Pulled Pork Delight with Vernor's Ginger Ale
Experience the rich flavors of Pulled Pork Delight, a slow-cooked dish that pays homage to Michigan's beloved Vernor's Ginger Ale. This recipe blends tender pork shoulder with a blend of spices, sweetness from honey, and the warm zing of ginger ale, creating a savory, slightly spicy meal that’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy family dinner. The dish features not only succulent pulled pork but also savory onions and a rich barbecue sauce that elevates every bite. Serve it on your favorite buns with a side of creamy coleslaw for an unforgettable feast.
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Servings
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Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork shoulder
4-5 lbs (whole)
large onions
3 (1 thickly sliced, 2 thinly sliced)
Vernor’s ginger ale
12 ounces (n/a)
orange
1 (cut into quarters)
bay leaf
1 (n/a)
whole cloves
3 (n/a)
salt
1 teaspoon (n/a)
pepper
1 teaspoon (n/a)
barbecue sauce
2 cups (plain, store-bought or homemade)
honey
1/3 cup (n/a)
chopped chipotles in adobo seasoning
3 tablespoons (to taste (less if not wanting spicy))
minced garlic
1 teaspoon (n/a)
orange juice
3 tablespoons (n/a)
Instructions
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Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pulled Pork Delight with Vernor's Ginger Ale?
It is a slow-cooked pork shoulder dish that uses Michigan's famous Vernor's Ginger Ale, spices, and a honey-chipotle barbecue sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
A 4-5 pound pork shoulder is recommended for the best results and tender texture.
How long should I cook the pork in the crock pot?
The pork should be cooked on the low setting for 10 to 12 hours until it is fork-tender.
Why is Vernor's Ginger Ale used in this recipe?
Vernor's adds a unique sweetness and a warm ginger zing that pays homage to Michigan cuisine and helps tenderize the meat.
How do I prepare the onions for the slow cooker?
You should slice one onion thickly to lay at the bottom of the pot and slice the other two onions thinly to place on top of the pork.
Is this pulled pork recipe spicy?
The recipe has a slight spiciness due to the chopped chipotles in adobo seasoning, but you can adjust the heat to your preference.
How can I make the sauce less spicy?
To reduce the heat, use less than the recommended 3 tablespoons of chopped chipotles in the barbecue sauce mixture.
What do I do with the orange quarters?
Squeeze the orange pieces into the crock pot and then add the squeezed pieces directly into the pot to cook with the pork.
When should I shred the pork?
Remove the pork from the crock pot once it is finished cooking, let it cool slightly, and then shred it using two forks or your hands.
What ingredients are in the specialty barbecue sauce?
The sauce is made from store-bought barbecue sauce, honey, minced garlic, orange juice, chopped chipotles, and a cup of broth from the crock pot.
How long does the barbecue sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer on medium heat for about 15 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
Can I store leftover barbecue sauce?
Yes, any leftover sauce can be stored in a freezer bag and used later for other meats like pork chops or tenderloin.
Should I serve the cooked onions with the pork?
Yes, the flavorful onions from the crock pot should be served on the side to add extra texture and taste to the meal.
What is the best way to serve this pulled pork?
Serve the shredded pork piled high on your favorite buns, ideally topped with creamy coleslaw.
Do I need to add liquid to the crock pot?
Yes, the recipe calls for 12 ounces of Vernor's Ginger Ale and the juice from one orange.
What spices are used to season the pork?
The pork is seasoned generously with one teaspoon each of salt and pepper, along with whole cloves and a bay leaf added to the pot.
Can I use a different type of ginger ale?
While Vernor's is traditional for this specific recipe, you can use another ginger ale, though the flavor profile may vary.
How much honey is in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of honey to add sweetness and a glossy finish to the barbecue sauce.
What if the barbecue sauce is too thick?
You can adjust the consistency by adding more broth from the crock pot until you reach the desired thickness.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 3 large onions in total.
Is it necessary to use a whole orange?
Yes, the recipe uses one whole orange cut into quarters and an additional 3 tablespoons of orange juice for the sauce.
Can I cook this on the high setting?
The recipe recommends low for 10-12 hours for the most tender results, but you could cook it on high for about 5-6 hours if needed.
Does this recipe require minced garlic?
Yes, one teaspoon of minced garlic is added to the barbecue sauce mixture.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include pulled pork, crock pot, ginger ale, easy recipe, spicy, barbecue, Michigan cuisine, comfort food, and slow cooker.
How do I incorporate the broth into the sauce?
Take about 1 cup of the cooking liquid directly from the crock pot and stir it into the saucepan with the other sauce ingredients.
Is there any preparation needed for the pork shoulder?
The pork shoulder should be seasoned generously with salt and pepper before being placed in the slow cooker.
How do I ensure the pork is fully coated in sauce?
Once the pork is shredded and the sauce is thickened, combine them in a bowl and mix well until every piece is covered.
What type of barbecue sauce should I start with?
You can use 2 cups of any plain, store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce as the base.
What provides the 'Michigan flavor' in this dish?
The use of Vernor's Ginger Ale, which is a classic Michigan beverage, gives the dish its regional identity.
Can I make this dish for a large gathering?
Yes, with 4-5 lbs of pork, this recipe is perfect for game days, gatherings, or large family dinners.