Pulled Pork Recipes
- Laura Wayte
- Mar 8
- 3 min read
Pulled pork is one of the most versatile dishes. It's simple to prepare and incredibly flavorful. By choosing a good quality shoulder roast, you can make tender, juicy pulled pork that works in a variety of meals. Whether you crave a classic barbecue dish or something a bit different, pulled pork is an excellent choice. In this article, we’ll guide you through the cooking process and offer scrumptious recipe ideas to showcase this delicious ingredient. Click on the images to get to other recipes to consider.
Selecting the Right Cut of Meat
Choosing the right cut of meat is critical for perfect pulled pork. The pork shoulder, also known as a Boston butt, is your best bet. It has an ideal mix of meat and fat that results in a juicy and flavorful dish.
Look for a roast that has a good amount of marbling. Marbling refers to the small flecks of fat within the meat, which help keep it moist during cooking. You’ll want a cut that is at least 20% fat to ensure tenderness.
Cooking Pulled Pork: The Basics
Ingredients
To create your pulled pork, gather these ingredients:
4-5 pounds of pork shoulder
1 tablespoon of olive oil
2 tablespoons of paprika
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of onion powder
1 tablespoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup of chicken broth or apple cider vinegar for moisture
Instructions
Prepare Your Spice Mix: In a bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mixing these spices ensures a well-rounded flavor.
Season the Roast: Coat the pork shoulder in olive oil. Generously apply the spice mix to the meat, making sure to cover all sides for an even flavor.
Cooking Method: You can cook the pork using one of three methods:
Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C). Place the roast in a pan with the broth or vinegar. Cover tightly with foil and cook for 4-5 hours.
Slow Cooker: Set to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 90 minutes.
Check for Doneness: The pork is ready when it’s tender and shreds easily with a fork. The interior of the roast should reach 145°F.
Let It Rest: Allow the pork to rest for 20-30 minutes after cooking. This step keeps the juices locked inside.
Shred the Meat: Use two forks to pull the pork apart into pieces.
Different Ways to Use Pulled Pork
Pulled Pork Tacos
One of the easiest and tastiest options is tacos. Use your favorite tortillas and fill them with shredded pork. Top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado, hot sauce and a squeeze of lime juice.
BBQ Pork Sandwiches
The Western classic pulled pork sandwich is always a good choice. I have wonderful memories of pork sandwiches with sliced onions and tomatoes and BBQ sauce at the county fair. I looked forward to that every year! It turns out it is very easy to recreate. Serve the pork on a toasted bun with barbecue sauce. Add a layer of coleslaw for texture and balance.
Bowls of all kinds
Create a nutritious bowl by layering pulled pork over various bases: you choose the theme - Mexican, Italian, Thai, Vietnamese, German - and put together the ingredients in a bowl, with the pulled pork on top with sauce.
Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
For healthy eating, fill baked sweet potatoes with shredded pulled pork. Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt and chives for extra flavor. This combination is rich in nutrients and flavors, making it a winning recipe.
Pulled Pork Pizza
Transform pulled pork into a delightful pizza topping. Spread your favorite pizza sauce on the dough and top with shredded pork, mozzarella cheese, and red onions. Maybe add pineapple slices for some flavorful controversy! Bake until the cheese is bubbly.
Pulled Pork Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, black beans, jalapeños, and cheese. Bake until warm and the cheese melts. Serve with sour cream and guacamole for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. This is ideal for game day or casual gatherings.