Pulled pork BBQ is a classic American dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or a casual dinner with friends. The slow cooker is an ideal way to cook pulled pork, as it allows the meat to become tender and flavorful with minimal effort. In this article, we’ll show you how to make delicious pulled pork BBQ in a slow cooker, with a recipe that’s easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to making pulled pork, the right cut of meat is essential. You want a cut that’s rich in connective tissue, as this will break down during cooking and make the meat tender and juicy. The most popular cuts of meat for pulled pork are:
- Pork shoulder: This is the most common cut of meat used for pulled pork, and for good reason. It’s rich in connective tissue, which makes it tender and flavorful.
- Pork butt: This cut is similar to the pork shoulder, but it’s a bit fattier. This makes it even more tender and juicy.
What to Look for When Buying Pork Shoulder or Butt
When buying pork shoulder or butt, there are a few things to look for to ensure you get the best cut of meat. Here are some tips:
- Look for a cut with a good layer of fat: This will help keep the meat moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Choose a cut with a good balance of meat and bone: This will ensure that the meat is tender and juicy, but still has some texture.
- Opt for a boneless cut: While bone-in cuts can be delicious, they can be a bit more difficult to work with. Boneless cuts are easier to shred and make into pulled pork.
Preparing the Meat
Before cooking the meat, you’ll need to prepare it by seasoning it with a dry rub. This will help bring out the flavors of the meat and add some extra flavor to the dish. Here’s a simple dry rub recipe you can use:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
Applying the Dry Rub
To apply the dry rub, simply rub it all over the meat, making sure to coat it evenly. You can use your hands or a spatula to apply the rub, depending on your preference.
Cooking the Meat
Now that the meat is prepared, it’s time to cook it. Here’s a basic recipe for cooking pulled pork in a slow cooker:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder or butt
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup beer (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Adding the Meat to the Slow Cooker
To cook the meat, simply add it to the slow cooker and pour in the barbecue sauce, beer (if using), brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine, then cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
What to Expect During Cooking
During cooking, the meat will start to break down and become tender. You’ll know it’s done when it’s easily shredded with a fork. If you prefer a more tender meat, you can cook it for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Shredding the Meat
Once the meat is cooked, it’s time to shred it. You can use two forks to shred the meat, or you can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Here’s how to shred the meat using two forks:
- Remove the meat from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
- Use two forks to shred the meat, working in opposite directions to break it down into tender strands.
- Continue shredding until the meat is fully broken down and there are no large chunks left.
Adding More Flavor to the Meat
Once the meat is shredded, you can add more flavor to it by stirring in some additional barbecue sauce. This will help bring out the flavors of the meat and add some extra moisture.
Serving the Pulled Pork
Now that the meat is shredded and flavored, it’s time to serve it. Here are some ideas for serving pulled pork:
- Serve it on a bun: Pulled pork is classic when served on a bun, topped with coleslaw and pickles.
- Serve it with sides: Pulled pork pairs well with a variety of sides, including coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread.
- Serve it as a sandwich: Pulled pork makes a great sandwich filling, especially when paired with coleslaw and pickles.
Some Popular Pulled Pork Variations
While traditional pulled pork is delicious, there are many variations you can try to mix things up. Here are a few ideas:
- Kansas City-style pulled pork: This style of pulled pork is known for its thick, sweet tomato-based sauce. To make it, simply stir in some additional barbecue sauce and a bit of brown sugar.
- Carolina-style pulled pork: This style of pulled pork is known for its vinegar-based sauce. To make it, simply stir in some additional apple cider vinegar and a bit of hot sauce.
- Texas-style pulled pork: This style of pulled pork is known for its beef-based broth. To make it, simply stir in some additional beef broth and a bit of chili powder.
Conclusion
Pulled pork BBQ is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. By following the recipe outlined in this article, you can create tender, flavorful pulled pork that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pulled pork or want to try something new, there are many variations you can try to mix things up. So next time you’re in the mood for something delicious, give pulled pork BBQ a try!
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork shoulder or butt | 2 pounds |
| Barbecue sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Beer (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Note: You can adjust the quantity of the ingredients according to your preference and the number of people you are serving.
What is the best type of pork to use for slow cooker pulled pork BBQ?
The best type of pork to use for slow cooker pulled pork BBQ is a tougher cut, such as a pork shoulder or Boston butt. This type of meat is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and falls apart easily after several hours of cooking. You can also use other tougher cuts of pork, such as a pork butt or a picnic shoulder.
When selecting a pork shoulder, look for one that is boneless and has a good layer of fat on it. The fat will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful during the cooking process. You can also use a bone-in pork shoulder, but you will need to remove the bone before shredding the meat.
How long does it take to cook slow cooker pulled pork BBQ?
The cooking time for slow cooker pulled pork BBQ will depend on the size of the pork shoulder and the temperature of your slow cooker. Generally, it takes around 8-10 hours to cook a 2-pound pork shoulder on low heat. If you prefer to cook the pork on high heat, it will take around 4-6 hours.
It’s essential to check the pork periodically to ensure it is tender and falls apart easily. If the pork is not tender after the recommended cooking time, cover the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork, which should be at least 190°F.
What is the best BBQ sauce to use for slow cooker pulled pork BBQ?
The best BBQ sauce to use for slow cooker pulled pork BBQ is a matter of personal preference. You can use a store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own using a combination of ingredients such as ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices. If you prefer a sweeter BBQ sauce, look for one that contains more brown sugar or honey.
If you prefer a tangier BBQ sauce, look for one that contains more vinegar or citrus juice. You can also add other ingredients to the BBQ sauce, such as hot sauce or smoked paprika, to give it a unique flavor. Some popular BBQ sauce brands include Kansas City Masterpiece, Sweet Baby Ray’s, and Bull’s-Eye.
Can I add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the pork?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the pork to give it more flavor. Some popular ingredients to add include onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes. You can also add other aromatics, such as celery and bay leaves, to the slow cooker.
When adding other ingredients to the slow cooker, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, if you add potatoes to the slow cooker, they may take longer to cook than the pork. You can also add other ingredients, such as BBQ sauce or broth, to the slow cooker to give the pork more flavor.
How do I shred the pork after it’s cooked?
To shred the pork after it’s cooked, use two forks to pull the meat apart into shreds. You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred the pork. Start by removing the pork from the slow cooker and placing it on a large cutting board.
Use the forks to pull the meat apart into shreds, working in sections until all the meat is shredded. You can also use a knife to cut the meat into smaller pieces before shredding it. Once the pork is shredded, return it to the slow cooker and add more BBQ sauce if desired.
Can I serve slow cooker pulled pork BBQ with other sides?
Yes, you can serve slow cooker pulled pork BBQ with other sides to make a complete meal. Some popular sides to serve with pulled pork include coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread. You can also serve the pulled pork on a bun, topped with coleslaw and pickles.
Other popular sides to serve with pulled pork include roasted vegetables, such as carrots and Brussels sprouts, and mashed potatoes. You can also serve the pulled pork with a side of crackers or chips, perfect for snacking. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative with your sides.
Can I refrigerate or freeze slow cooker pulled pork BBQ for later use?
Yes, you can refrigerate or freeze slow cooker pulled pork BBQ for later use. To refrigerate the pulled pork, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze the pulled pork, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When reheating the pulled pork, make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure food safety. You can reheat the pulled pork in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. Simply add more BBQ sauce if desired and serve.