There are many options for the best pulled pork recipes. Some are easy to make in the oven, while others are best suited to slow-cooking in a smoker. The key is to make sure that your pulled pork is smoky and fall off-the-bone tender. Whether you use a stovetop smoker or oven, there are many ways to make pulled pork. Try one of these recipes for the best results.
While “pulled pork” may not be the most appealing, it’s a tasty way to cook your meat. Slow cooking makes the meat fall apart tender and easy to pull. You can serve the meat on pizza, mashed potatoes, or buns. No matter how you prepare it, everyone will love its soft, juicy taste. And you’ll have plenty of leftovers to share.
The 5 Best Pulled Pork Recipes
- Best Odds Pulled Pork
- Carolina-Style Pulled Pork Barbecue
- Crock Pot Pork Shoulder for Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Korean Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
While most pulled pork recipes call for a heavenly triumvirate of salt, sugar, and paprika, these three ingredients are not for the faint of heart. A dry rub with these three ingredients will impart a sweet, earthy taste to your meat. But be warned: over-salted meat is no good. You can add other spices to your dry rub, including garlic and cayenne pepper. If you want a tropical twist, try jerk pulled pork.
1. Best Odds Pulled Pork
More than any other barbecue ritual, Pulled pork has clung to its roots the longest. Smoke large slices of the brutal, inexpensive pig at low temperatures for hours before tearing them apart by hand and serving them on a bun or in a pile. While traditional cooking methods have been preserved in pulled pork, there is still a lot of diversity from region to region. For the most incredible pulled pork you can make at home, we’ve combined the best traditions with a more straightforward procedure.
2. Carolina-Style Pulled Pork Barbecue
Serve the pork pulled, shredded, or chopped in Carolina barbecue and sliced. You can also rub rubbed with a spice mixture before smoking and then wipe with a spice and vinegar liquid afterward. It is most likely the oldest type of barbeque in the United States. Hardwoods such as oak or hickory are commonly used.
3. Crock Pot Pork Shoulder for Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pork shoulder is slow-cooked to perfection with your favorite barbecue sauce for a fantastic main dish or pulled pork sandwiches in this crowd-pleasing recipe. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for family dinners, game-day gatherings, and potlucks. It can be shredded in a saucepan and kept warm while being served.
This is a primary method for pulled pork using a boneless or bone-in shoulder (also known as a Boston butt). Before you begin, make sure the pork shoulder will fit in the slow cooker and that you can close the lid tightly. Cut the pork into pieces if necessary to fit it into the cooker. To make this wonderful recipe, you’ll only need a few additional items.
4. Instant Pot Pulled Pork
When entertaining a family or a large group of people, pulled pork is one of the greatest and easiest dishes to prepare. On game day, nothing beats pulled pork sandwiches, and thanks to the Instant Pot pressure cooker, you can make pulled pork after a long day. The pork and seasonings take a few minutes to prepare, and the pork cooks in just 45 minutes in the Instant Pot.
5. Korean Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Both kids and adults will enjoy this Korean pulled pork recipe. It’s also straightforward because it’s done entirely in the slow cooker. This recipe is a winner because it combines exquisite flavors with ease of preparation. I prefer to serve this pulled pork with kimchi or your favorite Asian slaw on Hawaiian rolls or hamburger buns.
What’s the Secret to the Best-Pulled Pork?
Most experts think that the pork butt, also known as the Boston butt, is the ideal choice for pulled pork because of its tenderness, texture, and flavor. Primal cuts refer to major muscle groups that include the pork shoulder. Choose one large cut of meat to avoid it being too dry (a mistake that even the most seasoned pulled pork chefs make!). In this scenario, the key is to limit the exposed flesh surface to heat, which is the most prone to drying, while retaining the moisture within.
Why Pulled Pork is Dry?
It’s most likely that your pulled pork is dry because it’s been overdone. Keep the meat warm in a slow cooker, preferably with water or chicken stock added to help it retain moisture. Any leftover pulled pork should be consumed within three days to avoid drying out during storage.
Why Pulled Pork is Stringy?
Problems with pulled pork are relatively common. The pork becomes dry and stringy as a result of the cooking process. This can also happen if the pork is cooked excessively high for an extended period. Take apart the pork and moisten it with the pan juices to fix the problem. Adding a thick barbeque sauce will also assist in rehydrating the dish.
How Can You Make Pulled Pork More Flavorful?
Brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoky paprika, a generous amount of salt and pepper, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper are all used in this recipe! Make sure you use the entire amount of seasoning! Also, rub it into the pulled pork well, getting into all of the nooks and crannies!
Conclusion
The best-pulled pork recipes are not for the faint of heart. The savory pork is bursting with flavor and texture. It can be served as a sandwich, taco, or ramen, and it can even be used as a topping for pizza. The tastiest pulled pig recipes are bursting with flavor. Just make sure to choose the right one for your family and friends. You won’t be disappointed.
