5 Mouthwatering Pulled Pork Recipes You'll Love

Who doesn't love the tender, flavorful essence of pulled pork? This comfort food staple, with its rich history in American barbeque culture, is versatile enough to fit into a variety of meals, from sliders to tacos. In this blog post, we dive deep into 5 Mouthwatering Pulled Pork Recipes You'll Love, offering you a feast of flavors and techniques to create this beloved dish. Whether you're using a slow cooker, an oven, or a grill, these recipes will guide you through making perfectly succulent pulled pork every time.

Classic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

The beauty of slow cooking lies in its simplicity and the development of deep flavors over time. Here’s how to make classic slow cooker pulled pork:

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt)
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Combine salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar in a bowl.
2. Rub the pork shoulder thoroughly with the spice mixture.
3. Place the pork into the slow cooker.
4. Pour apple cider vinegar and chicken broth around the pork.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours, until the pork shreds easily.
6. Shred with two forks, mix in some of the juices from the slow cooker for extra flavor.

🌟 Note: For added zest, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to mimic a BBQ flavor.

Oven-Baked Pulled Pork with Cola Barbecue Sauce

Pulled pork isn’t exclusive to the grill or slow cooker; the oven can yield tender results with the help of a cola BBQ sauce:

• 4 lbs pork butt
• 1 can (12oz) cola
• ¹⁄₂ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¹⁄₂ cup brown sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Season the pork with salt and pepper.
3. Mix cola, vinegar, sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and spices for the sauce.
4. Place pork in a roasting pan, pour half the cola sauce over it.
5. Cover with foil and bake for about 4 hours.
6. Uncover, pour the remaining sauce, and cook for an additional 30 minutes to caramelize.
7. Shred the pork, mix with the sauce, and serve.

🌟 Note: Be mindful not to reduce the cola too much; it can become overly sweet.

Grilled Chipotle Honey Pulled Pork

This recipe takes pulled pork to new heights with a smoky, sweet, and spicy blend:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder
• ¹⁄₂ cup honey
• ¹⁄₄ cup chipotle in adobo sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill for indirect heat at about 250°F (121°C).
2. Mix honey, chipotle sauce, soy sauce, garlic, paprika, and cumin for the marinade.
3. Marinate the pork overnight or at least 3 hours.
4. Place pork on the grill away from the direct heat.
5. Grill for 6-8 hours, basting occasionally with the marinade.
6. Rest the pork for 20 minutes, then shred.

🌟 Note: Patience is key here; low and slow grilling will ensure tender results.

Instant Pot Pulled Pork with Caribbean Flair

For a quick, flavor-packed option, the Instant Pot is your friend:

• 2 lbs pork butt
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 1 tbsp allspice
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (optional for heat)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in the Instant Pot insert, including pork.
2. Pressure cook on high for 70 minutes.
3. Allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
4. Shred pork, mix with cooking liquid, and serve.

🌟 Note: The Scotch bonnet pepper imparts a delightful heat; handle with care.

Apple Cider Braised Pulled Pork

The flavors of autumn can infuse pulled pork with this unique recipe:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 apple, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (149°C).
2. Season the pork generously with salt and pepper.
3. Brown the pork in a Dutch oven on the stove.
4. Remove pork, add onions, garlic, apple, and cook until soft.
5. Return pork to the pot, mix cider with mustard and brown sugar, pour over pork.
6. Cover and braise in the oven for 3-4 hours.
7. Shred pork, mix with braising liquid, and serve.

🌟 Note: The cider’s acidity helps to tenderize the pork while adding sweetness.

In summary, pulled pork is more than just a meal; it's an experience, offering layers of flavor that can be adjusted to fit any palate. From the classic slow cooker method that embraces the simplicity of cooking to the quick Instant Pot option for a Caribbean twist, these recipes provide options for every cooking enthusiast. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal to share with friends or a flavorful twist for a family dinner, pulled pork offers comfort and versatility. Remember, the key to exceptional pulled pork is patience, whether you're grilling, braising, or pressure cooking. Enjoy experimenting with these mouthwatering recipes and uncover your favorite way to savor this delightful dish.

Can I use a different cut of pork for these recipes?

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Pork shoulder, or Boston butt, is ideal because of its fat content, which keeps the meat moist and tender. However, you can use pork loin, though it’s leaner and might result in drier pulled pork.

How do I store leftover pulled pork?

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Keep pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.

Can these recipes be adapted for vegetarian diets?

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Yes, while pulled pork traditionally uses meat, you can try jackfruit or mushrooms as a substitute for texture. The flavors from the sauces can still be applied for a similar taste experience.

What side dishes go well with pulled pork?

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Classic pairings include coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and potato salad. Pickles or pickled onions also complement the rich, fatty pork flavor nicely.

How can I make pulled pork healthier?

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To make pulled pork healthier, reduce the amount of sugar in the sauces, use leaner cuts of pork, and serve it with lighter sides. You can also incorporate more vegetables into the dish or opt for a spicier flavor profile which often requires less sugar.