Carolina Pulled Pork – it’s something I haven’t had in quite a while here in Yankeeland, or rather, not anything remotely like the real thing. One time, we went to a “BBQ” restaurant and asked if they started out in the South. The waitress answered, “Yes, of course.” Then, just out of curiosity, we asked if she knew what part of the South. Her response? “Wisconsin.”
We had some family visiting from NC, so I thought I’d make some Pulled Pork since I didn’t think they’d even recognize the stuff served around here. No pressure or anything. :P I figured I didn’t need anything tripping myself up, so I went super simple – flavoring with vinegar, tomatoes, some chili pepper flakes, and Worcestershire Sauce. I just threw it all in the slow cooker and headed out to explore Philly with the family. Low heat and long cooking time combined, melting away fat and collagen, making for a moist, tender, and flavorful pulled pork upon our return.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork by Morsels of Life
A succulent and flavorful North Carolina-style pulled pork.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours (or more)
Total time: 2 hours, 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Materials:
- 2 pounds pork butt or shoulder, chunked
- 2-3 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup vinegar (You can also use cider vinegar for a bit of a different flavor.)
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar (Add some more flavor by using brown sugar or molasses instead.)
- 1 tablespoon chili pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Methods:
- (optional) Brown/sear pork in a pan for additional flavor. (I didn’t this time since we were running late, but it’d be nice.)
- Throw all materials into a slow cooker or crock pot.
- Cook until pork falls apart when lifted. It normally happens around 2 hours, but you can certainly leave it in longer. We left it in at least 5 hours this time around.
- Shred pork. It should literally fall apart. Serve with sauce or other BBQ sauce.
Thank you so much for sharing this on Must Try Monday. I feel like my pulled pork is lacking some flavor. I am for sure going to pin and try this.
Let me know how you like it! Browning it first definitely adds loads of flavor too. :)
YUM. The picture makes my mouth water!! Thanks for sharing at What’s Cooking Thursdays. I LOVE pulled pork :)
Hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think if you try it. :)
Oh I bet the flavor in this pork is AMAZING! I would love for you to share this recipe on Allergy-Free Wednesdays tomorrow if you get a chance: http://www.glutenfreepantry.blogspot.com/p/allergy-free-wednesdays.html
It really is – you should give it a try (if I do say so myself)! I’ll try and stop by tomorrow to link up too. Thanks for the invite!
I love how simple this is! Never underestimate the bliss of an easy dinner in the life of a mom! I have a real easy one two…but totally different flavors: http://www.tessadomesticdiva.blogspot.com/2012/01/quick-easy-2-ingredient-pulled-pork-for.html
I am pinning your to try, thanks for sharing on AFW!
Oh – I definitely do appreciate easy dinners – makes the after work hours less stressful. :) Thanks for the pin and stopping by!
made this tonight…super yummy! Thank you ( i used molasses and left the chili out so my kids would eat it!)
yay! Glad you found it tasty! The molasses really adds a nice bit of extra flavor. :)
Thank you for stopping by and sharing on Allergy Free Wednesdays! Check back next week for recipe highlights (including the top 3 reader choice submissions and hostess favorites).
Best,
–AFW Hostesses
Thanks for hosting!
I love NC pulled pork, but I don’t recall ever making it. The next time I find a good price on pork, this will be the recipe. Thanks!
We all love this recipe – hope you find it as enjoyable as we did!