On October 12 we celebrate, National Pulled Pork Day, a day to enjoy the typically savoury, smoky, and slightly sweet taste, However, it often has a rich, tangy flavour from barbecue sauce or seasoning, with tender, juicy meat that’s been slow-cooked to perfection.
You can have it with a tangy vinegar-based sauce, a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, or a spicy kick, it’s a great excuse to fire up the grill or slow cooker and enjoy some savoury comfort food. If you are a Pulled Pork lover then this article is for you.
| 1500s (Pigs brought to the Americas) | Hernando de Soto, a Spanish explorer, brings hogs over to the New World. |
| 1600s (Hogs move north) | English settlers begin to bring hogs to the Carolinas and Virginia. |
| 1600s (A new way to cook meat) | Those dealing with the cheapest, toughest scraps of meat cooked the meat slowly for a long period of time — resulting in the tender, fall-off-the-bone meat that we love today. |
4 Reasons We’re Pulled Pork Fans
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It’s a popular meat item- Pulled pork is among the top 10 best-selling meat products
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It packs more protein than chicken- Pork also has more B vitamins, iron, and zinc than chicken.
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Pigs outnumber Danes- In fact, there are twice as many pigs as people in Denmark.
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Pork is popular globally- Pork is the most consumed meat at the global level.
Recipe- Classic Pulled Pork Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4-5 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (for heat)
How to make:
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the meat all over with the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned. This step adds extra flavour but can be skipped if you don’t have enough time.
- Transfer the seared pork shoulder to a slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then pour the mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large plate or cutting board. Shred the meat with two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the juices.
- Serve the pulled pork on buns with additional barbecue sauce, or use it in tacos, sandwiches, or over rice.
Conclusion
By following simple ingredients and the basic preparation steps, you can create a mouthwatering pulled pork that’s customizable to your taste preferences. The point to be noted is that you can also experiment with different spices, sauces, and side dishes to make the meal uniquely yours.
Don’t forget that pulled pork freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep and future meals. Enjoy the process of making it, and savour the satisfying, savoury results with friends and family!
FAQs
Can I make pulled pork in the oven?
Yes, you can for that you need to preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Sear the pork as directed, then transfer it to a Dutch oven or a covered roasting pan. Cook for about 4-6 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds.
Can I use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use, to use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, follow the same preparation steps but cook on high pressure for about 60-75 minutes.
Can I freeze pulled pork?
Yes, pulled pork freezes well and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for added flavour and a complete meal. P
How can I make pulled pork spicier or milder?
To make it spicier, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning mix or barbecue sauce.
To make it milder, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use a milder barbecue sauce.
Also, read more about National Fried Scallops Day – October 2, 2024
