Best Pulled Pork Recipe: Smoky, Tender, and Irresistibly Delicious

Looking for a mouthwatering pulled pork recipe that’s easy to follow and guarantees exceptional results? You’re in the right place! This step-by-step guide will show you how to make the best pulled pork that’s smoky, tender, and bursting with flavour. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, enjoying a family dinner, or simply satisfying your craving for smoky, tender goodness, this recipe is your go-to choice. Try it now to enjoy the perfect blend of flavours, and share it with friends and family for an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients:

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

- 2-3 kg Pork Shoulder (also known as Pork Butt)

- 2 tablespoons of Oil

- 2 tablespoons of Brown Sugar

- 2 tablespoons of Smoked Paprika

- 1 tablespoon of Mustard Powder

- 1 tablespoon of Garlic Powder

- 1 tablespoon of Onion Powder

- 1 teaspoon of Ground Cumin

- 1 tablespoon of Salt

- 1/2 teaspoon of Black Pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste)

- 2 cups of Apple Juice or Cider

- 2 Onions, roughly chopped

- 4 Garlic Cloves, crushed

- 4 Bay Leaves

- BBQ Sauce for serving (see my recipe here)

- Soft Buns for serving

- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

- Begin by preheating your oven to 150°C (300°F) fan-assisted. Ensure your oven rack is placed in the lower third of the oven.

2. Prepare the Pork Shoulder:

- Start by patting the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.

- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create a dry rub.

- Rub the mixture evenly all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it's well coated. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate into the pork.

3. Sear the Pork:

- Heat the oil in a large ovenproof Dutch oven or casserole dish over medium-high heat.

- Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until it develops a golden-brown crust. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.

4. Add Aromatics and Liquid:

- Remove the seared pork from the Dutch oven and set it aside.

- In the same pot, add the chopped onions and crushed garlic cloves. Sauté them until they turn translucent and aromatic.

- Return the seared pork to the pot, add the bay leaves, and pour in the apple juice or cider.

5. Slow Roast to Perfection:

- Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and place it in the preheated oven.

- Roast the pork for approximately 5-6 hours, or until it becomes tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.

- Baste the pork with the cooking liquid every hour to keep it moist and flavourful.

6. Shred and Serve:

- Once the pork is fork-tender, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board.

- Using two forks, shred the pork into strands.

7. Assemble Your Pulled Pork Sandwich:

- Serve the pulled pork on soft buns.

- Top with your favourite BBQ sauce and coleslaw for an authentic British pulled pork experience.

With patience, attention to detail, and the perfect blend of spices, you can now indulge in this hearty and mouthwatering dish whenever the craving strikes. Whether you're serving it at a weekend gathering or a weeknight dinner, your homemade pulled pork will have everyone asking for seconds.