Slow Cook Pulled Pork in Slow Cooker: A Delicious and Easy Recipe!

The Ultimate Guide to Mouthwatering Slow Cooked Pulled Pork for Busy Parents

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Hello there, busy moms and dads! Are you looking for a scrumptious dinner that requires minimal effort? You’ve landed in just the right spot! Our ultimate guide to Slow Cooked Pulled Pork is here to brighten your dinner table and lighten your workload. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure together, where we’ll turn a simple pork shoulder into a tender, flavor-packed sensation that your family will beg for again and again. Don’t worry, we’re making it as easy as pie – or should we say, as easy as pulled pork!

Why Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Is a Parent’s Best Friend

Slow cookers are the superheroes of the kitchen for busy parents all around the world. Pop in the ingredients, set it, and forget it – until dinnertime, when a delicious meal is ready to serve. With the slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you can spend quality time with your little ones, help with homework, or even take a moment for yourself. Plus, slow cooked pulled pork is incredibly versatile and can be served in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or even as a main course with sides of your choice.

Your Go-To Slow Cooked Pulled Pork Recipe

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a list of ingredients and tools that will set you up for pulled pork perfection:

Ingredients:

Pork shoulder or pork butt
Your favorite BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Brown sugar
Onion
Garlic
Chicken or vegetable broth
Your choice of dry spices (such as paprika, cumin, and chili powder)
Salt and black pepper

Tools:

A slow cooker (of course!)
A mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
A cutting board and a good knife
Two forks for shredding
A storage container (for those awesome leftovers)

Now that you’re equipped with your kitchen arsenal, let’s move on to the magical process of turning that pork shoulder into a delectable slow cooked wonder.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Deliciousness

Follow these simple steps to guarantee an aromatic and succulent pulled pork that will have everyone salivating:

Preparing Your Pork:

Start by patting down your pork shoulder with a paper towel, making sure it’s nice and dry. Combine all of your dry spices along with the brown sugar in a bowl, then generously rub the mixture all over the pork. This rub is going to create a crust of flavor that’s out of this world!

The Flavor Base:

Chop the onion and garlic and place them at the bottom of the slow cooker. They will not only add a depth of flavor but also keep your pork from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

The Main Event:

Now place your seasoned pork on top of the onion and garlic bed. Pour your preferred BBQ sauce and broth around the pork. You can even add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.

Cooking Time:

Put the lid on your slow cooker, set it to low, and let the magic happen. We’re aiming for 8-10 hours of cooking time to ensure the meat is so tender, it practically falls apart. If you’re in a pinch, you can set the cooker to high and reduce the cooking time to 5-6 hours.

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Five Essential Tips for Parents Prepping Slow Cooked Pulled Pork

Hey, super parent! Before you roll up your sleeves and get to the fun part, there are a few important tidbits you should know to make your slow-cooked pulled pork journey even smoother:

Choosing the Right Cut: When selecting your pork, a pork shoulder or a pork butt is your best choice. These cuts have a good amount of fat which keeps the meat moist during the long cooking process. No more dry, chewy meat – it’s tenderness all the way!
Spice It Right: The rub isn’t just a “nice to have” – it’s critical for that punch of flavor. Don’t skip on this step, and feel free to experiment with spices that your family loves. A combination of sweet, savory, and a tiny kick of heat usually does the trick!
Layer Those Flavors: Remember that bed of onions and garlic? It’s more than a comfy cushion for your pork. It builds a flavor that melds into the meat as it cooks. Additionally, using a good quality BBQ sauce can be a game-changer, taking your pulled pork from good to “can I have thirds, please?”
Patience Makes Perfect: In the world of slow cookers, patience truly is a virtue. Resist the urge to peek into the pot too often – each time you lift the lid, heat escapes, and cooking time gets prolonged. Just set a timer and let the slow cooker work its magic undisturbed.
Resting Is Rewarding: Once the pork is cooked, give it a little rest before you shred it. A short rest allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your pork is moist and flavorful through every bite.

Serving Suggestions for All Occasions

Your pulled pork is cooked and ready to steal the show, but how should you serve it? Pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser and fits many occasions. Here are some quick ideas:

Stuff it in buns for some killer pulled pork sandwiches and coleslaw.
Top your salads with a hearty scoop for a protein-rich addition.
Wrap it in soft tortillas with salsa and guacamole for a Tex-Mex night.
Stir it into mac ‘n cheese for a decadent twist on a classic.
Serve it straight up with roasted veggies and a side of mashed potatoes.

Storing and Reheating Like a Pro

One of the best parts about slow cooked pulled pork is the leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat your pork to keep it just as yummy as day one:

Storing: Cool the pulled pork completely then store in airtight containers. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days, or in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen pork in the fridge overnight if frozen. To reheat, place it in a saucepan with a splash of broth or water, cover, and warm on a low heat. This method helps to maintain the moisture. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to sprinkle some liquid over the pork and cover it to avoid drying out.

Adding a Healthy Twist

Want to keep things on the healthier side? It’s easy! Use leaner cuts like pork tenderloin, though it can be less moist, you can combat this by reducing cooking time. Also, consider making your own low-sugar BBQ sauce, and serving your pulled pork with a variety of vegetables. Who says comfort food can’t be part of a balanced diet?

Wrapping It Up

There you have it, your complete guide to creating a sublime slow cooked pulled pork meal that’s guaranteed to please your whole family. So, go ahead and throw that pork in the pot, and take a well-deserved break while your slow cooker does all the work. Bon appétit!

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