Slow Cooked Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is one of those comforting, hearty dishes that can bring people together for any occasion. The tender, flavorful, and juicy meat that falls apart effortlessly with a fork makes it a favorite for family gatherings, barbecues, and weekend dinners. What’s even better? The slow-cooked method ensures that the pork absorbs all the spices and flavor, making every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re preparing a classic pulled pork sandwich or serving it alongside your favorite sides, it’s a meal that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through making the perfect slow-cooked pulled pork. We’ll cover everything from the preparation to cooking methods and how to serve this delicious dish.

1. What is Pulled Pork?

Pulled pork is a style of cooking pork where the meat is slow-cooked at low temperatures until it becomes so tender that it can be pulled apart using a fork. It’s typically made with pork shoulder or pork butt, as these cuts are tough but become extremely tender when cooked slowly. Pulled pork is often served with barbecue sauce, but it can be customized with different seasonings and toppings depending on the regional preferences or your personal taste.

This dish is a true classic in Southern cuisine, but it has found its way into mainstream cooking thanks to its rich flavor and versatility. It’s perfect for a casual dinner, a party, or even a food prep meal that you can enjoy throughout the week.

2. Why Use Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt?

When making pulled pork, it’s essential to use the right cut of meat. While there are many cuts of pork, the best for slow-cooked pulled pork are pork shoulder and pork butt. Both cuts are marbled with fat and connective tissue, which break down as they cook, making the meat tender and juicy.

Pork Shoulder:

This cut is more affordable and is perfect for slow-cooking because of its balance of fat and lean meat.

It can either be bone-in or boneless. Bone-in shoulder adds more flavor, while boneless shoulder is easier to work with when shredding.

Pork Butt:

Also known as Boston butt, this cut is ideal for pulled pork as it’s rich in marbling, which ensures the meat becomes super tender during slow cooking.

Like the shoulder, pork butt has a high fat content, which renders out during cooking, creating flavorful meat that pulls apart easily.

Both cuts give you the tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork we love.

3. Preparing the Pork for Cooking

Before slow-cooking, it’s essential to season and prepare the pork to ensure maximum flavor. Here’s how to prepare it for cooking:

1. Trim Excess Fat:

While a certain amount of fat is necessary to make the meat tender and juicy, you want to trim off any large, hard pieces of fat. Too much fat can result in greasy meat that doesn’t shred well.

2. Apply a Dry Rub:

A dry rub is an essential part of any pulled pork recipe. The dry rub consists of a blend of spices that creates a flavorful crust on the outside of the meat while it cooks. Common dry rub ingredients include:

Brown sugar (for sweetness)

Paprika (for color and smoky flavor)

Garlic powder (for savory depth)

Onion powder

Chili powder or cayenne pepper (for heat)

Salt and pepper

Massage the dry rub all over the pork, ensuring it’s coated evenly. Let the meat sit with the rub for at least an hour, or overnight in the refrigerator, for the flavors to really penetrate.

3. Searing the Pork (Optional):

While not mandatory, some people like to sear the pork in a hot pan before slow cooking it. This creates a crust that enhances the flavor. Heat a bit of oil in a pan and sear the pork on all sides for 3-4 minutes. This step is optional but helps create a flavorful exterior.

4. Slow Cooking the Pork

Now that your pork is seasoned, it’s time to slow-cook it. There are two popular methods for slow cooking: using a slow cooker or cooking in the oven. Both methods yield tender, juicy pulled pork, but let’s break down both options.

Using a Slow Cooker:

The slow cooker method is hands-off, making it a great option if you’re busy or want to leave the pork to cook while you’re away.

Ingredients: Aside from the seasoned pork, you’ll need a few additional ingredients:

1 large onion, sliced

1 cup barbecue sauce (or more, depending on preference)

½ cup apple cider vinegar (to help tenderize the meat and add a tangy flavor)

1-2 cups of broth (chicken or vegetable, for moisture)

Steps:

Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Place the seasoned pork on top of the onions.

Add the broth and apple cider vinegar to the pot.

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the meat easily shreds with a fork.

Once done, remove the pork and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat.

Pour your favorite barbecue sauce over the shredded pork and toss to coat.

Oven Method:

If you prefer to use the oven for a more traditional approach, this method will work beautifully.

Ingredients: Same as the slow cooker method, except for the slow cooker, you’ll need an oven-safe roasting pan or Dutch oven.

Steps:

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

Place the seasoned pork in a roasting pan or Dutch oven.

Add broth and apple cider vinegar to the pan.

Cover with a lid or foil and roast for 4-5 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.

Shred the pork and mix with barbecue sauce.

Both methods deliver the same delicious result, but using a slow cooker may be more convenient for hands-off cooking.

5. How to Make Your Own Barbecue Sauce

Although store-bought barbecue sauce is convenient, homemade barbecue sauce can elevate your pulled pork with unique flavors. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own:

Ingredients:

1 cup ketchup

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

¼ cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Instructions:

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.

Stir continuously and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed (add more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tang).

Pour over your pulled pork and mix well.

6. How to Serve Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some of the most popular ways to enjoy it:

1. Pulled Pork Sandwiches:

The most classic way to serve pulled pork is on a bun with some coleslaw, pickles, and extra barbecue sauce. The creamy slaw and tangy pickles balance the rich, smoky pork perfectly.

2. Pulled Pork Tacos:

Use soft corn tortillas and add pulled pork, topped with avocado, salsa, and cilantro. For extra flavor, squeeze some lime on top.

3. Pulled Pork Sliders:

Mini versions of pulled pork sandwiches are perfect for parties and gatherings. Serve them on small slider buns for bite-sized portions.

4. Pulled Pork Bowls:

Serve the pulled pork on top of a bed of rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Add some roasted vegetables or sautéed greens for a complete meal.

5. Pulled Pork with Sides:

Pulled pork pairs perfectly with many classic side dishes like baked beans, cornbread, mac and cheese, or grilled vegetables.

7. Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork

To ensure your pulled pork turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:

Low and Slow: The key to tender pulled pork is cooking it on low heat for a long time. Don’t rush the process.

Rest Before Shredding: Let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

Don’t Skip the Fat: The fat on the pork adds flavor and keeps the meat moist. Just trim the large, hard pieces and leave the rest.

Shred it While Hot: Shred the pork while it’s still hot to get the best texture.

Add Moisture: If the pork starts to dry out during cooking, add more broth, apple cider vinegar, or barbecue sauce.

8. Leftovers and Meal Prep Ideas

Pulled pork makes excellent leftovers. In fact, it’s often even better the next day once all the flavors have had time to meld together. Here are a few ways to use up leftover pulled pork:

Pulled Pork Quesadillas: Use leftover pulled pork and cheese to make delicious quesadillas. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

Pulled Pork Pizza: Use pulled pork as a topping for a barbecue pizza. Add red onions, mozzarella cheese, and extra barbecue sauce.

Pulled Pork Chili: Add pulled pork to a pot of chili for a smoky flavor boost.

Pulled Pork Hash: Mix leftover pulled pork with diced potatoes, onions, and peppers for a hearty breakfast hash.

9. Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Pulled pork is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, family gathering, or just enjoying it as a meal prep dish, its tender, flavorful nature never disappoints. With the right preparation, slow cooking method, and seasoning, you can create pulled pork that’s just as delicious as your favorite restaurant version—if not better!

So grab your pork shoulder, prepare your dry rub, and let your slow cooker or oven work its magic. Soon, you’ll have a batch of melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork ready to be enjoyed in countless ways.