Preparing a delicious meal that rivals restaurant-quality dishes doesn't have to be time-consuming.
Our Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is here to prove that you can achieve an exceptional dish with just 10 minutes of preparation. Hard to believe? Let's dive in and discover the magic!
Why you should try this recipe
1. Restaurant-Level Deliciousness: Picture the smoky, tender, and flavorful pulled pork melting in your mouth. This recipe delivers a restaurant-grade experience right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
2. Unbeatable Ease: Pressed for time but craving something delicious? Here's the solution: our recipe is so easy that you won't believe it. All you need is a good-sized boneless pork shoulder, BBQ sauce (without sugar), a dash of vinegar, a bit of chicken broth, and your preferred spices. In our case, a mix of oregano and thyme pairs beautifully with the pork.
Improvise a Slow Cooker: Achieving tender results with your oven
When you find yourself without a traditional slow cooker, improvising is both practical and achievable. A trusty alternative is to use an oven-safe casserole dish with a tight-fitting lid. However, if such a dish is unavailable, a heat-resistant baking dish covered with aluminum foil will work as well. To emulate the standard 4-hour slow-cooking program, set your oven to a temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius). This method closely mirrors the gentle, prolonged cooking process of a regular slow cooker, ensuring your dishes turn out just as tender and flavorful.
Servings: 8-10
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 4 hours
Ingredients:
· 1.3 Kg (approximately 3 pounds) Pork Shoulder
· 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
· 2 garlic cloves, crushed
· ½ cup of BBQ sauce (sugar-free)
· ¼ cup of vinegar, 60 ml
· ½ cup of chicken broth, 120 ml
· Salt to taste.
Instructions for making Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
1. Begin by preparing your pork shoulder. Trim any excess fat from the meat, leaving a thin layer for flavor. Rub the garlic and seasoning evenly over the surface of the pork shoulder, ensuring it's well-coated with the aromatic blend. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably without overcrowding.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar-free BBQ sauce, vinegar, and chicken broth. This sauce will infuse the meat with a rich and tangy flavor. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the pork in the slow cooker, evenly coating the meat. Cover the slow cooker with its lid, and set the cooking temperature to low. Slow-cook the pork shoulder for approximately 6 hours. This low and slow method will ensure the meat becomes tender and pulls apart easily.
3. After 6 hours, carefully remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. The meat should be incredibly tender and easy to pull apart. If you prefer a saucier pulled pork, you can return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining juices and sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
4. Serve your delicious Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork on fresh buns or as desired. You can also garnish it with coleslaw, pickles, or any other toppings you enjoy. Enjoy your homemade, sugar-free BBQ pulled pork that's packed with flavor and incredibly tender!
Variations and substitutions
1. While boneless pork shoulder is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cuts like pork butt or loin for slightly different flavors and textures.
2. Consider making your own BBQ sauce from scratch with ingredients like ketchup, stevia, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
3. Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil for a fragrant twist on the traditional recipe.
Tips and Tricks Section for making Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
1. Choose the Right Cut: Opt for boneless pork shoulder for the juiciest and most flavorful results.
2. Trim Excess Fat: While some fat is essential for flavor, trim excessive fat to avoid an overly greasy dish. Leave a thin layer for added richness.
3. Sear for Depth: Sear the pork in a hot pan before placing it in the slow cooker. This step locks in flavors and adds depth to the final dish. However, if you are short on time, you can skip this tip.
4. Shred with Care: Use two forks to shred the pork easily. Be cautious of hot juices while shredding.
Related Recipes
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 1.3 Kg approximately 3 pounds Pork Shoulder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- ½ cup of BBQ sauce sugar-free
- ¼ cup of vinegar 60 ml
- ½ cup of chicken broth 120 ml
- Salt to taste.
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your pork shoulder. Trim any excess fat from the meat, leaving a thin layer for flavor. Rub the garlic and seasoning evenly over the surface of the pork shoulder, ensuring it's well-coated with the aromatic blend. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably without overcrowding.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar-free BBQ sauce, vinegar, and chicken broth. This sauce will infuse the meat with a rich and tangy flavor. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the pork in the slow cooker, evenly coating the meat. Cover the slow cooker with its lid, and set the cooking temperature to low. Slow cook the pork shoulder for approximately 6 hours. This low and slow method will ensure the meat becomes tender and easily pull-apart.
- After 6 hours, carefully remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. The meat should be incredibly tender and easy to pull apart. If you prefer a saucier pulled pork, you can return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining juices and sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve your delicious Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork on fresh buns or as desired. You can also garnish it with coleslaw, pickles, or any other toppings you enjoy. Enjoy your homemade, sugar-free BBQ pulled pork that's packed with flavor and incredibly tender!
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