Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork Recipe Recipes A to Z from www.recipesaz.com
Introduction
Pulled pork is a classic American dish that's loved by many. It's a perfect dish for a large crowd, a party or just a casual dinner at home. The best part is, it's incredibly easy to make in a slow cooker. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make delicious slow cooker pulled pork that's juicy, tender and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make slow cooker pulled pork:
3-4 lbs pork shoulder or butt
1 onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Buns for serving
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to making pulled pork, it's important to choose the right cut of meat. Pork shoulder or butt are the best options because they have enough fat to keep the meat moist during cooking. Plus, they have enough connective tissue to break down and become tender.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make slow cooker pulled pork:
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder or butt. Cut the meat into large chunks, roughly 2-3 inches in size.
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, cumin, chili powder, brown sugar, salt and black pepper.
Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add the seasoned pork on top of the onions and garlic.
In a separate bowl, mix together the ketchup, water, apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the mixture over the pork.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
Once the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board.
Using two forks, shred the pork into small pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat or gristle.
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce that's left in the pot.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
When ready to serve, place a generous portion of pulled pork on a bun and top with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles or barbecue sauce.
Tips for Success
To ensure that your slow cooker pulled pork turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
Don't skip the step of searing the meat before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help to lock in the flavor and create a nice crust on the outside of the pork.
If you're short on time, you can cook the pork on high for 4-6 hours instead of low for 8-10. However, the longer cooking time will result in more tender, flavorful meat.
For even more flavor, you can add a few tablespoons of liquid smoke to the sauce mixture.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the pulled pork for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Here's the nutrition information for one serving of slow cooker pulled pork (not including the bun or additional toppings):
Calories: 270
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 97mg
Sodium: 570mg
Potassium: 640mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 7g
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 5% DV
Calcium: 4% DV
Iron: 15% DV
Conclusion
Slow cooker pulled pork is a classic comfort food that's perfect for any occasion. With this recipe, you'll be able to make juicy, tender pulled pork that's full of flavor. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make in a slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it. Serve it up with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
