Olivia Carter
If you’re a meat lover and can’t resist the temptation of juicy, succulent pulled pork, then you’re in for a treat. Food Network is known for its fantastic recipes that leave your taste buds dancing in delight, and their best pulled pork slow cooker recipe is no exception. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for game day, or simply craving some comfort food, this recipe is sure to impress.
What sets this pulled pork recipe apart is the slow cooker method, ensuring a tender and flavorful result that falls apart with the touch of a fork. The secret lies in the combination of spices and the long cooking time, allowing the flavors to meld together and infuse every fiber of the meat. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare. Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, you can achieve delicious pulled pork without breaking a sweat.
So, what exactly goes into this mouthwatering dish? The recipe calls for a generous portion of pork shoulder, coated in a homemade dry rub made with a blend of spices like paprika, brown sugar, cumin, and garlic powder. This mixture forms a flavorful crust that caramelizes during the slow cooking process, ensuring a beautiful maillard reaction and adding depth to the final result. The pork is then cooked in a pool of mouthwatering barbecue sauce, resulting in a sweet yet tangy flavor that enhances the natural richness of the meat.
Ingredients
Creating the perfect pulled pork in your slow cooker requires a handful of key ingredients. Use this recipe to craft a deliciously tender and flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Pork Shoulder:
The main component of any pulled pork recipe is a pork shoulder. This fatty and flavorful cut of meat is perfect for slow cooking, as the long cooking time allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in a moist and tender end product.
BBQ Sauce:
A good BBQ sauce is essential for adding that tangy and smoky flavor to your pulled pork. You can choose to make your own sauce from scratch using a combination of ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices, or you can opt for a store-bought variety that suits your taste preferences.
Seasonings:
To enhance the flavor of your pulled pork, be sure to have a selection of seasonings on hand. Common choices include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect blend for your tastes.
Onion and Garlic:
Adding onion and garlic to your pulled pork recipe can really take the flavor to the next level. These aromatic ingredients provide a savory depth that pairs well with the richness of the pork and the smokiness of the BBQ sauce.
Chicken broth:
A small amount of chicken broth can be added to the slow cooker to help keep the pork moist during the cooking process. This will ensure that the meat stays tender and juicy, even after hours of slow cooking.
Optional Extras:
Depending on your personal preferences, you may choose to add some optional extras to your pulled pork recipe. This could include ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, or even a splash of your favorite beer. These extras can add additional layers of flavor to your dish.
- Pork shoulder
- BBQ sauce
- Seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper)
- Onion and garlic
- Chicken broth
- Optional extras (Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, beer)
Prep Time
When it comes to making the best pulled pork in a slow cooker, proper preparation is key. This means taking the time to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment before you begin, as well as properly defrosting and preparing your pork. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure to properly season your pork and let it marinate for at least an hour before cooking. This will help to enhance the flavor and ensure that every bite of the pulled pork is delicious and tender.
To begin, gather all the ingredients listed in the recipe, such as the pork shoulder, seasonings, sauces, and any additional ingredients. Make sure that the pork shoulder is fully defrosted, as this will help it cook more evenly and ensure that it reaches the proper internal temperature. Once defrosted, trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the pork shoulder, as this can affect the texture of the pulled pork.
Next, season the pork shoulder with a blend of spices and herbs, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings, such as cumin, chili powder, or brown sugar, to customize the flavor to your liking. Rub the seasonings onto the pork shoulder, making sure to cover all sides evenly, and then let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
While the pork shoulder is marinating, take the time to prepare any additional ingredients, such as onions, garlic, or barbecue sauce. Finely chop the onions and garlic, and set them aside. If using barbecue sauce, choose your favorite brand or make your own from scratch. Having everything prepared and ready to go before starting the slow cooker will help to streamline the cooking process and ensure that you don’t forget any ingredients.
Cooking Time
Preparing the perfect pulled pork in your slow cooker requires a significant amount of time to ensure tender, flavorful, and fall-apart meat. The cooking time for pulled pork in a slow cooker can vary depending on the size and cut of the meat, as well as the specific recipe you are following.
Typically, it is recommended to cook a pork shoulder or pork butt in the slow cooker for about 8 to 10 hours on low heat. This long cooking time allows the collagen in the meat to break down and become tender, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. However, it’s important to remember that every slow cooker is different, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on your individual appliance.
Before placing the pork in the slow cooker, it’s a good idea to sear it in a hot pan to develop a nice crust and enhance the flavor. This step will add a few extra minutes to the overall cooking time but is well worth the effort. Once the pork is seared, it can be transferred to the slow cooker along with any seasonings, spices, and other ingredients specified in your chosen recipe.
During the cooking process, resist the temptation to remove the lid and check on the pork too frequently, as this will release heat and extend the cooking time. Trust the slow cooker to do its job and allow the flavors to develop without interruption. By the end of the cooking time, your pulled pork should be perfectly tender, moist, and ready to be enjoyed.
Instructions
To make the best pulled pork in a slow cooker according to Food Network’s recipe, follow the instructions below:
Gather the Ingredients
- 3 pounds of pork shoulder
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Prepare the Pork
Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into smaller chunks. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder to season it.
Cook the Pork
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
- Pour the BBQ sauce and chicken broth over the pork.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours.
- Once the pork is cooked and tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the cooking juices.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pulled pork on buns or with your favorite sides. Enjoy the delicious, tender, and flavorful pulled pork that you made using this slow cooker recipe!
Serving Suggestions
1. Pulled Pork Sliders: Serve the tender and flavorful pulled pork on soft slider buns, topped with a tangy barbecue sauce and crunchy coleslaw. This bite-sized version is perfect for parties or as a fun appetizer.
2. Pulled Pork Tacos: Fill warm tortillas with the pulled pork, and garnish with chopped cilantro, chopped onions, and a squeeze of lime. The smoky and juicy pulled pork adds a delicious twist to traditional tacos.
3. Pulled Pork Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, melted cheese, jalapenos, and black beans. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and serve with sour cream and guacamole for a crowd-pleasing snack or game day treat.
4. Pulled Pork Quesadillas: Spread pulled pork and shredded cheese between two tortillas. Cook until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown. Serve with salsa and sour cream for a cheesy and flavorful meal.
5. Pulled Pork Pizza: Use the pulled pork as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza crust. Add barbecue sauce, sliced red onions, and shredded cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown for a unique and delicious twist on pizza.
6. Pulled Pork Salad: Toss pulled pork with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and your favorite dressing. The rich flavors of the pulled pork complement the fresh and crisp salad ingredients for a satisfying and hearty meal.
7. Pulled Pork BBQ Hash: Combine pulled pork, diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers in a skillet. Cook until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve with fried eggs on top for a comforting and filling breakfast or brunch.
8. Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Bake sweet potatoes until tender, then split them open and fill with pulled pork, black beans, avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese. This combination of flavors and textures makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best pulled pork using a slow cooker:
- Choose the right cut of meat: Look for a pork shoulder or pork butt with plenty of marbling. This will ensure that the meat stays tender and juicy during the cooking process.
- Season your meat: Rub a generous amount of seasoning onto the pork before placing it into the slow cooker. This will add flavor to the meat as it cooks.
- Use a flavorful liquid: Instead of using plain water, opt for a flavorful liquid such as broth, apple cider, or a combination of sauces and spices. This will infuse the meat with additional taste.
- Cook on low and slow: Set your slow cooker to the low heat setting and let the pork cook for at least 8 hours. This will allow the meat to become tender and easily shredable.
- Shred the meat: Once the pork is cooked, use two forks to shred it apart. This will create that classic pulled pork texture.
- Moisten the meat: If your pulled pork turns out dry, you can add some of the cooking liquid back into the shredded meat to moisten it up.
In summary, to make the best pulled pork using a slow cooker, choose the right cut of meat, season it well, use a flavorful liquid, cook on low heat for a long period of time, shred the meat, and moisten it if needed. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious and tender pulled pork right at home.
10 Best Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Recipe Food Network
Award Winning BBQ Rub for Pork Dishes
Features
| Part Number | 177BPS |
| Model | 177BPS |
| Release Date | 2024-08-22T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 80 Ounce (Pack of 1) |
Premium Bone-In Pork Shoulder for Slow Cooking
Features
| Size | Large |
Essential BBQ Seasonings Variety Pack
Features
| Size | 6 Ounce (Pack of 8) |
Ultimate Brisket Seasoning Bundle
Features
| Size | 4-pack |
Pulled Pork Tacos Heavy-Duty Banner
Features
| Part Number | 52 x 120 Pulled Pork Tacos OB-8 |
| Size | 52" x 120" |
Programmable 8-Quart Slow Cooker
Features
| Part Number | 43237-2 |
| Model | SCCPVFC800-DS |
| Color | Black |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 8 Quarts |
Extra Large Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
Features
| Part Number | 33195 |
| Model | 33195 |
| Warranty | One(1) Year Warranty |
| Color | Black |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 10 Quarts |
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