2-Ingredient Pulled Pork Recipe

Magical 2-Ingredient Pulled Pork Recipe for Effortless Meals

Crafting an incredible pulled pork dish can happen with just two simple ingredients that promise maximum flavor.

Kitchen magic unfolds when minimal components create something spectacular.

Slow cooking transforms tough meat into tender, mouthwatering strands that melt in your mouth.

Smart cooks know simplicity often delivers the most delicious results.

Minimal effort means maximum satisfaction without complicated techniques or extensive shopping lists.

Each bite tells a story of culinary efficiency and pure deliciousness.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next easy meal adventure.

Pulled Pork With Just 2 Ingredients and Full Flavor

Effortless Meal Preparation: Craft a delicious pulled pork dish with just two ingredients and minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor without complex cooking techniques.

Time-Saving Cooking Method: Slow cooker magic transforms tough pork shoulder into melt-in-your-mouth tender meat with virtually no hands-on time, allowing you to set it and forget it while enjoying your day.

Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this pulled pork on sandwiches, tacos, nachos, or over rice – making it an ideal option for family dinners, game day gatherings, or casual weekend meals that everyone will love.

Budget-Friendly Protein Option: Affordable pork shoulder combined with store-bought BBQ sauce creates an economical meal that stretches to feed multiple people without breaking the bank.

Pulled Pork (2 Ingredients) Ingredients

Main Protein:
  • Pork Shoulder: A flavorful, tender cut perfect for slow cooking, with marbling that keeps meat juicy and soft.
  • BBQ Sauce: Rich and tangy sauce that adds moisture and deep flavor to the pulled pork.
Optional Flavor Enhancers:
  • Excess Fat (Optional): Helps maintain moisture during cooking, can be trimmed if preferred for leaner result.

2-Ingredient Pulled Pork Simple Prep Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Roast

Select a pork shoulder or pork butt roast.

Place the entire roast into your slow cooker, allowing the meat to sit comfortably.

You can lightly trim excess fat if desired, but keeping some fat helps maintain moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the pulled pork.

Step 2: Generously Coat with Barbecue Sauce

Pour your favorite barbecue sauce directly over the pork roast.

Ensure the sauce covers the entire surface of the meat, creating a delicious coating that will infuse flavor during cooking.

Use a spatula or spoon to spread the sauce evenly across the roast.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW temperature.

Allow the pork to cook slowly for 6-8 hours, or alternatively use HIGH temperature for 4-5 hours.

The extended cooking time will transform the tough meat into tender, easily shreddable pulled pork.

The meat is ready when it falls apart effortlessly when prodded with a fork.

Step 4: Shred and Combine

Remove the lid and use two forks to pull the meat apart directly inside the slow cooker.

Shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, mixing it thoroughly with the accumulated cooking juices and barbecue sauce.

This final step ensures every strand of meat is coated with rich, tangy flavor.

Quick Pork Prep Using Just Two Ingredients

  • Select a well-marbled pork shoulder or boston butt for maximum tenderness and rich flavor during slow cooking.
  • Pick a high-quality BBQ sauce with balanced sweetness and tanginess to enhance the meat's natural taste without overpowering it.
  • Trim visible excess fat if you prefer leaner pulled pork, but keep a thin layer to maintain moisture and prevent dryness during cooking.
  • Serve pulled pork on soft buns, over rice, in tacos, or as a protein-packed salad topping for versatile meal planning.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat gently with a splash of additional BBQ sauce to maintain moisture and restore original delicious flavor.

Save Pulled Pork in 2 Steps

  • Transfer leftover pulled pork to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring the meat stays moist and fresh.
  • Pack cooled pulled pork in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pulled pork keeps well for 2-3 months.
  • Spread pulled pork in a baking dish, add a splash of broth or extra BBQ sauce to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Place pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle some liquid, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Pulled Pork Snack Suggestions

Elevate Pulled Pork Flavor Combinations

  • Craft Zesty Coleslaw Pairing: Combine tangy shredded cabbage with creamy dressing to cut through rich pork's heaviness, creating refreshing contrast.
  • Build Classic BBQ Sandwich Companion: Layer pulled pork on soft hamburger bun with crisp dill pickle slices and extra barbecue sauce for traditional Southern comfort.
  • Spark Craft Beer Match: Select amber ale or robust porter with caramel undertones to complement smoky meat's deep flavor profile, enhancing overall dining experience.
  • Design Fresh Side Salad: Prepare light mixed greens with quick vinaigrette to balance pulled pork's richness, adding bright, clean taste to hearty meal.

Two Ingredient Pulled Pork Different Flavors

  • Lean Protein Option: Replace pork shoulder with chicken breast or turkey for a lower-fat alternative that still delivers tender, juicy results.
  • Vegetarian Swap
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Mix in chipotle peppers or sriracha sauce with the BBQ sauce to create a spicier, more intense flavor profile for heat lovers.
  • Low-Carb Friendly: Choose a sugar-free or keto-friendly BBQ sauce to make the recipe compatible with low-carbohydrate dietary needs.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

Not recommended. Pork shoulder (or pork butt) is the best cut because it has enough fat content to become tender and juicy during slow cooking. Other leaner cuts might dry out and become tough.

  • Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Yes! Add some hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or a spicy BBQ sauce to give the pulled pork more kick. You can also mix in some cayenne pepper or chipotle powder for extra heat.

  • How do I prevent the pork from becoming too dry?

Always cook on LOW setting if possible, and ensure the pork is completely covered in BBQ sauce. Don’t open the lid frequently during cooking, as this lets heat escape and can dry out the meat.

  • Can I make this recipe in an oven or pressure cooker?

Absolutely! In the oven, cook covered at 325°F for about 3-4 hours. In a pressure cooker, cook on high pressure for around 60-75 minutes, depending on the size of your pork shoulder.

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2-Ingredient Pulled Pork Recipe

2-Ingredient Pulled Pork Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Succulent pulled pork delights with incredible depth from just two ingredients, creating mouthwatering Southern comfort. Slow-cooked perfection delivers rich, savory goodness you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 4.5 pounds (2 kilograms) pork shoulder (or pork butt)

Sauce:

  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

Additional Ingredients:

  • None

Instructions

  1. Position the pork shoulder inside the slow cooker, ensuring maximum surface coverage. Optional fat trimming can be done, though some fat helps maintain moisture during cooking.
  2. Generously drench the entire meat surface with barbecue sauce, creating an even, glistening coat that will penetrate and tenderize the protein.
  3. Secure the slow cooker lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the meat to transform slowly over 6-8 hours. Alternatively, use high heat for 4-5 hours, achieving a similar tender result.
  4. Once the pork reaches a fall-apart consistency, utilize two forks to meticulously pull and separate the meat fibers directly within the cooking vessel.
  5. Thoroughly incorporate the shredded pork into the accumulated sauce, ensuring each strand becomes saturated with rich, savory flavors.
  6. For optimal serving, let the pulled pork rest momentarily, allowing the sauce to further permeate the meat, creating a succulent and deeply flavored protein perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or standalone enjoyment.

Notes

  • Maximize tenderness by selecting a well-marbled pork shoulder with some fat, which guarantees juicy, melt-in-your-mouth results.
  • Customize flavor profiles by experimenting with different BBQ sauce varieties like spicy, smoky, or sweet regional styles to match your taste preferences.
  • Reduce fat content by using a lean cut and choosing a low-sugar, organic BBQ sauce for a healthier version of this classic dish.
  • Extend meal versatility by storing leftover pulled pork in airtight containers for quick future meals like tacos, sandwiches, or nachos.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (Slow Cooker)
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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