If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that nothing beats a good, hearty meal that you can just set and forget. And what could be more satisfying than the succulent, fall-apart tenderness of pulled pork, slow-cooked to perfection? Can you already smell the divine aroma wafting from your kitchen?
Imagine this: the Crockpot is to cooking what a skilled artisan is to his craft. It takes his raw materials (in this case, your ingredients) and, with expert precision and patience, transforms them into a masterpiece (your delicious meal). This Crockpot Pulled Pork recipe is just that – a culinary work of art that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
The Magic of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is like the tortoise in the famous tortoise and the hare fable – slow and steady indeed wins the race. The prolonged cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, while the low temperature ensures your pork is cooked evenly without drying out. The result? A tender, juicy pulled pork that’s bursting with flavor.
Moreover, using a Crockpot simplifies the cooking process. No need to fret over changing oven temperatures or stirring constantly. Just load in your ingredients, set the timer, and let the Crockpot work its magic. It’s hassle-free cooking at its best.
Choosing the Right Cut of Pork
When it comes to making pulled pork, the cut of meat you choose can make a world of difference. The pork shoulder, also known as Boston Butt, is the most favored choice for this recipe. This cut is marbled with enough fat to keep the meat moist during the slow cooking process.
However, don’t shy away from using other cuts like pork loin or even a whole hog if you’re cooking for a large crowd. Just remember, the key is to slow cook the meat until it’s so tender, it can be easily “pulled” apart with a fork.
Flavoring Your Pulled Pork
The beauty of pulled pork lies in its versatility. You can flavor it in countless ways. This recipe uses a blend of savory, sweet, and spicy ingredients to create a balanced flavor profile that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your personal taste.
Don’t forget the sauce! A good barbecue sauce can elevate your pulled pork to new heights. Whether you like your sauce sweet, tangy, smoky, or hot, it serves as the perfect finishing touch to your slow-cooked masterpiece.
Making Your Own Crockpot Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 2 kg pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Mix together brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
- Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the Crockpot. Place the pork on top.
- In a bowl, mix together barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the pork.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender enough to be easily shredded with a fork.
- Remove the pork from the Crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the Crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 328
- Total Fat: 14g
- Protein: 39g
- Carbohydrates: 8g