Dr Sweets Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled Pork Extravaganza
Recipe Introduction: Dr. Sweets' Pulled Pork is Here!
Fancy some top rated slow cooker recipes ? Honestly, who doesn't love the ease of a slow cooker? I've got one that'll blow your socks off.
Get ready for Dr. Sweets' Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled Pork Extravaganza. This tangy pulled pork recipe is bursting with smoky, sweet, and vinegary flavor.
This isn't just any slow cooker BBQ pork recipe . This is the best slow cooker Carolina pulled pork experience. It's inspired by those famous Carolina flavors.
We are talking tender pork shoulder, cooked until it practically melts in your mouth. Serve it in buns for slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches or tacos, It's proper lush!.
This recipe is easy as pie. Prep time? 15 minutes tops. Then, let your slow cooker do its magic. Cook it for 8- 10 hours on low, or 4-6 on high.
You'll end up with enough pulled pork for a crowd , serving 8-10 hungry people. I learned the hard way.
Don't skip seasoning the pork.
Benefits Beyond Belief: Why This Pulled Pork Rocks
Pulled pork is packed with protein! Plus, it's the perfect dish for a weekend cookout or a casual dinner party. Let's be honest, you can't go wrong with it. So simple.
It's the low and slow cooking method, that makes this recipe super special. It transforms a tough cut of meat into pure deliciousness.
You know what I mean? It's just the perfect Easy Crockpot Meat .
Gathering Your Bits: Ingredients for Pulled Pork Glory
Time to gather your ingredients. Get a pork shoulder, those spices, and the meal ideas slow cooker can become a reality.
Let's dive into the nitty gritty: Apple cider vinegar gives it that classic Carolina tang, but don't sweat if you don't have it.
White or rice vinegar will do just fine. Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of flavor, but soy sauce or tamari works for those avoiding gluten.
Speaking of spice, don't shy away from the hot sauce. A dash of Frank's RedHot does the job. It's like a warm hug for your taste buds.
Ready to transform those ingredients into magic?. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment for Pulled Pork Nirvana
Alright, let's talk about what you need to whip up this Dr. Sweets' Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled Pork Extravaganza! . It’s not complicated.
I promise. Even I can do it. I mean, seriously, easy crockpot meat is my kinda cooking!
Main Ingredients for Unforgettable Flavor
First, the star: a 4-5 pound pork shoulder roast. That's around 1.8-2.3 kg . You want a decent sized chunk.
Bone-in or boneless, your call. Honestly, I usually grab whatever looks good at the butcher.
- Pork Shoulder: 4-5 pounds (1.8-2.3 kg) . Look for good marbling. That fat equals flavor!.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . This is crucial for that smoky depth!.
- Garlic Powder: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . You know, for that garlicky goodness.
- Onion Powder: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Adds a nice savory base.
- Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Freshly ground is always better!
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Don’t be shy!.
And for that killer sauce!
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 cup (240 ml) . This is what gives it that Carolina tang!
- Ketchup: ½ cup (120 ml) . Adds sweetness and body.
- Packed Brown Sugar: ½ cup (100 g) . Gotta have that sweetness, right?
- Worcestershire Sauce: ¼ cup (60 ml) . That umami punch!.
- Yellow Mustard: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Trust me on this one.
- Hot Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Frank's RedHot is my go-to. Adjust to your taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Optional, but I like the extra kick.
Seasoning Secrets
The spice rub is where the magic happens. Don't skimp! Smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bam!. You are looking for the best slow cooker Carolina pulled pork , and you're looking at it!
For the sauce, apple cider vinegar is non-negotiable. It’s that tang that makes it a tangy pulled pork recipe . The other stuff just balances it out.
You know, sweetness, a bit of heat, the works.
No apple cider vinegar? White or rice vinegar will do in a pinch. No Worcestershire sauce? A splash of soy sauce will add that savoury depth.
Equipment Keep it Simple
Honestly, you don't need much.
- 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker : It's the heart of this dinner meals crockpot .
- Large bowl: For mixing the spices, obviously.
- Whisk: To get that sauce nice and smooth.
- Meat thermometer: Okay, this is optional , but recommended. You want that pork super tender not dried out.
- Two forks: Essential for shredding.
Don't have a whisk? A fork works just fine. No fancy slow cooker? As long as it cooks low and slow, you're golden.
We are all about making great food accessible, even with minimal equipment and tools so that everyone has great meal ideas slow cooker .
We've got loads more top rated slow cooker recipes to get you started on your slow cooking adventure!
Dr. Sweets' Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled Pork Extravaganza!
Alright, you lot! Fancy a bit of BBQ that'll knock your socks off? This Carolina pulled pork is the business.
We're talking tender, tangy, and ever-so-slightly sweet pork that just falls apart. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or, honestly, just shovelling straight into your gob.
And the best part? It's dead easy. We're diving into the world of top rated slow cooker recipes !
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
- Essential Mise en Place. First, grab your pork shoulder roast (1.8-2.3 kg). Make sure it fits in your slow cooker! Next, measure out all your spices and sauce ingredients. You know, the usual suspects.
- Time Saving Organization Tips. Honestly, just chuck it all in! But seriously, having everything pre-measured saves time. Do it before you crack open that first cheeky beer.
- Safety Reminders. Don't burn yourself. It's hot. And don't lick the raw pork . Salmon ella is not your friend.
step-by-step: From Zero to Hero
- Spice Rub Magic: Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Rub it all over the pork . Get in there!
- Sauce Boss: Whisk together apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave).
- Slow Cooker Time: Place pork in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cook on low for 8- 10 hours or high for 4- 6 hours . The pork should shred easily.
- Shred It Up: Remove pork and shred with two forks. Discard any gross bits.
- Sauce It Again: Return shredded pork to the slow cooker. Toss with the sauce. Enjoy some of the best slow cooker Carolina pulled pork and get ready to make slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Game
- Sear the pork first for extra flavor. Honestly, it makes a difference.
- Don't overcook! Mushy pork is sad pork .
- make-ahead? Absolutely! Cook the pork , shred it, and store it in the fridge. Reheat with the sauce when you're ready to eat. This means you will have plenty of dinner meals crockpot to go around.
Honestly, you can't really go wrong with this recipe. It's foolproof! So go on, give it a go. You might even find you like the Crock Pot Recipes Asian style.
Recipe Notes for Dr. Sweets' Carolina Pulled Pork
Right, so you're about to embark on this amazing slow cooker adventure. Honestly, even I was surprised how good this Carolina pulled pork turned out the first time.
Here are a few extra bits and bobs.
Plating & Presentation Make it Instagram Worthy!
Listen, presentation matters! Pile your pulled pork high on toasted brioche buns. Add some coleslaw and a pickle. Classic, right? Or, fancy it up! Think Carolina Bowls with grits, a fried egg, and spring onions.
I sometimes do pulled pork tacos for a crowd! My absolute favourite .
Storage: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop the slow cooker BBQ pork recipe in an airtight container. It'll be fine in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To freeze, separate it into portions. Then thaw overnight before reheating. Important : Make sure your pork reaches 165° F when reheating.
Safety first!
Variations Get Creative!
Fancy a bit of a kick? Chuck in a chopped jalapeno. Oh my gosh, it’s a game changer! Or, swap the brown sugar for honey.
That gives it a lovely, different sweetness. I've even swapped out the pork shoulder for pork loin once! However, it needed much less time in the cooker.
For a dietary adaptation to make it keto friendly, just use Erythritol instead of Brown sugar. Easy peasy.
Nutrition Lowdown
Each serving is about 350-450 calories. Plenty of protein, around 30-40g. Carbs? About 15-25g. It's a great meal ideas slow cooker .
This is not just delicious. It's also proper good for you. Do bear in mind, all of this is approximate!
This tangy pulled pork recipe is a winner. Even if you're a cooking newbie. So, go on, give it a go.
If you're hunting for top rated slow cooker recipes , this is a cracking one. Trust me, you'll be chuffed with the results! This is definitely one of the dinner meals crockpot that will make you happy!
I can't wait for you to try my easy crockpot meat recipe. This best slow cooker Carolina pulled pork is amazing! If you're looking for a crock pot recipes asian , check out the other recipes on my site.
You can even make chinese food crockpot recipes for your friends! It's time to make some slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really make this if I'm a complete beginner cook? This Carolina Pulled Pork sounds a bit fancy!
Absolutely! This Dr. Sweets' Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled Pork Extravaganza is designed for everyone, from novice cooks to seasoned pros. The beauty of top rated slow cooker recipes is that they're incredibly forgiving. Just follow the instructions, and you'll have a delicious meal without needing to be Gordon Ramsay.
What if I don't have all day to cook? Can I speed up this slow cooker pulled pork recipe?
You bet! While low and slow (8-10 hours) yields the most tender results, you can cook it on high for 4-6 hours. Just keep an eye on it and make sure the pork is easily shreddable. Don't overcook it, or it'll dry out faster than a forgotten crumpet under the grill!
My slow cooker is smaller/larger. Do I need to adjust the ingredient amounts?
Yes, adjusting the recipe to your slow cooker size is key. If your slow cooker is much smaller, halve the recipe to avoid overflow. If it's larger, the stated amounts should be fine, just make sure the pork is mostly submerged in the sauce.
For a really big slow cooker, you might even consider doubling the sauce to ensure everything stays moist and delicious.
How long does leftover pulled pork last, and what's the best way to store it?
Properly stored, leftover pulled pork will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to cool it down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
Reheat gently with a little extra sauce to prevent it from drying out a splash of apple cider vinegar can help revive it!
I'm trying to watch my carbs. Is there a healthier way to enjoy these top rated slow cooker recipes, like this pulled pork?
Absolutely! To reduce carbs, skip the bun and serve the pulled pork over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps. You can also use a sugar alternative like Erythritol instead of brown sugar in the sauce to cut down on sugar content. Also, be mindful of portion sizes and focus on lean cuts of pork shoulder when available.
Can I use a different cut of meat other than pork shoulder for this recipe?
While pork shoulder (Boston Butt) is the gold standard for pulled pork due to its marbling and tenderness, you can use a pork loin roast in a pinch. However, be aware that pork loin is much leaner and tends to dry out more easily.
Reduce the cooking time significantly and consider adding a bit of extra liquid to the slow cooker to keep it moist. It won't be quite the same, but still tasty!
Dr Sweets Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled Pork Extra
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-25g |
| Fiber | 0g |
