If you are looking for a meal that is both delicious and easy to prepare, then a slow-cooked pulled pork recipe should be at the top of your list. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a weekend get-together with friends. The pork is cooked slowly over low heat, which allows the meat to become tender and juicy. The end result is a flavorful and succulent dish that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients
To make this slow-cooked pulled pork recipe, you will need the following ingredients: - 2-3 pound pork shoulder or butt - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 tablespoon salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. 2. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to cover the entire surface. 3. Place the pork in a slow cooker and pour the chicken broth over it. 4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily. 5. Once the pork is cooked, use two forks to shred the meat into small pieces. 6. Drain any excess liquid from the slow cooker and return the shredded pork to the pot. 7. Pour the barbecue sauce over the pork and stir to combine. 8. Cook on low heat for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the pork is heated through. 9. Serve the pulled pork on a bun with coleslaw or your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
This slow-cooked pulled pork recipe makes approximately 8 servings. Each serving contains approximately: - Calories: 360 - Fat: 14g - Carbohydrates: 27g - Protein: 31g - Sodium: 1270mg
Tips for Making the Perfect Pulled Pork
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect slow-cooked pulled pork: - Use a pork shoulder or butt: These cuts of meat are ideal for slow cooking because they have a lot of fat and connective tissue, which helps keep the meat moist and tender. - Rub the pork with spices: A good spice rub will add flavor to the meat and help form a tasty crust on the outside. - Cook on low heat: Slow cooking is the key to making tender and juicy pulled pork. Cook the pork on low heat for at least 8 hours, or until it falls apart easily. - Shred the pork: Once the pork is cooked, use two forks to shred the meat into small pieces. This will make it easier to eat and help the pork absorb the barbecue sauce. - Add barbecue sauce: Barbecue sauce is the classic condiment for pulled pork. Choose your favorite brand or make your own sauce from scratch.
Variations
Here are some variations to try with this slow-cooked pulled pork recipe: - Spicy pulled pork: Add some heat to your pulled pork by adding a chopped jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub. - Asian pulled pork: Replace the barbecue sauce with a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and ginger for an Asian twist on this classic dish. - Carnitas: Use the same spice rub and cooking method to make tender and flavorful carnitas. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Conclusion
This slow-cooked pulled pork recipe is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a favorite in your household. It requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. Serve it on a bun with coleslaw or use it to make tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. The possibilities are endless!