Sweet & Spicy Pulled Pork

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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Sweet & Spicy Pulled Pork is your ticket to a flavor-packed meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum payoff. Perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy, this dish is ideal for any season and occasion, be it a cozy family dinner or a lively summer barbecue.

Ingredients for Sweet & Spicy Pulled Pork

The star of the show is the boneless pork shoulder, which becomes tender and succulent after hours of slow cooking. The brown sugar and honey add sweetness to balance the heat from the cayenne pepper. Smoky depth comes from smoked paprika, while garlic powder and onion powder bring savory undertones. Apple cider vinegar adds tanginess and helps tenderize the meat, and Worcestershire sauce brings umami richness. Lastly, the chicken broth keeps everything moist and flavorful.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra browning, don't overcrowd the skillet when searing the pork.
  • If you're short on time, the pork can be cooked on high for 4-5 hours, but low and slow is best for tenderness.
  • Save some of the cooking liquid to drizzle over the pork when serving for added moisture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pulled pork heaped on soft buns for a classic sandwich. It’s also fantastic in tacos with a simple slaw, or serve it over a bed of rice with some roasted veggies for a hearty meal. For a bit of zing, try a squeeze of lime or a dollop of sour cream on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, pork butt or pork loin can work, but pork shoulder is best for its fat content and flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 4-5 hours in a covered Dutch oven.

Sweet & Spicy Pulled Pork Recipe Walkthrough

Start by making a spice rub. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix them well and rub this mixture evenly all over the pork shoulder. Trust me, this step is key for infusing the pork with flavor.

Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until it's browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This browning step adds depth and complexity to the final flavor.

Now it's time to set up your slow cooker. Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom. Lay the seared pork on top of the onions and garlic. Then, pour chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce over the pork. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours. This is when the magic happens, as the slow cooker transforms the pork into a tender, flavorful delight.

Once the cooking time is up, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it to combine with all those delicious juices.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless slow cooking: Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
  • Perfectly balanced flavors: A harmonious blend of sweet, spice, and savory.
  • Versatile serving options: Great in sandwiches, tacos, or solo with sides.
  • Simple ingredients: No hard-to-find items; just pantry staples.

Ingredients

4 lbs boneless pork shoulder
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup honey
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture over the pork shoulder evenly.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Place sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of a slow cooker. Place the seared pork on top.
4. Pour chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce over the pork.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
6. Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the juices.
7. Serve hot on buns, in tacos, or with your favorite sides.

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