Slow Cooker Southern Pulled Pork

Pulled pork. Just the name conjures up images of smoky goodness, tender meat that practically falls apart at the touch, and the irresistible aroma that will have your neighbors knocking on your door. If you’re a BBQ enthusiast or simply looking to impress your guests with a show-stopping meal, then pulled pork is a must-try.

This classic dish involves slow-cooking a large cut of pork, typically a pork shoulder or butt, until it becomes incredibly tender. The meat is then shredded or “pulled” apart using forks, hence the name. The result? Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even just eating on its own.

Choosing Your Pork:

Pork Shoulder: This is the most popular choice for pulled pork. It’s a relatively inexpensive cut with a good amount of fat, which renders down during cooking to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Pork Butt: Despite the name, the pork butt actually comes from the upper part of the shoulder. It’s a slightly leaner cut than the shoulder, but still produces excellent results.

Cooking Methods:

Slow Cooker: This is the most hands-off method. Simply place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker, set it on low, and let it cook for 8-10 hours (or on high for 4-6 hours).

Smoker: For the most authentic smoky flavor, smoking is the way to go. This method requires more attention, but the results are well worth it.

Oven: If you don’t have a smoker or a slow cooker, you can still achieve delicious pulled pork in the oven. Use a low and slow method, around 225-250°F (107-121°C), for several hours.

Preparing the Pork:

1. Season generously: Rub the pork liberally with your favorite dry rub. Some popular options include:

Seasoning Rubs:

Basic Rub:

Salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder

Spicy Rub:

Cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika

Sweet Rub:

Brown sugar, mustard powder, cumin, coriander

2. Optional: Smoke or sear: If you’re smoking the pork, follow your smoker’s instructions. If you’re using the oven or slow cooker, you can optionally sear the pork on all sides in a hot skillet for a bit of extra flavor.

Cooking the Pork:

Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker, add a little liquid (such as broth, beer, or soda), and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the meat is very tender and easily shreds.

Smoker: Follow your smoker’s instructions for temperature and smoking time. This can take anywhere from 8-12 hours, depending on the size of the pork and the desired level of smoke.

Oven: Place the pork in a roasting pan or Dutch oven, add a little liquid, cover tightly with foil, and cook at 225-250°F (107-121°C) for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is very tender.

Shredding the Pork:

Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the heat source and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Then, use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.

Making the Sauce:

While the pork is resting, you can make a simple sauce to drizzle over it. Here’s a basic recipe:

1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over low heat until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.

Serving Suggestions:

Pulled pork is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Serve the pork on toasted buns with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, and onions.

Pulled Pork Tacos: Serve the pork in warm tortillas with toppings such as pico de gallo, avocado, and cilantro.

Pulled Pork Nachos: Pile the pork high on a plate of tortilla chips, top with cheese, jalapenos, and other favorite toppings, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pulled Pork Burritos: Fill large flour tortillas with pulled pork, rice, beans, and your favorite toppings.

Tips and Tricks:

Don’t overcook the pork: Overcooked pork will be dry and tough.

Use a good quality rub: The rub is key to adding flavor to the pork.

Keep the pork moist: Add a little liquid to the bottom of the slow cooker or smoker to prevent the pork from drying out.

Let the pork rest: This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more flavorful and tender meat.

Experiment with different sauces: Try different types of barbecue sauce, or get creative with your own homemade sauce.

Conclusion:

Pulled pork is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a little patience and practice, you can easily master this classic BBQ recipe and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. So fire up the smoker, slow cooker, or oven, and get ready to enjoy the mouthwatering goodness of homemade pulled pork.