Savory Slow Cooker North Carolina Pulled Pork
Experience the rich and smoky flavors of North Carolina barbecue with this easy, slow-cooked pulled pork recipe. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this dish features succulent, tender pork shoulder infused with a delightful blend of spices, complemented by a tangy-sweet sauce made from ketchup, brown sugar, and cider vinegar. Ideal served on toasted sandwich rolls with a side of crunchy coleslaw, this pulled pork is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and heart to your table.
8
Servings
275
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless pork shoulder
3 lbs (Well trimmed)
McCormick Slow Cookers BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package
Ketchup
1/2 cup
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (Firmly packed)
Cider vinegar
1/3 cup
Instructions
1
Start by placing the well-trimmed pork shoulder in the slow cooker, ensuring it's positioned evenly.
2
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the McCormick slow cookers BBQ pulled pork seasoning, ketchup, firmly packed brown sugar, and cider vinegar. Mix well until all ingredients are fully blended and the sugar has dissolved.
3
Pour the sauce mixture over the pork in the slow cooker, ensuring it's thoroughly coated.
4
Cover the slow cooker with its lid, and set it to cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours, without lifting the lid during cooking for optimal results.
5
Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
6
Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mixing it back into the sauce to absorb all the flavors.
7
Allow to heat for an additional 10-15 minutes before serving, ensuring the pork is evenly coated in the sauce.
8
Serve the pulled pork on toasted sandwich rolls, topped with homemade or store-bought cole slaw for an authentic touch.
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Fat
21.25g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow Cooker North Carolina Pulled Pork?
It is a tender, slow-cooked pork dish featuring a tangy-sweet sauce made with cider vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar, inspired by North Carolina barbecue flavors.
How much pork shoulder is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of well-trimmed boneless pork shoulder.
What are the cooking time options for the slow cooker?
You can cook the pork on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
What ingredients are needed for the sauce?
The sauce consists of McCormick slow cookers BBQ pulled pork seasoning, 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1/2 cup of firmly packed brown sugar, and 1/3 cup of cider vinegar.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 275 calories.
How should the pork be prepared before cooking?
The pork shoulder should be well-trimmed of excess fat and placed evenly in the slow cooker.
Can I lift the lid while the pork is cooking?
For optimal results, it is recommended not to lift the lid during the cooking process.
How do I shred the pulled pork?
Once cooking is complete, remove the pork to a cutting board and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
What should I do after shredding the meat?
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it back into the sauce to allow it to absorb the flavors.
How long should the pork stay in the slow cooker after shredding?
Allow the shredded pork to heat in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes before serving.
What is the best way to serve this pulled pork?
It is best served on toasted sandwich rolls topped with crunchy coleslaw.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe because it mainly involves mixing ingredients and slow cooking.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 15g of protein.
How much fat is in a serving of this pulled pork?
There is approximately 8.75g of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 21.25g of carbohydrates.
What type of vinegar is used in the sauce?
Cider vinegar is used to provide the authentic tangy North Carolina style flavor.
What seasoning mix is recommended?
The recipe specifies one 1 1/4 ounce package of McCormick Slow Cookers BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning.
Is the brown sugar packed or loose?
The 1/2 cup of brown sugar should be firmly packed.
Does this recipe include dietary fiber?
Based on the nutritional data provided, the fiber content is not specified.
Is this a good meal for gatherings?
Yes, its high serving count and easy preparation make it perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Pork.
What is the flavor profile of the sauce?
The sauce is a delightful blend of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors.
Can I use bone-in pork shoulder?
The recipe specifies boneless pork shoulder, but bone-in could be used if the weight and cooking time are adjusted.
Do I need to add water to the slow cooker?
No, the moisture from the pork and the sauce mixture is sufficient for cooking.
What kind of rolls should I use?
Toasted sandwich rolls are recommended to hold the juicy pulled pork.
Is this a comfort food dish?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as comfort food and a hearty meal.
What gives it the North Carolina style?
The combination of cider vinegar and ketchup in the sauce provides the characteristic regional tang.
How much ketchup is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of ketchup.
What is the total weight of the meat needed?
You will need 3 pounds of boneless pork shoulder.