Pulled pork is one of those dishes that works year round. It’s juicy, tender, and so full of flavor. In the summer it taste great with a side of crispy coleslaw and some pickles. You can’t wrong finishing the meal with some fresh watermelon. On the warmer days it’s so comforting in a bun with a side of sweet potato fries or mashed cauliflower.
WHAT TYPE OF CUT SHOULD I BUY?
I personally prefer bone-in pork shoulder since I think it has more flavor. Pork shoulder is a relatively tough and inexpensive cut of meat. It’s best cooked for a long time at low temperature so that the fats and tissues melt. The result will be a tender, juicy meet that falls apart when you shred it with a fork.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PORK SHOULDER AND PORK BUTT
They come from the same area of the pig but are cut from opposite ends of the shoulder region.
Pork shoulder is from the thinner part of the shoulder so has less fat.
Pork butt is cut from the thicker fattier part of the shoulder.
COOKING TIP
It’s best to not cook the meat straight form the fridge. If you have time, it’s best to let it sit out 30 minutes before cooking. This will give it a chance to warm up and will ensure a more even cooking throughout.
A meat thermometer is ideal when making this dish so that you’re sure your meat is cooked to at least 145F. If you have time it’s best to cook on low in the Instant Pot for a long time to get the maximum of flavors!
PERFECT DESSERT PAIRINGS
Looking for easy decadent desserts to serve with the pulled pork? Check out these recipes:
Easy Slow Cooker (Instant Pot) Pulled Pork
Equipment
- Instant Pot or Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder bone-in
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 cup water
Dry Rub
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 2 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard
Instructions
- Mix together all dry rub ingredients.
- Put the pork in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Add remaining ingredients.
- Set to low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
- Once cooked, let cool off slightly and shred with two forks.
SHOP PRODUCTS AND INGREDIENTS
