4: Can I cook the pork on the grill instead of in a slow cooker?
A4: Yes, you can definitely cook the pork on the grill if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on your grill’s heat output and desired level of doneness.
Q5: What if I want to add some heat to my pulled pork?
A5: If you like spicy food, you can add some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the marinade for an extra kick.
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