Pulled pork

Pulled pork is simply American BBQ at its best! Pulled pork should be so tender that it practically comes apart before you start to shred it. It’s flavourful, soft and moist. The best cut to use is the shoulder, a tough cut of meat which becomes tender.

Traditionally it is a barbecue recipe meaning it’s cooked on a grill for hours! However, those without access to a grill rejoice because thankfully pulled pork is easy to make at home in your slow cooker, pressure cooker or even in your oven! Pulled pork demands love and time but I think we can all agree its worth it!

An amazing thing about pulled pork is its versatility. Adding it to burgers with coleslaw is a combination to die for. Fresh coleslaw perfectly compliments the pork and adds freshness and a much needed crunch.

It is an amazing filling for sandwiches, tacos, wraps and quesadillas. It’s a common addition to nachos and it can even be used as a pizza topping!

We knew getting the spice balance right is really important to so in our recipe. Our rub is made up of salt, sugar, pepper, onion, chilli powder, cinnamon and mustard powder.

We added some maple syrup or honey, soy sauce, harissa and tomato puree as well, but also beer or water. These wet ingredients prevent the pork from becoming dry while cooking and become a wonderful sauce once the pork has finished cooking.

Tools

Chopping board

Kitchen knife

Bowl

Silicone spatula

Saucepan

Dutch oven

Oven gloves

Fork

Step nr: 1 - Chop the onion

Ingredient list for step nr: 1

Preparation time 1 Minute

Total time 1 Minute

ToolChopping board

ToolKitchen knife

ToolBowl

Place the onion on the chopping board and cut the onion.

Step nr: 2 - Mix the sauce

Ingredient list for step nr: 2

Preparation time 30 Seconds

Total time 30 Seconds

ToolBowl

ToolSilicone spatula

In a bowl add the onion, tomato paste, soy sauce, harissa, honey, chilli powder (optional), cinnamon, mustard powder, pepper and salt into the cooking bowl and mix togheter.

Step nr: 3 - Cook the sauce with water

Ingredient list for step nr: 3

Cooking time 8 Minutes

Total time 8 Minutes

Temperature100 Degrees Celsius

ToolSaucepan

ToolSilicone spatula

In a saucepan, pour the sauce and add a little quantity of water, and then simmer.

Step nr: 4 - Let the sauce cool down

Rest time 10 Minutes

Total time 10 Minutes

ToolBowl

ToolSilicone spatula

Pour the sauce in a bowl and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Step nr: 5 - Leave the pork to marinade

Ingredient list for step nr: 5

Rest time 4 Hours

Total time 4 Hours

ToolBowl

ToolSilicone spatula

Place the pork into a bowl, add the sauce, mix togheter and then let marinade for 4 hours.

Step nr: 6 - Preheat the oven

TimeNo times for this step

ToolDutch oven

Preheat the oven to 170°C with the dutch oven inside.

Step nr: 7 - Cook the pork

Ingredient list for step nr: 7

Cooking time 3 Hours

Total time 3 Hours

Temperature170 Degrees Celsius

ToolDutch oven

ToolOven gloves

Take the dutch oven from the oven and add pork, marinade and water. Cover with the lid and cook in the oven for 3 hours.

Step nr: 8 - Check the meat and cook the pork

Cooking time 30 Minutes

Total time 30 Minutes

Temperature170 Degrees Celsius

ToolDutch oven

ToolFork

ToolOven gloves

Check the meat and cook for other 30 minutes without the lid, or until the pork is very tender and falling apart.

Step nr: 9 - Shred the meat and serve

Preparation time 5 Minutes

Total time 5 Minutes

ToolOven gloves

ToolBowl

ToolFork

ToolSilicone spatula

Put the meat in a bowl. 'Pull' the pork by sticking a fork in the shoulder and shredding the meat into small pieces with another fork. It should fall apart easily. Then serve.