Best 7 Beginners Pulled Pork Recipes

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Embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the realm of beginners' pulled pork. This delectable dish, known for its tender, succulent meat enveloped in a symphony of flavors, is a true testament to the transformative power of slow cooking. Whether you're a novice cook eager to master a classic or an experienced barbecue enthusiast seeking to expand your repertoire, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to create mouthwatering pulled pork that will leave your taste buds dancing. From selecting the perfect cut of meat to creating a tantalizing rub and mastering the art of low and slow cooking, we'll guide you through every step of the process. So, fire up your smoker or slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will elevate your backyard barbecue skills to new heights.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

HOW TO MAKE PULLED PORK



How to make Pulled Pork image

Tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked Pulled Pork you can make in the oven, slow cooker or instant pot.

Provided by Lauren Allen

Categories     Main Course

Time 5h20m

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 lb pork shoulder (, or butt)
2 Tablespoons oil (optional if searing)
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces coke (not diet)
bbq sauce for coating meat (optional)

Steps:

  • Slow Cooker Method: Place pork in slow cooker and pour coke around it. Cover and cook on LOW (recommended) 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  • Instant Pot Method: Place pork in instant pot and pour coke around it. Cook on Manual/High pressure for 70 minutes. When timer beeps, allow the pot to naturally release pressure, about 15 minutes longer. Remove lid and shred the meat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 310 kcal, Carbohydrate 9 g, Protein 36 g, Fat 13 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Cholesterol 124 mg, Sodium 554 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

PLEASINGLY EASY PULLED PORK



Pleasingly Easy Pulled Pork image

Pulled pork, in its simplest and fastest of slow-cooked methods, begins with boneless pork shoulder. The top of a pork shoulder is referred to as a "butt" or "Boston butt" BUT it is shoulder meat nonetheless. It was shipped in barrels at one time, and it was buttressed up the sides of the barrels, as the fable goes. The higher the cut the fattier the meat; if you want to remove fat from pulled pork, make it a day ahead to cool it and skim.

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 4h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

4 pounds boneless pork shoulder
About 1 tablespoon pimenton (smoked paprika)
About 1 tablespoon kosher salt
About 1 1/2 teaspoons (half a palm full) granulated garlic
About 1 1/2 teaspoons (half a palm full) granulated onion
About 1 1/2 teaspoons (half a palm full) dried oregano or marjoram
About 1 1/2 teaspoons (half a palm full) coarse black pepper
3 tablespoons neutral oil such as olive oil (NOT EVOO), safflower oil or canola oil
12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) lager, white wine or organic cloudy apple cider
1 1/2 cups chicken stock or bone broth
Barbecue Sauce, optional, recipe follows
2 tablespoons neutral oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup cider or white vinegar
About 1 1/2 cups organic ketchup or tomato sauce
About 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
About 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
About 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper sauce, such as Frank's RedHot

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F, rack 1 rung below center.
  • Bring pork to room temperature, about 30 minutes, and pat dry.
  • Combine paprika, salt, garlic, onion, oregano or marjoram and pepper in a bowl, then coat meat evenly, rubbing mixture into meat.
  • Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat with oil, 3 turns of the pan. When oil ripples and smokes, add the meat and brown on all sides, 8 to 10 minutes total. Add beer, wine or cider and reduce a minute or so, then add stock. Cover and place in oven. Cook 3 hours until very tender, then shred meat with tines of 2 forks, removing larger pieces of fat or connective tissue as you work. Stir meat and drippings together with Barbecue Sauce, if using.
  • Heat oil in medium saucepot or skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add onions, chile, garlic, salt and pepper, then soften 5 to 6 minutes. Add vinegar and reduce 1 to 2 minutes, then add ketchup or sauce, Worcestershire, brown sugar and hot sauce. Simmer over low heat for flavors to combine. Add to pork and drippings and combine.

INSTANT POT PULLED PORK



Instant Pot Pulled Pork image

Whether for a family meal or larger party or get-together, this easy Instant Pot pulled pork is always a winner! Add your own signature taste.

Provided by Diana Rattray

Categories     Entree     Dinner

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 pounds pork butt (cut into 2-inch chunks)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups water
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • Dry the pork with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, chili powder, black pepper, onion powder, cumin, dry mustard, and cayenne. Add the pork chunks to the bowl and toss to coat them thoroughly with the spice mixture.
  • Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and add the water and vinegar. Place the seasoned pork on the trivet.
  • Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the steam release valve to the sealing position. Select the pressure cook or manual button (high pressure) and set the timer to 45 minutes.
  • When the time is up, allow a natural release for 15 to 20 minutes. Carefully turn the steam release valve to the venting position to release the remaining pressure.
  • Drain and discard the liquids. Remove the pork to a bowl and shred it. Add 1 1/2 cups of barbecue sauce to the pork and stir to blend. Return the pork to the Instant Pot and select the lowest sauté setting. Cook the pork until it is thoroughly heated.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 722 kcal, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 195 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 53 g, SaturatedFat 16 g, Sodium 1025 mg, Sugar 21 g, Fat 43 g, ServingSize 8 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

BEGINNER'S PULLED PORK



Beginner's Pulled Pork image

Make and share this Beginner's Pulled Pork recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     Pork

Time 11h30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup packed brown sugar, plus extra as needed
1/4 cup sweet paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt
pepper
1 (5 lb) boneless pork butt, trimmed and quartered
1 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving
cider vinegar

Steps:

  • Combine sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl.
  • Using a fork, prick pork all over.
  • Rub sugar mixture over pork, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 8-24 hours.
  • Unwrap pork and place in slow cooker.
  • Spread barbecue sauce evenly over pork, cover, and cook until pork is tender, 9-11 hours on LOW or 5-7 hours on HIGH.
  • Transfer pork to large bowl; let cool slightly, then shred into bite-size pieces discarding excess fat; cover to keep warm.
  • Let braising liquid settle for 5 minutes, then remove fat from surface using a large spoon.
  • Season with salt, pepper, sugar, and vinegar to taste.
  • Toss shredded pork with 1 cup braising liquid; add more liquid as needed to keep meat moist.
  • Serve on buns with pickle chips and more barbecue sauce.

PERFECT PULLED PORK



Perfect Pulled Pork image

Talk about tasty! These Perfect Pulled Pork sandwiches are so simple, tender and amazingly juicy, they're sure to satisfy your craving for delicious.

Provided by Food Network

Time 6h10m

Yield 16-20 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne
1 5-pound boneless pork butt (shoulder)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
soft sandwich buns

Steps:

  • Combine all the seasonings in a small bowl and rub evenly over roast. Place meat in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add water. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours or until pork is very tender.
  • Remove pork to a large cutting board or platter and let rest for 10-15 minutes. Pull, slice or chop to serve. Serve in buns with barbecue sauce.

SLOW-COOKER PULLED PORK



Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork image

Bring out your inner BBQ master with this Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork recipe. Just 10 easy minutes of prep, and then let the slow cooker do most of the work for you. Once the pork roast is cooked and tender, shred it up and choose your level of spice by adding in your family's favorite BBQ sauce for delicious smoky or spicy pulled pork that makes you the kitchen hero.

Provided by By Sarah Caron

Categories     Entree

Time 7h45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon packed brown sugar
1 boneless pork shoulder roast (2 1/2 to 3 lb)
1/4 cup water
1 cup barbecue sauce

Steps:

  • In small bowl, stir together paprika, salt, garlic powder and brown sugar.
  • Spray 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Rub paprika mixture on pork to cover completely. Place pork in slow cooker. Pour water around pork.
  • Cover; cook on Low heat setting 7 to 8 hours or High heat setting 3 to 4 hours, until extremely tender.
  • Transfer pork to cutting board. Let rest until cool enough to handle. Use 2 forks to shred pork.
  • Discard liquid in slow cooker. Wipe out slow cooker. Spray slow cooker with cooking spray. Return shredded pork to slow cooker; stir in barbecue sauce until well mixed. Cover; cook on High heat setting 10 to 15 minutes or until hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 670, Carbohydrate 31 g, Cholesterol 175 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 60 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, ServingSize About 1 Cup, Sodium 1410 mg, Sugar 24 g, TransFat 0 g

EASIEST PULLED PORK EVER



Easiest Pulled Pork Ever image

five ingredients, a crockpot and awesome taste are 3 reasons you must try!!!!! There are quite a few pulled pork recipes but this is the easiest and found none like it. Originally found on allrecipes.com

Provided by jellyko

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 10h5m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

5 lbs pork butt, cut into 3 to 4 pieces (shoulder)
1 pinch salt
1 pinch pepper
14 ounces beef broth
1/4 cup brewed coffee

Steps:

  • Rub salt and pepper onto pork.
  • Place in slow cooker.
  • Pour broth and coffee over the meat.
  • Turn to low and cover.
  • cook 8-10 hours until fork fall apart tender.
  • Carefully remove to cutting board and shred with 2 forks.
  • Serve with favorite barbeque sauce on rolls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 638.5, Fat 45, SaturatedFat 15.4, Cholesterol 187.6, Sodium 577, Protein 54.4

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Select a pork shoulder or butt roast, as these cuts are ideal for pulled pork due to their marbling and connective tissue, which break down during cooking resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
  • Season Generously: Use a flavorful rub or marinade to coat the pork roast. Common ingredients include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let the pork marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight to enhance the flavors.
  • Slow and Low Cooking: Pulled pork requires low and slow cooking to allow the connective tissue to break down and the meat to become fall-apart tender. Cook the pork roast in a smoker, oven, or slow cooker at a low temperature (around 225-250°F) for several hours.
  • Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 200-205°F. This temperature ensures that the meat is safe to eat and has achieved optimal tenderness.
  • Rest the Meat: After cooking, let the pork roast rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist pulled pork.
  • Shred the Pork: Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer or hand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed to shred the pork.
  • Sauce it Up: Combine the shredded pork with your favorite barbecue sauce. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own. Common ingredients in barbecue sauce include ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, spices, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns or rolls with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, and onions. It can also be served as a main course with sides like mashed potatoes, baked beans, or cornbread.

Conclusion:

Pulled pork is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be easily prepared at home. By following these tips, you can create tender and delicious pulled pork that will be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you prefer a smoky flavor from a smoker or a classic oven-baked pulled pork, the low and slow cooking method is key to achieving fall-apart tender meat. Experiment with different rubs, marinades, and barbecue sauces to find your perfect pulled pork recipe. Enjoy this classic dish with your friends and family, and savor the satisfaction of a homemade meal that is both simple and satisfying.

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