Pulled pork is one of those dishes that brings comfort and excitement to any gathering. Imagine the enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen as a juicy, tender pork roast slowly cooks to perfection. It’s the kind of dish that invites friends and family to sit around the table, share stories, and indulge in delicious food together. The great thing about pulled pork is its versatility—you can serve it in sandwiches, with rice, or even topped with coleslaw. You’ll love how easy it is to make with just a little planning. Once you see how delicious your homemade pulled pork turns out, you’ll find plenty of reasons to whip it up again and again!
Why This Recipe Works
Pulled pork is a classic dish that embodies comfort and flavor, with the right balance of spices and a slow cooking process that transforms humble cuts of meat into something truly exquisite. The combination of a flavorful rub and the slow roast technique brings out the natural juices, ensuring a rich and succulent outcome. The key here is to keep things simple, allowing the ingredients to shine on their own while creating a mouthwatering meal your loved ones will rave about.
Why You’ll Love This Pulled Pork
This pulled pork recipe is not just about the taste; it’s about the experience. Rich, smoky flavors paired with a hint of sweetness create a dish that is perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy family dinner. The tender meat practically falls apart, making it easy to serve and even easier to enjoy. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time spent chatting with your friends as you feast together.
Ingredients
- 4 – 6 pounds boneless pork butt, Boston butt, or pork shoulder
- ¼ cup (60 g) yellow mustard
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 12 ounces beer of choice
- 1 cup (249 g) orange juice
- 1 cup (240 g) chicken stock
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered
- 1 disposable aluminum foil pie tin
Preparing the Pork Butt
Coat with Mustard and Season
Begin by coating the entire pork roast with yellow mustard on all sides. It might sound a bit odd, but trust me; this step locks in flavor and moisture. In a separate bowl, mix light brown sugar, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Sprinkle this spice rub generously over the pork, ensuring even coverage. Once seasoned, wrap the pork in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Preheat and Prepare for Cooking
When you’re ready to cook, it’s time to prepare your kitchen. Remove the pork from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C). Take the disposable aluminum pie tin, poke a few holes in it, and flip it upside down in the bottom of a Dutch oven. This small trick allows the pork to cook evenly while staying out of the liquid, achieving that perfect texture.
Arrange Ingredients in Dutch Oven
Now, place the seasoned pork butt on top of the inverted pie tin in the Dutch oven. Pour in the beer, orange juice, and chicken stock around the pork, avoiding direct contact with the meat. This lovely mixture will create moisture while cooking. Don’t forget to add the quartered onion around the pork for an extra burst of flavor. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid, sealing in all those wonderful aromas.
Bake to Perfection
It’s time to let the magic happen! Bake the pork for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C). During this slow cooking process, you’ll notice the smell taking over your home—it’s pure bliss! The meat should be incredibly tender and pull apart easily with a fork, giving you that satisfying texture.
Shred and Serve
Once cooked, carefully remove the pork from the Dutch oven and let it rest until it’s cool enough to handle. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, taking in the delicious aroma of your creation. For an extra burst of flavor, spoon some of the cooking juices over the shredded meat. Discard the onions and any remaining liquid if desired, although you can dip your buns in the remaining liquid before serving for an extra treat.
Serving Suggestions
Pulled pork is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve it on soft buns for classic pulled pork sandwiches, or over rice for a hearty meal. Top with coleslaw for added crunch and flavor, or mix it up with pickles for a delightful tang.
Tips for Success
- Marinate Overnight: For optimal flavor, let the meat marinate overnight. It really makes a difference!
- Low and Slow: Patience is key; don’t rush the cooking process for the best results.
- Rest the Meat: Allowing the pork to rest before shredding preserves moisture and enhances flavor.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try these tasty variations:
– BBQ Sauce: Add your favorite BBQ sauce during the last hour of cooking for an even smokier flavor.
– Spicy Twist: Increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños for an exciting heat.
– Fruit Juice: Substitute apple cider for orange juice to change the flavor profile entirely.
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can freeze pulled pork for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s thawed in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the texture.
Pairing Ideas
To create a satisfying meal, pair this pulled pork dish with cold coleslaw, baked beans, or crispy potato wedges. Don’t forget a refreshing drink, like iced tea or soda, to wash it all down!
FAQs
1. How do I know when the pulled pork is done?
Pulled pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 195°F and is tender enough to shred easily. You can check it with a meat thermometer.
2. Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes! You can use the same ingredients and cook on low for 8-10 hours for perfectly tender pulled pork.
3. What can I serve with pulled pork?
Great companions include coleslaw, pickles, and baked beans. Or you can serve it on buns for delicious sandwiches.
4. Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?
While refrigerating enhances flavor, you can cook it right away if you’re short on time; just allow as much marination as possible.
5. Can I make a smaller batch?
Absolutely! Adjust the ingredients proportionally based on how much pork you need.
This pulled pork recipe is perfect for any occasion, combining hearty flavors with a comforting texture that pleases everyone at the table. The slow-cooked goodness ensures your guests will come back for seconds. Enjoy this delicious meal with your favorite sides and relish the joy it brings to your table!
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Pulled Pork
This pulled pork offers rich, smoky flavors and a hint of sweetness. It’s simple to prepare and ensures tender meat that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 8-10 1x
Ingredients
- 4 – 6 pounds boneless pork butt, Boston butt, or pork shoulder
- ¼ cup (60 g) yellow mustard
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 12 ounces beer of choice
- 1 cup (249 g) orange juice
- 1 cup (240 g) chicken stock
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered
- 1 disposable aluminum foil pie tin
Instructions
- Coat the pork roast with yellow mustard.
- Prepare spice rub and apply it to the pork, then refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 225°F (107°C) and prepare Dutch oven with inverted pie tin.
- Place pork on the pie tin and pour in beer, orange juice, and chicken stock.
- Cover and bake for 6-8 hours until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C).
- Remove, let rest, shred, and serve.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Marinate overnight for best flavor.
Patience is key; cooking low and slow yields the best results.
Rest the meat before shredding to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 740
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 9
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 100
