Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this irresistible Sweet and Sour Pulled Pork recipe! Imagine tender, juicy pork that falls apart with the gentlest touch, coated in a tantalizing sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and tanginess. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a family meal, or simply craving a flavor explosion, this recipe will have everyone begging for seconds. Prepare to become the ultimate home chef with this foolproof, slow-cooker magic that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Remove pork shoulder from refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on all sides.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until ingredients are thoroughly blended and smooth.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder into a slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably. Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the meat, making sure it's well-coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the pork to become tender and easily pull apart. The internal temperature should reach approximately 195-205°F for perfect pulled texture.
- After cooking time is complete, remove pork from slow cooker and transfer to a large cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat, discarding any large fatty pieces.
- Return shredded meat to the slow cooker and mix with remaining sauce. Let sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Toast hamburger buns lightly. Spoon pulled pork generously onto each bun, ensuring an even distribution of meat and sauce.
- Serve immediately while warm, optionally with additional barbecue sauce or coleslaw on the side.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Pork shoulder (also called Boston butt) is ideal due to its high fat content, which ensures tender, succulent meat.
- Seasoning is Key: Don't be shy with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. A generous seasoning creates a flavor-packed foundation.
- Low and Slow is the Secret: Cooking at a low temperature for 6 hours breaks down tough muscle fibers, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Temperature Matters: Aim for an internal temperature of 195-205°F for perfect pullability.
- Rest and Absorb: Letting the shredded meat sit in the sauce for 10 minutes allows it to soak up maximum flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Toast your buns for extra texture, and consider adding coleslaw or pickles for a flavor and texture contrast.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared in advance and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 544kcal
Carbohydrates: 64g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
