The magic of the slow cooking process allows the pork to cook low and slow which creates an incredibly tender and juicy pork that will basically melt in your mouth. Ugh, it’s just so good! I love making it for these Cuban Sliders and adding it on my Sheet Pan Nachos or just enjoying it as a sandwich, in a taco, or with delicious sides like cornbread and a veggie. While it’s cooking, the pork absorbs all of the flavors from the seasonings and spices; in my recipe we’re using paprika, chili powder, garlic powder and a bit of cayenne for some heat. Mmm mmm mmm!
Boneless Pork Shoulder/Pork Butt: Pork shoulder is versatile and well-suited for slow cooking; it can handle long cooking times without drying out, making it the ideal choice for pulled pork. A boneless 4-5 lb. pork shoulder is perfect for this recipe. Onion: white or yellow onion works well. The onions enhance the flavor of the pulled pork and help to balance the sweetness from the sugar and ketchup. Seasonings: this pulled pork has Carolina-Style pulled pork vibes and uses seasonings like chili powder, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Brown sugar: the brown sugar of course helps to sweeten the pork but it also balances the savory and slightly spices flavors. It adds a depth of flavor and ensures a more well-rounded experience. Apple cider vinegar: used for adding a tangy flavor and acts as a tenderizer. Worcestershire: I love to add this to give the pulled pork an umami boost! The umami-rich components enhance the meaty taste of the pork which makes the meat even more flavorful and tasty. Yellow mustard: specifically yellow mustard, and not a Dijon or any other type. Yellow mustard provides a distinct tangy and slightly acidic flavor to the pulled pork that makes it soo yummy.
Classic BBQ Pulled Pork: We all love a classic smoky, sweet, and tangy BBQ sauce pulled pork. You can follow my recipe and then after you shred the pork mix it in your favorite BBQ sauce. Mexican-Inspired Pulled Pork: Season the pork with spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Serve it in tacos, quesadillas, or burritos with traditional toppings like salsa, guacamole, and cilantro. Hawaiian Pulled Pork: Make a Hawaiian-inspired pulled pork with a pineapple-based sauce. Pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar create a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Allow the pork to come to room temperature, store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Freezing is a great option too, stored properly it can last up to 2-3 months. To reheat refrigerated pulled pork, use a microwave, stovetop, or oven at 300°F.
