Olivia Carter
BBQ pulled pork is a classic comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or simply want a delicious and hearty meal, this slow cooker recipe will be a hit with your guests or family.
Slow cooking is the key to achieving tender and flavorful pulled pork. By cooking the pork low and slow, you allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become incredibly tender. Plus, using a slow cooker takes minimal effort and allows you to set it and forget it.
With this BBQ pulled pork recipe, you can enjoy the rich, smoky, and tangy flavors of your favorite barbecue joint in the comfort of your own home. The secret to this recipe is a homemade barbecue sauce that is loaded with flavor and complemented by the natural sweetness of brown sugar.
Simply place a pork shoulder or butt in your slow cooker, top it with the homemade sauce, and let it cook for hours until the pork is easily shredded with a fork. The result is melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork that is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, or simply enjoyed on its own.
So why wait? Grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy some mouthwatering BBQ pulled pork. Follow this easy recipe and impress your friends and family with a truly delicious meal that will have them coming back for seconds.
The Best Method
When it comes to cooking BBQ pulled pork in a slow cooker, there are a few different methods you can use. However, one method that consistently produces tender and flavorful pork is the low and slow method.
To start, you’ll need a boneless pork shoulder or pork butt, which are the ideal cuts for making pulled pork. Trim any excess fat from the meat and cut it into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 pounds boneless pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the pork pieces in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over the top, making sure to coat the meat evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The longer you cook the pork, the more tender it will become.
- Once the pork is fully cooked and tender, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any excess fat.
- Pour the remaining sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it thickens slightly.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and pour the thickened sauce over the top. Mix well to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the BBQ pulled pork on buns or rolls, topped with extra sauce if desired. Enjoy!
This low and slow cooking method ensures that the pork becomes incredibly tender and easily falls apart, making it perfect for sandwiches or tacos. The combination of the BBQ sauce, spices, and slow cooking process creates a rich and smoky flavor that is sure to satisfy your craving for BBQ pulled pork.
So, if you’re looking for the best method to cook BBQ pulled pork in a slow cooker, give this low and slow recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
Choosing the Right Cut
When it comes to cooking BBQ pulled pork in a slow cooker, selecting the right cut of meat is essential. The most commonly used cut for pulled pork is the pork shoulder, also known as the pork butt or Boston butt. This cut is well-marbled with fat, which helps keep the meat moist and tender during the long cooking process.
Another option is the pork loin, which is a leaner cut of meat. While it may not be as tender or flavorful as the pork shoulder, it can still be used for pulled pork. However, it is important to note that leaner cuts of meat can dry out more easily, so you may need to take extra care to ensure it stays moist.
When selecting a pork shoulder or pork loin for pulled pork, look for a piece of meat that is well-trimmed and free of any excessive fat or connective tissue. This will make it easier to shred the meat once it is cooked.
It is also worth mentioning that some recipes call for a bone-in pork shoulder, while others call for a boneless one. The choice between bone-in and boneless is largely a matter of personal preference. Bone-in cuts tend to have slightly more flavor, while boneless cuts can be easier to work with when shredding the meat.
Overall, when choosing the right cut of meat for BBQ pulled pork in a slow cooker, pork shoulder is the preferred option due to its marbling and flavor. However, if you prefer a leaner cut, pork loin can also be used with a little extra care to keep it moist during cooking.
Preparing the Meat
Before cooking the BBQ pulled pork, it is essential to prepare the meat properly. Following these steps will ensure that the meat is tender and flavorful.
1. Choose the right cut of pork: The best cut of pork for making pulled pork is the pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts are well-marbled and contain enough fat to keep the meat moist during the long cooking process.
2. Trim excess fat: While a little bit of fat is desirable for flavor and tenderness, excessive fat can make the pulled pork greasy. Trim any excess fat from the meat, leaving a thin layer to enhance the flavor.
3. Season the meat: To add flavor to the pulled pork, season it generously with a dry rub. The dry rub can be a combination of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other desired spices. Apply the rub all over the meat, making sure to massage it in for even distribution.
4. Let the meat rest: After seasoning, let the meat rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and helps it cook more evenly.
5. Sear the meat (optional): For extra flavor, you can sear the meat before slow cooking it. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meat on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is not necessary but can enhance the overall taste.
6. Use a slow cooker liner: Line the slow cooker with a liner or use cooking spray to prevent the meat from sticking to the bottom.
| Tip: | For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the meat overnight in your favorite BBQ sauce before slow cooking it. Alternatively, you can reserve the BBQ sauce for serving. |
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Seasoning and Marinating
Seasoning and marinating your pork before cooking is key to achieving delicious BBQ pulled pork. Here are some tips to get the best flavor:
- Start by choosing a good quality pork shoulder or butt. This cut of meat has enough fat to keep it moist during the long cooking process.
- Prepare a dry rub by combining spices like paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Rub this mixture all over the pork, covering it evenly.
- Wrap the seasoned pork tightly in plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- If you prefer a wet marinade, you can mix together ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, and spices. Place the pork in a resealable plastic bag, add the marinade, seal the bag, and let it marinate as mentioned above.
- Your homemade marinade will add depth and complexity to the flavor of the pork, so don’t be shy about experimenting with different ingredients and combinations.
- Before cooking, remove the pork from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will ensure even cooking and help the meat retain its juices.
By taking the time to season and marinate your pork properly, you’ll be rewarded with tender and flavorful BBQ pulled pork that will impress your family and friends.
Slow Cooking Process
Slow cooking is the perfect method for preparing tender and flavorful barbecue pulled pork. This cooking technique allows the pork to cook low and slow, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich smoky flavor.
To begin the slow cooking process, start by preparing the pork. Choose a boneless pork shoulder or pork butt, as they are the best cuts for pulled pork. Trim off any excess fat and season the pork generously with your favorite dry rub or spices.
Next, preheat your slow cooker on the low setting. A slow cooker, also known as a crock-pot, is a countertop appliance designed for long, slow cooking. It is an essential tool for achieving the perfect pulled pork texture.
Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker and cover it with a lid. Allow the pork to cook for 8-10 hours on the low setting. The low temperature and long cooking time allow the pork to gradually break down and become tender.
During the cooking process, the pork will release its juices and create a flavorful cooking liquid. This liquid is perfect for basting the pork throughout the cooking process, as it helps to keep the meat moist and infuse it with additional flavor.
After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker. The pork should be very tender and easy to shred using two forks. Pull the pork apart into small, bite-sized pieces, discarding any excess fat or gristle.
Once the pork is shredded, you have several options for finishing the dish. You can return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with your favorite barbecue sauce for a classic pulled pork flavor. Alternatively, you can mix the pork with a different sauce or seasoning of your choice to customize the flavor to your liking.
When the pork is fully coated in sauce, cover the slow cooker once again and allow it to cook for an additional 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a delicious saucy pulled pork.
Finally, it’s time to serve the slow-cooked barbecue pulled pork. You can serve it on a bun with coleslaw for a classic pulled pork sandwich, or enjoy it alongside your favorite barbecue sides such as baked beans or macaroni and cheese. No matter how you serve it, the slow-cooked pulled pork is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Shredding and Serving
Once the pork is tender and cooked through, it’s time to shred the meat. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or large plate. Use two forks to shred the meat apart into smaller pieces. Pull the forks in opposite directions, separating the strands of pork. Continue shredding until all the meat is pulled apart.
After shredding the pork, you can choose to mix it with some of the cooking juices from the slow cooker to enhance the flavor and moistness of the meat. Spoon some of the juices over the shredded pork and stir until well combined. If you like a saucier pulled pork, you can also add your favorite barbecue sauce to the shredded meat and mix well.
Once the pulled pork is well-shredded and mixed with the desired amount of sauce, it’s ready to be served. You can serve it on a bun as a classic pulled pork sandwich, or get creative and use it as a topping for tacos, nachos, or even pizza. The possibilities are endless!
Don’t forget to garnish your pulled pork with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, or a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce. The tanginess of the coleslaw or the crunchiness of the pickles can add a delicious contrast to the rich and savory pulled pork.
Enjoy your homemade BBQ pulled pork straight from the slow cooker and savor every bite of its tender, flavorful goodness!
Questions and answers
What is the best cut of pork to use for BBQ pulled pork in a slow cooker?
The best cut of pork to use for BBQ pulled pork in a slow cooker is a pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts have a good amount of fat which adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist during the long cooking process.
Do I need to marinate the pork before cooking it in a slow cooker?
No, marinating the pork is not necessary when cooking it in a slow cooker. However, you can marinate the pork in a BBQ sauce or dry rub overnight for added flavor if desired.
How long does it take to cook BBQ pulled pork in a slow cooker?
It typically takes about 8-10 hours to cook BBQ pulled pork in a slow cooker on low heat. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high heat for 4-6 hours, but the meat may not be as tender.
Can I use any type of BBQ sauce for pulled pork?
Yes, you can use any type of BBQ sauce for pulled pork. Whether you prefer a sweet or tangy BBQ sauce, or a spicy and smoky one, it’s a matter of personal preference. Feel free to experiment with different sauces to find your favourite.
