RECIPE FOR PULLED PORK IN SLOW COOKER
Slow cooker pulled pork is a flavourful and tender dish that’s easy to prepare. Here’s a simple recipe to guide you:
Ingredients:
- 1 (3- to 4-pound) pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground red pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped onion, minced garlic, and orange juice at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Season the Pork: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and ground red pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork shoulder.
- Cook: Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker, on top of the onion and garlic mixture. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any excess fat.
- Combine with Sauce: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Pour the barbecue sauce over the meat and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns for sandwiches, over mashed potatoes, or alongside coleslaw for a classic pairing.
Tips:
- For added flavour, you can incorporate a tablespoon of brown sugar into the spice rub.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a teaspoon of hot sauce or a chopped jalapeño to the slow cooker.
- Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Enjoy your homemade slow cooker pulled pork!