I am preparing a dish which is being enjoyed by the generations for a long. Crock Pot Pulled Pork is a versatile and flavorful meal that can be served in many ways, from sandwiches to tacos. But cooking juicy and tender pulled pork can be challenging, especially if you're short on time. That's where the crockpot comes in.
With the right recipe and some patience, you can make delicious pulled pork without spending hours in the kitchen. In this article, we will explore how to make crockpot pulled pork, from choosing the right cut of meat to serving suggestions.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to pulled pork, the cut of meat you choose can make all the difference. The best cuts for slow-cooking are pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, and pork tenderloin. The pork shoulder has a lot of fat and connective tissue, which makes it ideal for slow cooking. It's also a more affordable cut of meat compared to other options. Pork tenderloin, on the other hand, is leaner and more expensive but still makes great pulled pork.
Preparing the Meat
Before cooking the pork, you'll need to season it. There are many ways to season pulled pork, but a simple rub of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika will suffice. Rub the seasoning all over the meat, making sure to coat it evenly.
Cooking in the Crock Pot
Place the seasoned pork in the crockpot and add a liquid of your choice, such as chicken or beef broth, barbecue sauce, or apple cider vinegar. The liquid will keep the pork moist and infuse it with flavor. You can also add chopped onions, garlic, or other vegetables for additional flavor. Cook the pork on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
Shredding and Serving the Pork
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any excess fat or connective tissue. You can mix the shredded pork with the cooking liquid or add your favorite barbecue sauce. Serve the pulled pork on a sandwich bun, tortilla, or over a bed of rice. You can also add coleslaw, pickles, or other toppings for added texture and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork
I always provide some tips to make the recipe perfect. Below are some tips you should consider before making the Crock Pot Pulled Pork.
- Use pork shoulder or tenderloin for the best results.
- Season the meat with a rub of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Add a liquid of your choice to the crockpot to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- Cook the pork on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours, or until it falls apart easily.
- Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it.
- Serve the pulled pork on a sandwich bun, tortilla, or over a bed of rice.
- Repurpose leftovers into new meals or freeze them for later.
Adding Flavor Variations
I recommend you do some experiments with different flavor variations that suit your taste. For example, you can add barbecue sauce, honey, or mustard to the cooking liquid for a sweet and tangy flavor. You can also add chipotle peppers or hot sauce for a spicy kick. Another option is to use a dry rub instead of a wet one, which can include brown sugar, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Feel free to get creative with your seasonings and try different combinations to find your favorite.
How to Serve
There are many ways to serve pulled pork, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Serve the pulled pork on a bun with coleslaw, pickles, and barbecue sauce.
- Fill tortillas with pulled pork, chopped onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Serve pulled pork over a bed of rice with black beans, corn, and avocado.
- Top a pizza crust with pulled pork, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings.
- Layer tortilla chips pulled pork, cheese, and jalapenos for a delicious snack.
Conclusion
Crockpot pulled pork is a simple and delicious meal that can be enjoyed in many ways. With a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can make juicy and tender pulled pork without spending hours in the kitchen. Remember to choose the right cut of meat, season it well, and cook it on low heat for the best results.
BEST SLOW COOKER PULLED PORK RECIPE
Ingredients
- 4 2 pounds pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 orange, juiced
Instructions
- Place the diced onion, garlic and orange juice in your slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix all of the spices together.
- Trim all excess fat from the pork shoulder, then rub the spice mixture generously around the entire pork shoulder and place in the slow cooker.
- Turn your slow cooker to low and cook for 8 hours.
- Once your pork is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker to a plate or cutting board and use two forks to shred the pork.
LISA’S TIPS
- You can add some of the remaining liquid from the slow cooker to the pulled pork for extra moisture.
- This is a delicious BBQ sauce that’s also paleo and Whole30 friendly. It’s great on this pork!
- I’ve also heard great things about this slow cooker, if you’re looking to buy a new one.
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