Pulled Pork

Every summer my family pasture-raises about a dozen hogs on our small hobby farm. With a freezer always stocked full of pork, I have definitely tried my fair share of pork recipes. My favorite cut of pork is the shoulder roast, and my favorite way to prepare it is to make pulled pork.

Our best pulled pork recipe is absolutely a keeper. Using your slow cooker makes it especially easy, and the resulting pork is incredibly tender, juicy, and full of sweet and savory flavor. I love to serve pulled pork on a toasted bun with a pile of coleslaw on top. But you can do so much more with pulled pork than make a sandwich: Use it in quesadillas, tacos or burritos; atop pizzas or rice bowls; or even with eggs at breakfast. Pulled pork recipes know no bounds!

What’s the best cut of meat for pulled pork?

Pork shoulder—also called pork butt, Boston butt or picnic roast—is the best cut of pork for pulled pork. It’s marbled throughout, which results in flavorful, tender and juicy meat. Because the shoulder muscle gets a lot of use, this cut of pork can be tough and take a long time to break down. The key to tender, fall-apart pork shoulder is to cook it low and slow, whether in a smoker, oven or slow cooker.

Pulled Pork Ingredients

• Chicken broth: Chicken broth adds to the savory flavor of the cooking liquid. To control the salt level in the best pulled pork recipe, use a low-sodium broth. You can also use low-sodium beef broth.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness to slow-cooker pulled pork. Light or dark brown sugar is fine; dark adds a bit more molasses flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce: The tangy flavor of Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami element to the cooking sauce.
• Liquid smoke: A little bit of liquid smoke gives the pork a smoky flavor without the hassle of grilling. If you don’t have any liquid smoke, use a smoky-flavored barbecue sauce.
• Seasonings: Chili powder, dried thyme, salt and pepper season the cooking liquid.
• Pork: Most slow-cooker pulled pork recipes call for shoulder (or butt) roast. This particular recipe calls for a 4-pound roast that you cut in half.
• Onion: Chopped onion helps flavor the pork as it cooks. Yellow or white onion is the best kind for this recipe.
• Garlic: Minced garlic cloves enhance the savory flavor of the pork.
• Barbecue sauce: You’ll simmer the pulled pork in barbecue sauce before serving. Choose your favorite barbecue sauce brand or use homemade barbecue sauce.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the pork

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

Whisk together the chicken broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, dried thyme, liquid smoke, salt and pepper. Add to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the pork, onion and garlic, and stir to coat.

Step 2: Cook the pork

Cook the pork, covered, on low until tender, seven to eight hours.

Step 3: Shred the pork

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

Remove the roast from the slow cooker and discard the cooking juices. Shred the pork with two forks, and then return it to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add the barbecue sauce

Pour barbecue sauce over the pork. Cook, covered, on high until heated through, about 30 minutes longer.

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

How to Use Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is typically served on toasted buns as a sandwich. Top this barbecue pulled pork recipe with creamy coleslaw or white barbecue sauce. You can also use leftovers in tacos, quesadillas, burritos or enchiladas. Try it as a pizza topping or in a hearty pork chili. Or, serve it in a rice or grain bowl with roasted and pickled vegetables. Pulled pork mac and cheese is a decadent one-pan meal, or try a pulled pork parfait for a fun backyard barbecue treat.

Pulled Pork Variations

• Keep it simple: Cut back on the ingredients for a super-simple preparation. Add an even layer of brown sugar to the bottom of the slow cooker. Season the pork with salt and pepper, then place the meat on top of the brown sugar layer. Top the pork with a thin layer of brown sugar. Cook on low for six to eight hours or until fork tender. Shred and stir in the barbecue sauce.
• Add some heat: For spicier pulled pork, stir 1 tablespoon chopped jalapeno pepper, 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce, or a large pinch of cayenne pepper into the cooking liquid.

How to Store Pulled Pork

Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last in the fridge for three to four days.

Can you freeze pulled pork?

Yes, you can definitely freeze this barbecue pulled pork recipe! Let it cool completely, then transfer the pulled pork to a freezer-safe container, seal it and freeze it for up to three months. Let the pulled pork thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How do you reheat pulled pork?

Leftover pulled pork can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed. Add a small amount of sauce or broth for extra moisture when reheating.

Pulled Pork Tips

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

How much pulled pork should you make per person?

Plan on about 1/3 to 1/2 pound of pulled pork per person. When serving it on sandwiches, you can plan on about 1/4 pound of pork per person.

How do you make pulled pork in the oven?

To make this recipe in the oven, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork and sear all sides. Then add the onion and cook until soft, about two minutes. Next add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds more. Whisk together the broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke and seasonings, then pour over the pork. Cover the Dutch oven and place it in an oven preheated to 300°F. Cook until the pork is tender, about four hours. Remove the cover and continue cooking until fork-tender, about 60 minutes longer. Shred the pork and stir in the barbecue sauce before serving.

Can you make pulled pork in an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot is a great tool for pork recipes like this one. To make this recipe in your Instant Pot, simply add all the ingredients except the barbecue sauce, and your pulled pork will be ready in less than 60 minutes.

What can you serve with pulled pork?

Pulled pork sandwiches pair perfectly with baked beans, potato chips and a creamy coleslaw.