Pulled Pork: the best-ever recipe for moist, smoky, slow-cooked pulled pork

There's no denying that slow-cooked pulled pork is mouthwateringly delicious, smoky and tangy. It's a juicy, moist and tender American dish from the South that practically melts in your mouth. Sweet, savory, with a subtle hint of spice thanks to ingredients like brown sugar, mustard powder, chili powder, and cayenne powder, this is a fantastic shredded pulled pork recipe to make when you're in the mood for pulled pork sliders or sandwiches in summer, paired with BBQ sauce.

It's as simple as combining the ingredients in a Dutch oven or and leaving them to simmer away in the oven or the grill for a few hours until the meat shreds easily. Whether you use it for sandwiches, sliders, or tacos, or add it to stews, soups, or casseroles, this pulled pork recipe is sure to become a staple dish in your home.

Can you make Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot?

For Instant Pot pulled pork, place all of the ingredients in the pot. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour, followed by a natural release.

Can you make Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker?

For slow cooker pulled pork, put all of the ingredients in the slow cooker. Secure the lid and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 4 to 6 hours.

Tips for making Moist Pulled Pork

Pork butt, aka pork shoulder, is the best cut of meat for making pulled pork.

Use less cayenne pepper and chili powder if you're not keen on too much spice. Add more if you like spicier dishes.

How to serve Pulled Pork

Great toppings for your pulled pork include pickles, grilled onions, coleslaw, cheese, jalapenos, bacon, red onions, and pineapple.

The best condiments for pulled pork sandwiches are mustard, hot sauce, teriyaki sauce, and barbecue sauce.

Serve your pulled pork with mashed potatoes or cauliflower, mac and cheese, roasted veggies, fries, or pasta salad.

You can also use it to make pulled pork tacos or sliders or add it to stews, soups, scrambled eggs, casseroles, or hash.

How to Store Pulled Pork

Transfer leftover pulled pork to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Frozen pulled pork will last 2 to 3 months.

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How to Make Pulled Pork

You can make pulled pork in several ways, let's find out how.

Making the Pulled Pork in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F.

Step 1

Step 1

You can make pulled pork in several ways, let's find out how.

In a bowl, make the rub by mixing brown sugar, mustard powder, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.

Step 2

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 350F.

In a Dutch oven, rub the pork shoulder with the spice mix.

Step 3

Step 3

In a bowl, make the rub by mixing brown sugar, mustard powder, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.

Pour over the apple cider vinegar.

Step 4

Step 4

In a Dutch oven, rub the pork shoulder with the spice mix.

Pour in the chicken stock.

Step 5

Step 5

Pour over the apple cider vinegar.

Place the lid on top of the pot and cook for 3 hours.

Step 6

Step 6

Pour in the chicken stock.

Take the lid off the Dutch oven and cook for another hour.

Making the Pulled Pork on the Grill

Step 7

Step 7

Place the lid on top of the pot and cook for 3 hours.

If you want to make pulled pork on the barbecue, place the pork shoulder on the grill and let it cook for about 4-6 hours until very tender. Check the pork every hour to make it sure it's not too dry.

Step 8

Step 8

Take the lid off the Dutch oven and cook for another hour.

Remove it from the grill when done.

How to shred Pulled Pork

Step 9

Step 9

If you want to make pulled pork on the barbecue, place the pork shoulder on the grill and let it cook for about 4-6 hours until very tender. Check the pork every hour to make it sure it's not too dry.

Take the pork out and shred it with a fork.

Step 10

Step 10

Remove it from the grill when done.

Serve pulled on hamburger buns with desired condiments and toppings.