Savory Pulled Pork Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
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If you're looking for a dish that combines simplicity with rich flavors, this Savory Pulled Pork Delight is exactly what you need. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. Let’s dive into this melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Ingredients for Savory Pulled Pork Delight

The star of this dish is the pork shoulder, which becomes delectably tender after slow cooking. The apple cider vinegar adds a tangy depth, perfectly balancing the sweetness of brown sugar. A hearty barbecue sauce forms the base of the marinade, while paprika brings a smoky warmth. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the savory notes, while salt and black pepper season the meat to perfection. Finally, a touch of cayenne pepper adds just the right amount of heat.

Tips & Tricks

  • For even more flavor, marinate the pork overnight in the fridge before cooking.
  • If you’re in a pinch, you can cook on high for 4-5 hours, but low and slow is best.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 190°F for maximum tenderness.

Serving Suggestions

This pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Serve it on soft buns with a side of coleslaw for a classic sandwich. It’s also fantastic in tacos, paired with a fresh mango salsa, or over a bed of rice with steamed vegetables for a wholesome meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, pork butt or pork loin can also work, though the texture may vary slightly.
What if I don't have apple cider vinegar?
White vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used as substitutes, but they might alter the flavor profile a bit.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Savory Pulled Pork Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by mixing the marinade. In a large bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar. Stir in the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until you have a smooth mixture.

Take your pork shoulder and rub the marinade all over it. Don’t be shy—make sure it’s fully coated. The flavors will seep into the meat as it cooks.

Place the pork shoulder into your slow cooker. If you have any marinade left in the bowl, pour it over the top. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for about 8 to 10 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the pork is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.

Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it well with the juices in the pot. This step ensures that every bite is juicy and flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
  • Rich, tangy flavors from a unique blend of spices and apple cider vinegar.
  • Perfect for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully.
  • Versatile enough to be served in multiple creative ways.

Ingredients

4 lbs pork shoulder
2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Combine the apple cider vinegar, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl.
2. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it is well-coated.
3. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker and pour any remaining sauce over it.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
6. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the juices.
7. Serve warm on buns or as desired.

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