Ultimate Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Delight
Experience the mouthwatering taste of our Ultimate Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Delight, perfect for serving a crowd at any gathering! This recipe, inspired by the Chicago Tribune Food section, has been perfected over the years to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness. Simply prepare it in your crock pot, allowing the flavors to meld overnight for an effortless lunch option the next day. This pulled pork is wonderfully versatile—enjoy it as is, or enhance it with your favorite BBQ sauce for an extra kick! Plus, it freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Be sure to top it with creamy coleslaw for a delightful crunch!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless pork shoulder
4 lbs (Fat removed, tied with twine)
Water or beer
1/4 cup (N/A)
Medium onion
1 (Coarsely chopped)
Apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup (N/A)
Ketchup
1/2 cup (N/A)
Light molasses
1/4 cup (Mild)
Sweet paprika
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Spicy brown mustard
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (Finely ground)
Salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Liquid smoke flavoring
1/2 teaspoon (Optional)
Soft regular buns
16 (N/A)
Creamy coleslaw
1 pint (For topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by setting your crock pot to the LOW setting to preheat.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, light molasses, sweet paprika, spicy brown mustard, Worcestershire sauce, ground cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and liquid smoke flavoring (if using) until well mixed.
3
Place the trimmed boneless pork shoulder into the crock pot. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork, ensuring it is evenly coated.
4
Cover the crock pot with its lid and let the pork cook on LOW for approximately 8 to 10 hours, or overnight, until the pork is tender and easily shreddable.
5
Once the pork is done cooking, transfer it to a cutting board, allowing it to cool slightly before pulling it apart with your fingers or forks.
6
Return the pulled pork to the crock pot, keeping it warm until you are ready to serve.
7
For those who prefer a thicker sauce, mix in 1/2 cup of ketchup and 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce into the pork.
8
Serve the pulled pork generously on soft regular buns and top with a pint of creamy coleslaw for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
14g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein is 4 lbs of boneless pork shoulder with the fat removed and tied with twine.
How long does the pork need to cook?
The pork should cook on the LOW setting for approximately 8 to 10 hours, or overnight, until it is tender.
What kind of vinegar is recommended for the sauce?
Apple cider vinegar is used to provide the necessary tang for the sauce mixture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed to serve a crowd and includes instructions for 16 soft regular buns.
Is liquid smoke necessary for this pulled pork?
No, the liquid smoke flavoring is listed as an optional ingredient.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, mix in an additional 1/2 cup of ketchup and 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce after shredding the pork.
What is a recommended topping for the pulled pork sandwich?
A pint of creamy coleslaw is recommended as a topping for added flavor and a delightful crunch.
Can the slow-cooked pulled pork be frozen?
Yes, this pulled pork freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
What should I use to shred the meat?
You can pull the pork apart easily using your fingers or forks once it has cooled slightly.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 200 calories per serving of this pulled pork.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 14g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in this recipe?
There is 11g of protein per serving in this recipe.
What type of mustard should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of spicy brown mustard.
Should I preheat the crock pot?
Yes, the instructions suggest setting the crock pot to LOW to preheat before you begin mixing ingredients.
What kind of molasses is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of mild light molasses.
Can I use a liquid other than water?
Yes, you have the option to use 1/4 cup of beer instead of water for the cooking liquid.
What seasonings provide the heat in this dish?
The heat comes from ground cayenne pepper and spicy brown mustard.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the Chicago Tribune Food section and perfected over many years.
How should the onion be prepared?
One medium onion should be coarsely chopped before being added to the sauce mixture.
What is the role of Worcestershire sauce?
Worcestershire sauce is used as a key component of the sauce to enhance the savory flavor profile.
Does this recipe use paprika?
Yes, it requires 2 tablespoons of sweet paprika for the sauce.
Is salt and pepper included in the seasoning?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of finely ground black pepper.
How should the pork be kept before serving?
After shredding, return the pork to the crock pot to keep it warm until you are ready to serve.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under pulled pork, crock pot, slow cooked, and BBQ.
Is this recipe suitable for a large group?
Yes, it is described as a crowd pleaser and is perfect for serving at gatherings.
What type of pork cut is required?
The recipe specifically calls for a boneless pork shoulder.
Should the pork shoulder be tied?
Yes, the preparation instructions note that the pork should be tied with twine.
How much ketchup is used in the base sauce?
The base sauce mixture uses 1/2 cup of ketchup.
Can I add extra BBQ sauce at the end?
Yes, you can enhance the flavor by adding your favorite BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
What provides the smoky flavor profile?
The smoky flavor is achieved through the use of liquid smoke flavoring and the long slow-cooking process.