Made from slow-cooked pork, pulled pork is a tasty and adaptable meal.

Pulled pork is a delicious and versatile dish made from slow-cooked, tender, and flavorful pork that is shredded or "pulled" into smaller pieces.

It's a popular dish in many cuisines, particularly in the Southern United States, where it is often associated with barbecue culture. Here's a basic overview of how pulled pork is typically made:

Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt: These cuts of meat are ideal for pulled pork because they have a good balance of fat and connective tissue, which helps keep the meat moist and tender during the long cooking process.

Dry Rub or Marinade: A mixture of spices, herbs, salt, and sometimes sugar is rubbed onto the pork to add flavor and enhance the meat's natural juices. Common ingredients include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and brown sugar.

Barbecue Sauce (optional): While some recipes use only a dry rub, others finish the pulled pork with a tangy and sweet barbecue sauce for added flavor.

Preparation of the Pork: Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder or butt, leaving a thin layer to keep the meat moist during cooking. Apply the dry rub or marinade generously, covering all sides of the meat.

Slow Cooking: Pulled pork is typically cooked low and slow to break down the tough connective tissues and render the fat, resulting in tender and juicy meat. It can be cooked in a smoker, on a grill, in a slow cooker (crockpot), or in the oven..

Shredding: Once the pork is fully cooked and tender, it is removed from the heat and allowed to rest for a short period. Using two forks or meat claws, the pork is shredded into smaller pieces, which gives it the characteristic "pulled" texture.

stay updated