Texas Style Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Imagine a summer evening barbecue at a Texan ranch: the aroma of smoky spices, the joyous gatherings, and the taste of tender pulled pork. Now, you can bring that delicious experience into your own kitchen. This slow cooker Texas pulled pork recipe offers a mouth-watering barbecue feast without stepping out of your home. With hints of sweetness, tang, and smoky flavor melting into juicy pork, this recipe will turn you into the belle or beau of the barbecue without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients for Pulled Pork

• Vegetable oil: Kickstart your recipe with a teaspoon of vegetable oil in your slow cooker.
• Pork: The size of your pork shoulder roast may vary. Consequently, you’ll need to adjust the quantity of ingredients and cooking time to match.
• Sauces: For that oozing flavor with the combo of bottled barbecue sauce, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Apple cider vinegar: It brings a vibrant touch, perfectly contrasting the rich flavors.
• Broth: Opt for store-bought or homemade chicken broth.
• Brown sugar: A dash of light brown sugar adds a delicate sweetness.
• Seasonings: Chili powder, garlic, and dried thyme will flavor your pork to perfection.
• Onion: A chopped onion will bring another dimension of taste.
• Buns and butter: Ideal for those planning to make pulled pork sandwiches.

Selecting the Perfect Pork Cut

Are you excited to make the ultimate pulled pork? The key lies in selecting the right cut of meat. Let’s dive into the details and get you started on your fantastic pulled pork journey!

First and foremost, you’ll want to choose either a pork butt or a pork shoulder. These cuts are ideal for pulled pork because of their high-fat content and connective tissue, which becomes tender and flavorful as it slowly cooks. Your taste buds will thank you for this!

Now, let’s talk about whether you should go for a boneless or bone-in cut. Both options offer advantages:

Boneless Cut

This cut is easier to handle and often more convenient. It’s simpler to slice into smaller portions, which decreases the cooking time. Additionally, removing the bone can make it easier to evenly season your pork, enhancing the flavor through and through.

Bone-in

Oh, the incredible flavor you get from a bone-in cut! The bone naturally adds depth and richness to the meat during the slow-cooking process. Moreover, the meat around the bone tends to be juicier.

You can’t go wrong with either choice, but it’s important to consider your personal preferences and time constraints.

Size

Aim for a cut that weighs between 4 to 8 pounds, depending on the number of guests you’re feeding. Remember that the meat will shrink during cooking, so give yourself some wiggle room!

Marbling

Look for a nice marbling of fat throughout the meat. This will help ensure incredible taste and mouth-watering tenderness.

Freshness

Make sure to choose a fresh piece of meat with a bright pink color and no bad odor. Quality is key!

So, there you have it! Armed with this knowledge, you’re all set to choose the perfect pork cut for your fantastic pulled pork dish. Enjoy the process, and get ready for an unforgettable meal!

Preparing Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker

Here’s a concise step-by-step guide to prepare your delicious pulled pork:

• Pour oil into the slow cooker, followed by the pork roast.
• Add the remaining ingredients to the cooker.
• Cover and cook until the pork can be easily shredded.
• Shred the pork, and return it to blend with the juices.
• If sandwiches are your preference, serve the pork on buttered buns.

Cooking Techniques

Are you ready for some mouthwatering pulled pork? We’ve got you covered with a variety of cooking techniques that will make your taste buds dance with delight! 

Pulled pork is undeniably versatile and can be cooked using an oven, slow cooker, instant pot, grill, smoker, or even a microwave. Let’s explore some of these exciting methods together:

Oven Method

Using an oven is a traditional and easy technique to cook pulled pork. First, preheat your oven to 300°F. Put the pork in a Dutch oven pot, pour your choice liquid (such as coke or broth) around it, cover with a lid, and cook for about 3 hours. After that, remove the lid and cook for an additional 1-2 hours, until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.

Slow Cooker Method

A slow cooker is perfect for those who love a set-it-and-forget-it approach. To begin, place the pork in your slow cooker and pour your choice liquid around it. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The slow cook process will make the meat incredibly tender and full of flavor. Yum!

Instant Method

The Instant Pot is another fantastic option for making delicious pulled pork quickly. Simply add your pork and choice liquid to the pot, seal the lid, and set the pressure cook mode. Cook on high pressure for around 45-60 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for about 15 minutes. Voilà, juicy pulled pork in a jiffy!

Grill or Smoker Method

If you prefer outdoor cooking, using a grill or smoker is the way to go! Prepare your meat with your favorite rub, then place it on the grill or smoker, maintaining a low and slow temperature (225°F to 250°F) for 8-12 hours, depending on the size of the pork shoulder. Make sure to wrap the pork in foil after a few hours, and monitor the internal temperature until it reaches 195°F – 203°F, ensuring your pulled pork is cooked to perfection!

Microwave Method

In a pinch, the microwave can also be utilized to cook smaller portions of pulled pork. While not ideal for a full pork shoulder, it can work for reheating or finishing pre-cooked pulled pork. Place the pork in a microwave-safe dish, add a bit of sauce or liquid, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and cook on 50% power for a few minutes until heated through. Adjust the cooking time and power level as needed.

Now that you have multiple ways to cook your pulled pork, go ahead and get those taste buds ready for an incredible feast! 

Sauce Options

Pulled pork just isn’t complete without the perfect sauce to accompany it! With so many options available, let’s dive right into some of the most popular sauce choices you can try. Remember, you can always customize these to suit your taste buds!

Craft Your Own Traditional BBQ Sauce

Traditional BBQ Sauce never goes out of style and is ideal for adding both sweetness and tanginess to your pulled pork. To make your own, you’ll need ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and a few spices. Whisk everything together and let it simmer to meld the flavors. You’ll be left with a delicious, bold sauce that will elevate your dish!

Try the Tangy Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a tangier, thinner sauce. It typically features vinegar, sugar, and spices. This sauce soaks into every nook and cranny of the pork for a bright flavor explosion. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the spices!

Add a Fruity Spin with Mango Salsa

Mango Salsa offers a fruity, fresh spin on a traditional sauce, pairing exceptionally well with pulled pork. Made with a blend of fresh mango, red onion, jalapeno peppers, lime juice, and cilantro, its combination of sweet and spicy flavors will add a unique, tropical twist to your dish.

Create a Smoky Flavor

Looking for something a bit more smokey? Mustard Barbecue Sauce could be the answer you’re seeking. This variation uses savory mustard, sweet sugar, and a touch of liquid smoke to create a delicious sauce that complements pulled pork perfectly.

Lastly, keep in mind that the choice of sauce can make or break your dish. Consider the balance of sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness to achieve the perfect harmony for your pulled pork. Plus, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors, like adding apple juice for some natural sweetness. You might just stumble upon your new favorite sauce!

Storing

Oh, the joy of having leftover pulled pork! Let’s make sure you store and reheat it correctly to maintain its deliciousness. First things first – storing the pulled pork. Just pop it into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. If you’re planning to consume the leftovers within a few days, this will do the trick!

Now, maybe you’ve got a larger batch that you’d like to save for a later date. No problem! Just portion out the pulled pork into smaller airtight containers or resealable freezer bags and store them in the freezer. Freezing keeps your pulled pork yummy for months, so you can enjoy it whenever you have a craving!

Reheating

Ready to dig in? Time to reheat! One of the best ways to preserve moisture and tenderness when reheating your pulled pork is to use the ‘low and slow’ method. Here’s how to do it in different heat sources:

Classic Oven Reheating

Preheat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit, place your pulled pork in a baking dish and add a splash of liquid such as broth or apple juice to keep it moist. Cover with aluminum foil and reheat for about 30 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grill For a Smoky Flavor

Place the pulled pork in a pan or a foil packet. Add a small amount of liquid (again, broth or apple juice work great) and seal the packet or cover the pan. Heat it on the grill at a low temperature for about 25-30 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure even heating.

Warm It Up With Slow Cooker

Add your pulled pork to the slow cooker along with a small amount of liquid, and set the heat to low. This method is perfect for when you have a bit more time and don’t mind waiting for that amazing, tender pulled pork to warm up.

Microwave for a Quick Heat

If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave for reheating pulled pork. Just place the desired amount in a microwave-safe container, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat at 50% power for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Instant Soup

Feeling inventive? Incorporate your leftover pulled pork into a soup for a scrumptious and heartwarming meal! Begin by heating up a pot of chicken or vegetable broth, and toss in any additional chopped vegetables, beans, or spices that you like. Add your pulled pork and let the flavors meld as it reheats, creating a soul-warming delight!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the easiest way to make tasty pulled pork?

Making tasty pulled pork is incredibly simple! You can use a slow cooker, oven, or instant pot. All you need is a pork shoulder (or butt), pantry spices, and a liquid like coke to tenderize the meat and add sweetness. Just combine the ingredients and cook until tender. The result will be perfect, juicy, and flavorful pulled pork!

Which liquid enhances pulled pork’s moisture the most?

Many liquids can be used to enhance the moisture of pulled pork, but one of the best options is Coke. It not only tenderizes the meat but also adds a hint of sweetness that compliments the savory seasonings. Other options include apple juice, chicken broth, or even a light beer.

How can I use leftover pulled pork in a recipe?

Leftover pulled pork can be incredibly versatile! You can use it in sandwiches, nachos, tamales, tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. Get creative with your combinations and enjoy the delightful taste of pulled pork in various dishes.

Which cooking method yields the juiciest pulled pork?

While each cooking method has its benefits, slow cooking is known to yield the juiciest pulled pork. The low and slow process allows the pork to cook in its juices, breaking down the muscle fibers and resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This method also helps to infuse the flavors throughout the meat, creating a delicious and irresistible dish.

Key Takeaways

• Choose the right cut and properly prepare the pork for a delectable pulled pork dish.
• Experiment with seasonings, cooking methods, and sauce options to achieve mouthwatering results.