Description
Succulent Lone Star pulled pork delivers a mouthwatering journey through Texas barbecue traditions, slow-cooked to tender perfection. Smoky, rich flavors and fall-apart meat invite you to savor a classic Southern comfort dish that celebrates regional culinary excellence.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 4.5 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt)
Dry Spices:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Aromatics and Liquids:
- 1 diced onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Meticulously dry the pork shoulder using paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence.
- Create a robust spice blend by thoroughly combining brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Massage the spice mixture comprehensively across the entire surface of the pork, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Prepare the slow cooker base by distributing diced onions and minced garlic evenly across the bottom.
- Carefully position the generously seasoned pork shoulder directly atop the aromatic onion and garlic layer.
- Construct a flavorful liquid foundation by mixing apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and barbecue sauce, then gently pour around the meat.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the pork to tenderize slowly on LOW setting for 8-10 hours or HIGH setting for 4-5 hours until meat effortlessly pulls apart.
- Extract the cooked pork and methodically shred using two forks, breaking down the meat into delicate strands.
- Reintegrate the shredded meat into the cooking liquid, enabling the pork to absorb the rich, complex flavors and maintain moisture.
Notes
- Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder for maximum tenderness and rich flavor that melts in your mouth.
- Dry-rubbing the meat beforehand helps the spices create a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in deep, smoky flavors.
- Low and slow cooking technique breaks down tough connective tissues, ensuring ultra-tender pulled pork that easily falls apart.
- Customize the spice blend by adjusting heat levels or swapping in different spices like cumin or cayenne for a personalized touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours (on Low) or 5 hours (on High)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Texan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg