Why You’ll Love this Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Recipe
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving comfort food, you’ll love this slow-cooked pulled pork recipe for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation.
The best part? You can set it and forget it! Just mix the ingredients, add the pork, and let your slow cooker work its magic.
In a few hours, your home will be filled with mouthwatering aromas, and you’ll be left with tender, juicy meat that practically falls apart.
It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or simply enjoying on its own. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this crowd-pleasing dish!
Ingredients of Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork
When it comes to making mouthwatering slow-cooked pulled pork, the right ingredients make all the difference. You want a balance of flavors that will elevate that tender meat to new heights. Luckily, the list isn’t too long, and you’ll probably recognize most of these items from your pantry or local grocery store.
After all, who doesn’t love a recipe that uses simple, everyday ingredients? So let’s explore what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/2 cup Heinz ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 3 1/2 lbs boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 4 pieces
Before you rush off to grab your shopping bags, let’s chat about a few considerations regarding these ingredients.
The pork shoulder is the star of the show here, so finding a good quality cut is important. Look for one that has a nice marbling of fat—this will keep your meat juicy and flavorful as it cooks.
And while you might think you have to stick to the brands mentioned, feel free to experiment a bit. If you have a different type of mustard or a homemade ketchup that you love, go ahead and use it.
Cooking is all about making it your own, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you for it!
How to Make Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork
Making slow-cooked pulled pork is really simpler than it sounds, and I promise you, it’s one of those recipes that will make you feel like a kitchen superstar. So, let’s get started. First things first, grab your trusty 6-quart crock pot and let’s get mixing.
In a large bowl, combine 2/3 cup of Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce, 1/2 cup of Heinz ketchup, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of tomato paste. Add in a medium onion, chopped (the more tears, the better, right?), along with 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Stir it all together until you have a nice, thick sauce that smells like a warm hug.
Now comes the fun part—introducing the star of the show: 3 1/2 lbs of boneless pork shoulder! Trimmed and cut into four pieces, it’s ready for its flavorful bath. Throw those pork pieces into the sauce, making sure they’re all nicely coated. You can even channel your inner chef and give them a little massage, if you’re feeling fancy.
Once everything’s coated, cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for about 8 to 10 hours. Yes, you heard me right. Let it go low and slow, and while you wait, you can catch up on your favorite show, or perhaps binge-watch that series everyone’s been raving about. Just don’t forget about it—you don’t want to end up with a smoke signal coming from your kitchen.
When the time’s up, you’ll know because your kitchen will smell absolutely divine. Carefully remove the pork from the pot, and using two forks, shred that meat like it’s going out of style. It’s going to be tender and juicy, so just imagine the satisfaction of pulling it apart.
After shredding, toss the meat back into the crock pot, giving it a good stir to mix with all that delicious sauce. Now, it’s time to serve! Spoon about 1/2 cup of that pulled pork onto a sandwich bun, and voilà, you’ve just created a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Trust me, this is a crowd-pleaser, and you might even want to save some for yourself—just hide it in the back of the fridge, and hope nobody finds it.
Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Substitutions & Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the art of slow-cooked pulled pork, let’s talk about some fun substitutions and variations to customize this dish to your taste.
For a spicier kick, try adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or some cayenne pepper. If you prefer a sweeter profile, swap in maple syrup for brown sugar.
You can also experiment with different meats, like chicken or beef brisket. For a tangy twist, incorporate apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar.
Don’t hesitate to play with spices, too—smoked paprika or garlic powder can elevate your flavor game.
Enjoy creating your unique version!
What to Serve with Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork
While slow-cooked pulled pork is a mouthwatering dish on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate the entire meal.
I love serving it with crunchy coleslaw for that perfect contrast of textures. Baked beans add a hearty touch, complementing the flavors beautifully.
If you’re in the mood for something fresh, a simple cucumber salad can help balance the richness of the pork. For a comforting option, garlic bread or cornbread always hits the spot.
Don’t forget a side of pickles or jalapeños for a zesty kick that brings everything together. Enjoy experimenting with these delicious pairings!
Additional Tips & Notes
When you’re preparing slow-cooked pulled pork, keep in mind a few tips to enhance your dish.
First, don’t skip the browning step; searing the pork adds depth to the flavor.
Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste—smoked paprika or cumin can elevate your dish. If you want a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños.
Finally, let the pork rest for a few minutes before shredding; it helps retain moisture.
Enjoy your pulled pork on soft buns, topped with coleslaw for that perfect crunch!