Imagine creating a mouthwatering pulled pork dish that's so simple, it practically cooks itself! This "Easiest Pulled Pork Ever" recipe is your ticket to becoming a kitchen hero without spending hours slaving over a hot stove. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll transform an ordinary pork shoulder into a tender, juicy masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe guarantees restaurant-quality pulled pork that's packed with flavor and guaranteed to impress.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Buns for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 lbs of pork shoulder, 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 1 sliced onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, salt, pepper, and buns for serving.
- Preheat your slow cooker or oven to 225°F (107°C) if using the oven method. If using a slow cooker, simply plug it in and set it to low.
- Prepare the pork shoulder by trimming any excess fat. This helps reduce greasiness in the final dish.
- Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This enhances the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
- In the bottom of your slow cooker or a large roasting pan, place the sliced onions and minced garlic. This will create a flavorful base for the pork.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker or roasting pan.
- Pour the 1 cup of barbecue sauce over the pork, ensuring it's evenly coated. Reserve a small amount of sauce for serving if desired.
- If using a slow cooker, cover it with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours. If using the oven, cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- After 8 hours, check the pork shoulder for doneness. It should be tender and easily pull apart with a fork. If it’s not tender enough, continue cooking for another hour.
- Once the pork is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker or oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Mix in the onions and garlic from the cooking liquid for added flavor.
- Serve the pulled pork on buns, adding additional barbecue sauce if desired. Enjoy your Easiest Pulled Pork Ever!
Tips
- Choose the right cut: Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is ideal due to its high fat content, which keeps the meat moist during long cooking.
- Don't rush the cooking process: Low and slow is the secret to incredibly tender pulled pork. Resist the temptation to increase the temperature.
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfect doneness, the internal temperature should reach around 205°F (96°C) for easy shredding.
- Reserve some cooking liquid: The liquid from the slow cooker contains incredible flavor - mix a bit back into the shredded meat for extra moisture.
- Make ahead and meal prep: This pulled pork freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for quick meals and batch cooking.
- Experiment with sauce variations: While barbecue sauce is classic, try mixing in different styles like Carolina vinegar-based or sweet and tangy Kansas City-style sauces.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 125mg
