Pulled Pork Recipe

This classic Pulled Pork recipe is a versatile and tender dish that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even salads. Made with a well-seasoned pork shoulder, this recipe can be cooked in the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, making it adaptable for any kitchen. The pork is slow-cooked until it becomes juicy and fall-apart tender, then shredded and served on soft rolls with a drizzle of BBQ sauce and coleslaw for the ultimate flavor combination. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a BBQ or prepping meals for the week, this pulled pork is sure to satisfy.

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Ingredients:

• 3-4 pound boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt)
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons dry ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 8 soft sandwich rolls (for serving)
• BBQ sauce (for serving)
• Coleslaw (for serving)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork:

• Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder, but leave some for flavor and moisture. Cut the pork into 4 equal pieces for even cooking.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dry mustard, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne.
• Rub the spice mixture generously all over the pork pieces, making sure to coat all sides and get into the crevices for maximum flavor.

2. Oven Method:

• Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar into the bottom of a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Stir to combine.
• Add the seasoned pork to the pot, cover with the lid, and place it in the oven. Cook for 3 hours covered, then remove the lid and continue cooking for another 1-2 hours until the pork is very tender and pulls apart easily.
• Once cooked, transfer the pork to a clean surface and shred it using two forks. Drizzle some of the pot juices over the meat to keep it moist.

3. Slow Cooker Method:

• Pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar into the base of the slow cooker. Add the seasoned pork pieces.
• Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, until the pork is tender and easily pulled apart.
• Remove the pork from the slow cooker, shred it with forks, and moisten with a little of the cooking juices.

4. Instant Pot Method:

• Add the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar to the base of the Instant Pot. Place the seasoned pork pieces inside.
• Lock the lid into place and make sure the vent is set to sealed.
• Cook on Manual/High pressure for 65 minutes. After cooking, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for about 15 minutes.
• Once done, remove the pork and shred it. Add some of the juices from the Instant Pot for extra moisture.

5. To Serve:

• Pile the pulled pork onto soft rolls. Top with your favorite BBQ sauce and a generous serving of coleslaw if desired.

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Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork:

• Searing the pork before slow cooking (if you have time) adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the meat. Sear the pork in a hot skillet with some oil until browned on all sides before proceeding with any cooking method.
• Use the right cut: Pork shoulder (Boston butt) is ideal because of its marbling, which breaks down during slow cooking and keeps the pork moist and flavorful.
• Customize the heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount.
• Crispy edges: For a bit of texture, you can spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes to crisp up the edges before serving.
• Leftovers: Pulled pork stores beautifully. Keep it in an airtight container with some of the juices to maintain moisture. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Pulled Pork Sandwiches: The classic way to enjoy pulled pork—pile it high on sandwich rolls, drizzle with BBQ sauce, and top with crunchy coleslaw for texture and tang.
• Tacos: Use the pulled pork as a filling for soft tortillas, topped with fresh salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
• Pulled Pork Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with pork, cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings, then bake until bubbly and golden.

This Pulled Pork is a fantastic option for feeding a crowd or making ahead for easy meals throughout the week. Its tender, flavorful meat pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings, making it endlessly versatile. Enjoy!