Perfect Pulled Pork
Unlock the secret to melt-in-your-mouth perfection with this "Perfect Pulled Pork" recipe, a slow-cooked masterpiece that combines tender pork shoulder seasoned with a smoky-sweet dry rub and infused with apple cider vinegar for a tangy depth of flavor. Whether prepared in a slow cooker for effortless all-day cooking or lovingly baked in a Dutch oven, this recipe yields irresistibly juicy, fall-apart tender pork that's perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even served over rice. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a blend of pantry staples like paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar, this dish is as easy as it is delicious. Finish it off with barbecue sauce for a classic twist, and serve on soft burger buns or warm tortillas for the ultimate comfort food experience. Ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this pulled pork recipe is sure to be your go-to for smoky, savory goodness.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 0.5 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 cups chicken broth
- 1 cups optional barbecue sauce
- 8 pieces burger buns or tortillas (for serving)
Instructions
Trim any excessive fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some for flavor and moisture.
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create the dry rub.
Rub this spice mixture generously over the entire pork shoulder, ensuring it is well-coated.
Place the seasoned pork shoulder into a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Pour the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth around the pork, avoiding washing off the dry rub.
For slow cooker: Set to low and cook for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is fall-apart tender. For oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and cook covered for about 6-7 hours.
Once cooked, transfer the pork to a cutting board or large dish. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes.
Using two forks, shred the pork into pieces, discarding any remaining fat or bones.
If desired, mix the shredded pork with barbecue sauce for additional flavor.
Serve the pulled pork warm on burger buns, tortillas, or even over a bed of rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
785 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.8 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.2 g | 81% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 159 mg | 53% | |
| Sodium | 915 mg | 40% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45.6 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.7 g | ||
| Protein | 43.8 g | 88% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 87 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 4.7 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 833 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
