The Ultimate Pulled Pork Recipe

By
Dona E
-
Pulled pork
Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a comforting weeknight meal, pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. Elevate your culinary game with our ultimate pulled pork recipe, guaranteed to leave your guests asking for seconds!

Ingredients

  • 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth or apple juice (for added moisture)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

  1. Start by patting the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to achieving a crispy and flavorful crust. Trim off any excess fat but leave a thin layer for added moisture during the cooking process.
  2. In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create your spice rub. Rub this mixture generously all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
  3. For this recipe, we’ll be using the slow-cook method to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker or crockpot. Pour the chicken broth or apple juice around the pork, not over it, to preserve the crust. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
  4. Once the pork is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker, and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, using two forks, gently shred the meat apart. The pork should be so tender that it falls apart effortlessly.
  5. Now comes the best part, adding the barbecue sauce! Mix in your favorite barbecue sauce, homemade or store-bought, with the shredded pork until it’s fully coated. You can adjust the amount of sauce based on your preference for sauciness.
  6. Pulled pork is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. For the classic pulled pork experience, pile it high on soft burger buns and serve with coleslaw for added crunch and tang. Alternatively, you can use it as a filling for tacos, sliders, or even pizza!