Zesty Spicy Pulled Pork Delight
Experience the bold flavors of our Zesty Spicy Pulled Pork Delight, a crowd-pleaser that brings excitement to your gatherings. This recipe features a succulent 8 lbs of pork shoulder slow-cooked to perfection with a spicy kick from dried jalapenos and a rich onion flavor. The pork is combined with a tangy BBQ sauce, making it perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or simply served with your favorite sides. Easy to prepare in a crockpot, this dish is ideal for meal prep and makes for fantastic leftovers.
20
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork shoulder
8 lbs (trimmed of excess fat)
dried jalapeno pepper
1/2 ounce (finely crushed)
onion powder
3 tablespoons (none)
water
1 cup (none)
spicy BBQ sauce
2 (18 ounce) bottles (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the trimmed pork shoulder into the crockpot, ensuring it fits comfortably.
2
Pour 1 cup of water over the pork to help with moisture and flavor.
3
Sprinkle the finely crushed dried jalapeno peppers and onion powder evenly over the meat.
4
Cover the crockpot and cook on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and easy to shred.
5
Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fluids from the crockpot to avoid a watery consistency.
6
Using two forks, shred the pork into small, chunky pieces and return it to the crockpot.
7
Pour in the spicy BBQ sauce and mix well, ensuring all the pork is coated with the sauce.
8
Heat the mixture on low for an additional 1 to 2 hours to let the flavors meld together.
9
Serve warm as a sandwich filling, in tacos, or with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Spicy Pulled Pork Delight?
It is a bold and flavorful dish featuring 8 lbs of pork shoulder slow-cooked with dried jalapenos, onion powder, and spicy BBQ sauce, perfect for crowds and meal prep.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to produce approximately 20 servings, making it ideal for large gatherings or parties.
What cut of meat should I use for this recipe?
A pork shoulder is the recommended cut, specifically 8 lbs trimmed of excess fat for the best texture and flavor.
What makes this pulled pork spicy?
The spice comes from 1/2 ounce of finely crushed dried jalapeno peppers combined with a spicy variety of BBQ sauce.
How much BBQ sauce is required?
You will need two 18-ounce bottles of your favorite spicy BBQ sauce to coat the shredded pork.
What is the recommended cooking time in the crockpot?
The pork should be cooked on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours, followed by an additional 1 to 2 hours after shredding and adding sauce.
Do I need to add liquid to the slow cooker?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 cup of water to be poured over the pork to help maintain moisture and flavor during the long cook time.
How should I prepare the pork shoulder before cooking?
The pork shoulder should be trimmed of any excess fat and placed into the crockpot so that it fits comfortably.
How do I shred the cooked pork?
Once the pork is tender, use two forks to shred the meat into small, chunky pieces directly in or out of the crockpot.
Why do I need to drain the fluids from the crockpot?
Draining excess fluids before adding the BBQ sauce prevents the final dish from having a watery consistency.
Can I use onion powder for seasoning?
Yes, the recipe uses 3 tablespoons of onion powder sprinkled evenly over the meat to provide a rich flavor.
What are the best ways to serve this pulled pork?
It is perfect as a sandwich filling, used in tacos, or served alongside traditional BBQ sides like coleslaw and cornbread.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it makes a large quantity and the leftovers are fantastic, making it an excellent choice for weekly meal planning.
Can I cook this on the high setting instead of low?
While low is recommended for the most tender results, you can cook it on high for about 4-6 hours if you are short on time.
Should the BBQ sauce be added at the beginning?
No, the BBQ sauce should be added after the pork has been cooked for 8-10 hours and shredded.
Can I substitute the dried jalapenos?
If you cannot find dried jalapenos, you could use fresh minced jalapenos or red pepper flakes, though the flavor profile may vary.
How do I ensure the flavors meld together?
After adding the BBQ sauce to the shredded meat, heat the mixture on low for an additional 1 to 2 hours.
Is this recipe suitable for tacos?
Absolutely, the spicy and zesty flavor profile makes it an excellent protein choice for tacos.
What equipment is needed for this recipe?
You will primarily need a crockpot (slow cooker) and two forks for shredding the meat.
Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?
Yes, while spicy sauce is suggested, you can use sweet, smoky, or mild BBQ sauce depending on your heat preference.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
Based on the ingredients list of pork, water, and sauces, the fiber content is negligible.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: pork shoulder, dried jalapenos, onion powder, water, and spicy BBQ sauce.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, pulled pork freezes very well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for later use.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized under Pork recipes.
How much onion powder is used?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of onion powder.
What is the texture of the finished pork?
The finished pork should be tender, succulent, and easy to shred into small, chunky pieces.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food, perfect for satisfying and hearty meals.
Can I make this for a party?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a party food and a crowd-pleaser due to its large yield.
How do I know when the pork is ready to shred?
The pork is ready when it is tender enough to pull apart easily with a fork after 8-10 hours of slow cooking.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can increase or decrease the amount of dried jalapenos or choose a milder BBQ sauce to suit your taste.