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.
What are some of your favorite pulled pork flavorings?
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
by CJ HuangPrep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Yield: 8 servings
Materials:
| Mass | Weight | Volume | Number | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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:
- Gather all materials.
- (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.
ReplyDeleteLet me know how you like it! Browning it first definitely adds loads of flavor too. :)
ReplyDeleteYUM. The picture makes my mouth water!! Thanks for sharing at What's Cooking Thursdays. I LOVE pulled pork :)
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think if you try it. :)
ReplyDeleteOh 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
ReplyDeleteIt 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteI am pinning your to try, thanks for sharing on AFW!
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).
ReplyDeleteBest,
--AFW Hostesses
Oh - I definitely do appreciate easy dinners - makes the after work hours less stressful. :) Thanks for the pin and stopping by!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteWe all love this recipe - hope you find it as enjoyable as we did!
ReplyDeletemade this tonight...super yummy! Thank you ( i used molasses and left the chili out so my kids would eat it!)
ReplyDeleteyay! Glad you found it tasty! The molasses really adds a nice bit of extra flavor. :)
ReplyDeleteI live in Northern Michigan and there is no such thing as "real" pulled pork around here! Tried your recipe, but have never in my life been able to keep myself from adding my own tweaks. Used sorghum instead of sugar and added a tiny bit of liquid smoke. My lands! This was so amazing that I'm making another batch so I can put it in the freezer. Thank you for sharing! (ps: Found your blog via a link on better on a budget)
ReplyDeleteooo - sounds like I need to give your tweaks a try! Thanks for stopping by and sharing. :)
ReplyDelete