Where To Use Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Appetizers use pulled pork to stuff potato skins, taquitos, and quesadillas.
Tacos top of pulled pork tacos with some coleslaw and use either corn or flour tortillas.
Sandwiches classic way to serve BBQ pulled pork is on a roll with some pickles and coleslaw. You can also add some on top of burgers.
Baked Potatoes add some pulled pork and shredded cheddar on top of baked potatoes.
Pasta Casserole used pork in pasta casseroles with cheese, BBQ ranch, and veggies.
Should You Mix The Sauce Into The Pork Before Serving It
We would suggest serving the pork as is, and allowing the guests to make their own decisions about whether or not to add sauce. As we mentioned, the pork should taste fine by itself, and people should be allowed to customize the dish as they like.
Whats more, adding sauce to the whole batch will put a cap on your opportunities as far as leftovers are concerned. Pulled pork can be used in omelets, as a taco or burrito filling, or as an ingredient in breakfast hash. Once youve added the sauce, it will have a distinctive flavor that limits its versatility.
What Temperature To Cook Pulled Pork
- pulled pork, whether made in the oven, on the grill, or in the slow cooker, is best cooked on a low and slow temperature
- somewhere in the range of 190 to 250 degrees F depending on the method used
- another important temperature to note is the internal temp of the pork shoulder
- to shred easily pork should reach an internal temperature of 205 degrees F
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Knowing The Bbq Sauce
Did you know BBQ sauce goes back to the 17th century? Atlanta, GA prides itself as the location of the nations first commercially-produced barbecue sauce in 1909, but we know the magic of the sauce was created well before then. Through generations, bbq sauce has evolved with unique regional differences. Depending on where you find yourself in the country, barbecue sauce has a particular identity all its own.
Homemade Bbq Sauce For Pulled Pork Recipes
In true tradition, BBQ sauce is perfect for improving the taste of smoked meats, and not just to overpower them with intense flavours or excessive salt. The best part about the sauces on this list, is that they are not heavy on gravy or preservative ridden sauces that you might have come across. These sauces are ideal for the conventional barbecue, and they also have balanced flavours.
Pulled pork sauces are optional, and are not necessary when you want to cook pork, but only once you have done the pulling. Then serve the meat on the side for guests, to determine the amount they would need for a meal.
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Types Of Pulled Pork Finishing Sauces And How To Make Them
Finishing sauces for pulled pork are as varied as they are interesting. Like BBQ sauce, pulled pork finishing sauce recipes include cultural and regional variations that represent the people who worked so very hard every day trying to make something truly extraordinary.
Here are some of the most popular pulled pork finishing sauce recipes:
Vinegar-based finishing sauces- This finishing sauce is known as the Carolina-based finishing sauce. The South Carolina version is vinegar-mustard based. The North Carolina version is vinegar-ketchup based. They vary as far as additional ingredients, but they are the same in that they both include honey, sugar, and spices. As far as all other ingredients, it is entirely up to the chef what else goes in it.
Mayo-Horseradish based finishing sauces- This refers to the famous Big Bob Gibsons Alabama White Sauce, originally from Decatur, AL. This sauce gives a savory-buttery finish to pulled pork to satisfy those fans who arent too much into the sweet stuff.
As a zero-sugar based sauce, this option is great for keto dieters.
Nashville, TN boasts a similar sauce that they also call white, but is actually a blush-like color. The reason for this is the addition of cayenne pepper and paprika to make them different. However, the Alabama White Sauce tradition is quite strong in the South as well, earning it its very own spot in the sauce hall of fame.
Combine The Ingredients In A Saucepan
Mix together 1½ cups of vinegar, ½ cup of ketchup, two tablespoons each of sugar and mustard, and 1 teaspoon of the ground cayenne pepper in a medium-sized saucepan.
If you want to make a Memphis-style barbecue sauce, add a teaspoon of Louisiana hot sauce and cup of molasses to the mix. Those who enjoy a little extra spice in their BBQ sauce could add some chili powder and ground cumin to the saucepan and make a Missouri-style Wicker variant.
Bring the sauce to a boil, then turn down the heat, using a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients. Add two or three bay leaves into the sauce, and season generously with salt and pepper.
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What You Need For Pulled Pork
Heres what you need for pulled pork made in a slow cooker a spice rub and some kind of liquid for a braising liquid to infuse with flavour, add a touch of sweetness and keep everything nice and moist.
I like to use beer any beer other than dark brown beers like stout or Guinness. Apple cider alcoholic or non alcoholic or similar fruit ciders are also terrific. For non alcoholic, apple juice works really well. Emergency fallback: water!
Best pork for pulled pork?
The best pork for pulled pork is bone in Pork Butt also known as Boston Butt or pork shoulder. Its well marbled with fat so its juicy, and its a tough cut of pork so it needs the long cook time to become tender enough to shred which means more flavour infusion time!
Difference between pork butt and pork shoulder
While both are cut from the shoulder of pig, the pork shoulder comes from the lower end whereas pork butt is the upper part near the back which is why the shape is more rectangle block-like. Heres an excellent diagram from Cooks Illustrated!
How To Make Homemade Bbq Sauce For Pulled Pork
There are many variants of the most popular BBQ sauce, most of which combine perfectly with the smoky flavors and tender texture of pulled pork. This particular recipe makes a standard vinegar-based Best Odds barbecue sauce, but if youre looking for something a little sweeter or spicier, make a Memphis BBQ or Wickers variant.
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How To Make Coca
As I said, this is super duper easy to make. Place a pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour a can of Coca-Cola over the pork. Cover and cook on LOW all day. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks, discarding any fatty pieces.
To make the homemade Coca-Cola BBQ sauce, in a large saucepan, bring Coca-Cola, ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, onion, chili powder, and salt to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20 to 30 minutes, until thick. You can toss the pork with the BBQ sauce or just spoon some of the sauce over the pork when you serve it.
Pulled Pork With Bbq Sauce
This Pulled Pork made in a slow cooker may well be the most tender, moist, and flavourful youve ever had in your life! High returns for minimal effort, pork is rubbed with a secret spice mix, slow cooked until the meat pulls apart effortlessly then tossed in a simple-yet-flavour-loaded homemade BBQ Sauce.
Super economical, makes loads, freezes 100% perfectly and insanely moreish. Make sliders or a big Southern BBQ dinner plate complete with classic sides like Mac and Cheese, Cornbread and Coleslaw!
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How To Make Pulled Pork In The Slow Cooker
Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker.
Pour the prepared BBQ sauce over top of it so that its completely covered.
Cook for 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. I recommend cooking low and slow wherever possible since the longer cooking time will lend to a more tender pulled pork.
Shred the pork using two forks and remove any visible fat.
Add the pork back to the sauce and toss gently to combine.
When To Apply Rub
Applying a rub to your pork is essential for flavorful pulled pork! Remember that since the rub adds tons of flavor, you want to apply the seasonings liberally before cooking.
To apply a rub to pork, make sure you first pat the raw pork butt completely dry and then sprinkle the rub evenly all over the surface of the meat, massaging the rub in. For the best flavor, wrap the seasoned pork in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight. Make sure you remove the pork from the refrigerator at least 3o minutes before cooking so it can come to room temperature.
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How To Make Pulled Pork With Tangy Barbecue Sauce
To begin, preheat the oven to 300°F and set an oven rack in the lower-middle position.Pat the pork dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the salt, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, dry mustard, brown sugar, and pepper in a small bowl.
Mix until evenly combined.
Place the pork in a roasting pan. Rub the spice blend all over the pork, turning to coat evenly . Roast for 6 to 6-1/2 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork registers 195°F.
While the pork roasts, make the barbecue sauce. Combine the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, garlic, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan over medium heat.
Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, about ten minutes.
Remove from the heat and let sit until the pork is done.
When the pork is done, take it out of the oven and set it on a cutting board or platter tent with aluminum foil and let rest for about 10 minutes.
Pour off and discard the fat from the roasting pan . Add 3/4 cup water to the roasting pan and set it over a single burner on medium heat scrape with a wooden spoon to release all the brown bits. Cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid is reduced by about half.
Pour into the saucepan with the barbecue sauce and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
To serve, spoon the pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun. Pass the remaining barbecue sauce on the side.
How To Store Leftovers
Any leftover Pulled Pork can be saved by refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 4 days!
To reheat, simply warm in the microwave, lightly covered , until heated through, stirring occasionally.
To freeze, place in an airtight freezer safe bag or container. If using a ziplock bag, be sure to remove as much of the air as possible. Pulled pork will stay fresh in the freezer for 3 months.
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Heres How You Make It
How to make the best BBQ sauce for ribs? Ill tell ya:
Slow Cooker Easy Carolina Pulled Pork Recipe
Ludicrously tender, succulent and moist pulled pork smothered and covered in a silky smooth, sweet and tangy Carolina-style BBQ sauce.
This pulled pork legitimately checks ALL the boxes:
Its flavorful thanks to the sweet and spicy dry rub plus the quick browning on the stovetop.
Its terrifically tender AND ridiculously easy to prepare thanks to braising in the trusty slow cooker.
And, its dripping in the most magnificent BBQ sauce that is OH-SO simple to prepare. Im talking 5 ingredients and 15 minutes type of easy to prepare!
Basically, this Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is how you achieve ALL your summer BBQ goals!
Its lick your fingers clean, bodacious BBQ at its finest, friends! AND its all yours for the taking WITHOUT even breaking a sweat!
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How To Shred A Pork Shoulder
When the pork is done it should almost be falling apart. Use tongs to remove it to a separate bowl.
Use forks or meat claws to shred by starting in the middle and pulling apart until fully shredded.
Use a ladle to add back a little of the juice left over from cooking, but not too much or it will become soggy.
If the pork does not shred easily, it likely is not cooked enough. Return to slow cooker until it reaches an internal temp of 205 degrees F.
What Is The Best Barbecue Sauce Lets Discuss
Yep, I am going there. BBQ sauce is both regional and personal, and I do have a favorite.
I grew up on Kansas City barbecue, and every time Ben and I visit, grabbing a meal at a local BBQ joint isnt an optional activity we try to squeeze inits one of the first stops we make the moment we land at the airport.
Ive had the pleasure of munching barbecue in different regions of the country, and while I respect and enjoy the different flavors and characteristics of each, Kansas Citystyle barbecue sauce is my forever favorite.
If youve had Sweet Baby Rays or KC Masterpiece brand BBQ sauce, youve experienced a hint of just how good Kansas City BBQ sauce can be. That said, as Ive started reading more labels in recent years, the bottled barbecue sauce brands are LOADED with sugar .
Craving some barbecue but not wanting to rely on the the sugary stuff, I decided to see if I could make my own homemade barbecue sauce for ribs, pulled pork, and, as I quickly discovered while making and tasting this sauce, for licking right off the spoon!
Skip the bottled stuff. By using real, unprocessed ingredients, youll have an award winning barbecue sauce recipe that tastes, well, homemade.
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Slow Cooker Bbq Pulled Pork
If you love my #1 post, The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, then you’ll love this BBQ pulled pork version too! With simple seasoning, this recipe takes only minutes to prepare and cooks all day for fall apart tender, juicy pork oozing with tangy sweet sauce.
For all of you lovers of BBQ I’ve got a recipe for you! Perfect for a family dinner that you know your kids will devour and equally as perfect for taking along to a pot luck, this Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is quick and easy and comes out perfectly every time.
You only need 5 ingredients and less than 10 minutes to assemble this meal in your slow cooker. So much easier than smoking a grill all day and the results are just as amazing.
Cook on low for at least 8 hours until the pork becomes fall apart tender.
You can serve this up as sandwiches, wraps, salads and more for a versatile meal your family and friends will love.
Best Odds Pulled Pork Sauce
This “best odds” sauce uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry and gives you the best chance of making an outstanding and flavorful pulled pork sandwich.
Cook vinegar, water, sugar, paprika and cayenne with salt and pepper for barely 5 to 7 minutes. And that’s all that you need for one of the best sauces you might ever try.
Keeps in the fridge for 1 week.
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How Long To Cook Pulled Pork
The only thing you need when cooking large cuts of meat is timeand lots of it! For best results, cook 8-10 hours on low. If you dont have that much time, cook for 4-5 hours on high.
Of course, you can make this in advance and keep it warm until youre ready to serve. The beauty of a crockpotits so versatile! It makes my life easy. Great for a party, too!
Why We Love This Bbq Pulled Pork Recipe
I could go on and on and on about how much I love and crave this recipe. There are just so many reasons why we like to include it as a regular part of our menu.
Makes use of the slow cooker: Dont you just love this handy kitchen gadget? The slow cooker is such a time saver because you can basically plop the pork and homemade BBQ sauce in there and carry on with your day. Plus, the longer cooking time makes the pork extra tender AND you get to smell that amazing aroma wafting through the house all day.
Healthier option: So many of the store-bought BBQ sauces are loaded with processed ingredients and contain a ton of sugar. With this option, you make the BBQ sauce from scratch so you can control exactly what goes into it!
Easy: Although it sounds intimidating making your own sauce, its actually super simple to make. You basically place all of the BBQ sauce recipe ingredients in a pot and simmer for a few minutes. You also dont need to sear the meat before placing it in the slow cooker. Simply set it in the crockpot, dump the sauce in and youre good to go!
Family-Friendly: It can be tricky to find meals that the whole family enjoys, but pulled pork is ALWAYS a winner. And there are so many versatile ways to serve it up, its hard to get bored of this meal.
Delicious: Seriously mouthwatering. You really cant go wrong with this BBQ Pulled Pork recipe.
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