Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends begging for seconds? Get ready to unlock the secret to the most tender, juicy, and ridiculously simple pulled pork recipe that will make you look like a culinary genius with minimal effort! This "Easiest Pulled Pork Ever" recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that requires almost zero cooking skills but delivers maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lb pork shoulder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 3 pounds of pork shoulder, 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Also, have hamburger buns ready for serving.
- Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder if necessary. This will help reduce grease in the final dish while ensuring that the meat remains tender and flavorful.
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will be your seasoning rub for the pork.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring that it is evenly coated. This will infuse the meat with flavor as it cooks.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker. If you have the time, you can sear the pork in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side to develop a deeper flavor, but this step is optional.
- Pour the 1 cup of barbecue sauce over the pork shoulder, making sure it is well covered. The sauce will help to keep the meat moist and add a rich flavor.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This slow cooking process will break down the tough fibers in the pork, resulting in tender, pull-apart meat.
- After 8 hours, check the pork shoulder for doneness. It should be fork-tender and easily shred with a fork. If it’s not tender enough, you can cook it for an additional hour.
- Once the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining barbecue sauce, allowing it to soak up more flavor.
- Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns. You can add additional barbecue sauce, coleslaw, or pickles as desired. Enjoy your Easiest Pulled Pork Ever!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Always use pork shoulder (also called pork butt) for the most tender and flavorful pulled pork. The marbling in this cut ensures juicy meat that falls apart beautifully.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Resist the temptation to rush the cooking process. Eight hours on low heat is crucial for breaking down tough muscle fibers and creating melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Don't Skip the Seasoning: Take time to massage the spice rub thoroughly into the meat. This helps develop deeper flavor throughout the pork.
- Optional Flavor Boost: For extra depth, consider searing the pork briefly before slow cooking to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Sauce Management: Save some barbecue sauce for serving, allowing people to customize their pulled pork sandwiches to their taste preference.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! The pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
