This recipe for pulled pork is absolutely mouthwatering. The pulled pork is packed with flavor to the extent that it doesn’t even require BBQ sauce, although we do like to serve it alongside either our own BBQ Sauce or a tangy Carolina BBQ Sauce for a little extra zing. It’s genuinely one of my favorite meals to prepare. This is because it simmers slowly in the crockpot throughout the day. Picture this: as the hours pass, the home fills with the irresistible aroma of a pork butt gently roasting away. This inviting scent will have everyone excited for dinner!
Key Steps to Achieving Tender, Juicy Pulled Pork
To begin the transformation into delectable pulled pork, the first step is applying a dry rub and allowing it to rest. Generously coating the entire piece of meat with a mixture of smoky and sweet spices not only enhances the flavor but creates a wonderful depth to each bite. Once the meat is fully covered in this fragrant spice blend, placing it in the refrigerator overnight allows the spices to meld and deeply infuse their delicious essence into the pork. The dry rub is an essential element that takes the pork to the next level. It gives the meat a spicy and smoky boost that are impossible to resist. For more insights on the superiority of dry rubs, check out Dry Rubs Are Better Than Marinades. There. We Said It. from Bon Appétit.
The next morning, the magic continues with the crucial step of searing the pork. This process is vital for creating a beautiful, crispy caramelized crust on the exterior. Searing also seals in all the juicy goodness, ensuring that the meat remains succulent and tender. After all, nobody wants dry pulled pork! Once the pork has been seared to perfection, the work is behind you until it’s time for dinner. Additionally, adding applesauce during the cooking process not only aids in tenderizing the meat but also enhances its natural sweetness.
Preparation, Servings, and Storage
Preparing pulled pork in the crockpot is wonderfully simple and requires minimal effort. It cooks slowly and gently for 6 to 8 hours, resulting in a tender and juicy masterpiece. A single slow-roasted pork butt will yield about 10 generous servings. It is the perfect recipe for family gatherings or for those who prefer to meal prep for the week ahead. This dish is incredibly delicious right after it’s cooked but can also be conveniently stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Moreover, if you wish to savor this delightful dish at a later date, it can be frozen for up to 4 months, allowing you to enjoy this comfort food whenever the craving arises!
Pulled Pork- Crockpot recipe
Equipment
- Large cast iron skillet
- 5 Quart or larger crockpot
Ingredients
Dry rub ingredients
- 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tbsp Chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 tbsp Cumin
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Sea salt
- 1/2 tbsp Sugar
- 1/2 tbsp Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp Onion powder
- 4-5 LB Pork butt
Crockpot ingredients
- 1/2 cup Applesauce
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
- The night before cooking the pulled pork, mix all the dry rub ingredients together in a bowl.
- Place the pork in a glass baking dish and coat all sides of the meat with the dry rub seasonings. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
- The next morning, remove the pork from the refrigerator and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Season with a bit of olive oil.
- Place the pork onto the hot skillet and brown all sides.
- Once the pork is browned, place it in the crockpot on low heat.
- Mix applesauce with water and pour into the crockpot.
- Cover and slow cook the pork for 6-8 hours.
- Once the pork is tender and ready to be shredded, remove it from the crockpot, shred and discard the fatty pieces.
- Return the shredded pork to the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce inside.
- Allow the juices to reabsorb into the pork for 30 minutes before serving.
- Pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Very good