Harp Family Recipes

Pulled pork is a flavorful and tender dish made from slow-cooked pork, typically from the shoulder cut. The meat is seasoned with a blend of spices, often including brown sugar, paprika, and garlic powder, which enhances its rich and savory taste. As it cooks for several hours, the pork becomes incredibly tender, allowing it to be easily shredded with a fork.

This dish is commonly served on buns, making for a hearty sandwich, and is often complemented with barbecue sauce and optional toppings like coleslaw for added crunch and flavor. The combination of the smoky, slightly sweet, and tangy elements creates a satisfying meal that is perfect for gatherings, barbecues, and casual dining. Pulled pork is beloved for its rich flavors and versatility, easily adapting to various serving styles and accompaniments.

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Buns for serving
  • Coleslaw (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Pork:
    • Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks if necessary.
  2. Make the Rub:
    • In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Season the Pork:
    • Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it is well-coated.
  4. Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot:
    • Place the seasoned pork in the crock pot. Pour in the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth.
  5. Cooking:
    • Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  6. Shred the Pork:
    • Remove the pork from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the crock pot and mix it with the juices.
  7. Serve:
    • Spoon the pulled pork onto buns and top with additional barbecue sauce and coleslaw if desired.