Perfect Pulled Pork

Unlock the secret to melt-in-your-mouth perfection with this "Perfect Pulled Pork" recipe, a slow-cooked masterpiece that combines tender pork shoulder seasoned with a smoky-sweet dry rub and infused with apple cider vinegar for a tangy depth of flavor. Whether prepared in a slow cooker for effortless all-day cooking or lovingly baked in a Dutch oven, this recipe yields irresistibly juicy, fall-apart tender pork that's perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even served over rice. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a blend of pantry staples like paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar, this dish is as easy as it is delicious. Finish it off with barbecue sauce for a classic twist, and serve on soft burger buns or warm tortillas for the ultimate comfort food experience. Ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this pulled pork recipe is sure to be your go-to for smoky, savory goodness.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:480 mins

Total Time:495 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 0.5 cups apple cider vinegar
• 1 cups chicken broth
• 1 cups optional barbecue sauce
• 8 pieces burger buns or tortillas (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Trim any excessive fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some for flavor and moisture.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create the dry rub.

Step 3

Rub this spice mixture generously over the entire pork shoulder, ensuring it is well-coated.

Step 4

Place the seasoned pork shoulder into a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Pour the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth around the pork, avoiding washing off the dry rub.

Step 5

For slow cooker: Set to low and cook for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is fall-apart tender. For oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and cook covered for about 6-7 hours.

Step 6

Once cooked, transfer the pork to a cutting board or large dish. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes.

Step 7

Using two forks, shred the pork into pieces, discarding any remaining fat or bones.

Step 8

If desired, mix the shredded pork with barbecue sauce for additional flavor.

Step 9

Serve the pulled pork warm on burger buns, tortillas, or even over a bed of rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3065.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6791.3

Total Fat 389.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 131.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 1270.1mg	0%
Sodium 8254.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 459.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.4g	0%
Total Sugars 162.6g
Protein 365.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 797.5mg	0%
Iron 43.6mg	0%
Potassium 6853.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.5%

Protein: 21.5%

Carbs: 27.0%