Mohamed Shili Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is made with succulent pork shoulder roast, flavorful garlic, aromatic thyme, zesty mustard, sweet brown sugar, and tangy apple cider. This hearty Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe creates a mouthwatering dinner that takes about 6 to 10 hours to prepare and can serve up to 12 people.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Ingredients
- 5-6 lb. bone-in pork shoulder roast
- 6 cloves garlic
- 4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tbsp. brown sugar
- 2 tsp. ground mustard
- 3 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 8 sprigs of thyme
- 1 cup apple cider
To Serve:
- Dijon mustard
- 12 pretzel rolls, split and toasted
How To Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Prepare the pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving about a 1/4-inch layer. Create 12 small incisions across the meat and insert half a garlic clove into each cut.
- Create the rub: In a mixing bowl, combine the kosher salt, brown sugar, ground mustard, and black pepper. Thoroughly rub this seasoning blend over the entire surface of the pork. Place the pork in the slow cooker, the fat layer facing down.
- Add vegetables and liquid: Arrange the sliced onions and thyme sprigs around the sides of the pork in the slow cooker. Gently pour the apple cider into the cooker, taking care to avoid washing the rub off the pork.
- Cook: Secure the lid on the slow cooker. Set to cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the pork is tender enough to be easily shredded with forks.
- Finish the pork: Remove and discard the thyme sprigs. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, mixing it well with the onions and collected cooking juices.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spread a layer of Dijon mustard on each toasted pretzel roll. Spoon generous amounts of the pulled pork and onions into the rolls.
Recipe Tips
- Trimming Fat: When preparing the pork, ensure to trim excess fat to around 1/4 inch. This helps maintain flavor without making the dish overly greasy.
- Seasoning Blend: Mix the seasoning ingredients thoroughly before rubbing them onto the pork. This ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout the dish.
- Slow Cooking Time: For tender pulled pork, follow the recommended cooking times on either high for 6 hours or low for 8 to 10 hours.
- Shredding Technique: Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. This allows for easier mixing with onions and ensures a consistent texture.
- Mustard Spread: Don’t forget to spread Dijon mustard on the pretzel rolls before adding the pulled pork. It adds a tangy kick to each bite.
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Pulled Pork pairs well with tangy coleslaw, creamy avocado salad, sweet potato fries, and grilled pineapple skewers. It also can be served alongside jalapeno cornbread, crispy onion rings, refreshing cucumber salad, and baked beans for a delightful feast.
How To Store Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Refrigerate: Cool the pulled pork completely. Then, either cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: For extended storage, freeze the pulled pork. First, wrap it tightly with aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer bag or use a freezer-safe container. The pulled pork can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How To Reheat Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pulled pork in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through.
In The Microwave: Put a portion of the pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
In The Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pulled pork to an air fryer-safe container. Heat for 5-10 minutes, checking halfway to avoid overheating or drying out.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 320kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 840mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 7g
- Calcium: 60mg
- Iron: 2mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I trim the fat from the pork shoulder?
To trim the fat, use a sharp knife to remove any excess fat, leaving about 1/4 inch. This ensures flavor without excess grease. Think of it like trimming excess fat from a steak before grilling.
Can I use boneless pork shoulder instead?
Yes, boneless pork shoulder can be used, but keep in mind it may cook slightly faster than bone-in. Adjust cooking times accordingly. It’s like choosing between bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for a recipe.
How do I know when the pork is done cooking?
The pork is done when it’s tender and easily pulled apart with forks. Test it by gently pulling with two forks. It’s similar to checking if a cake is done by inserting a toothpick.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pulled pork ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze it for longer storage. Simply reheat before serving. It’s like meal-prepping chili or stew for the week.
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Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Description
Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is made with succulent pork shoulder roast, flavorful garlic, aromatic thyme, zesty mustard, sweet brown sugar, and tangy apple cider. This hearty Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe creates a mouthwatering dinner that takes about 6 to 10 hours to prepare and can serve up to 12 people.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Ingredients
How To Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Prepare the pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving about a 1/4-inch layer. Create 12 small incisions across the meat and insert half a garlic clove into each cut.
- Create the rub: In a mixing bowl, combine the kosher salt, brown sugar, ground mustard, and black pepper. Thoroughly rub this seasoning blend over the entire surface of the pork. Place the pork in the slow cooker, the fat layer facing down.
- Add vegetables and liquid: Arrange the sliced onions and thyme sprigs around the sides of the pork in the slow cooker. Gently pour the apple cider into the cooker, taking care to avoid washing the rub off the pork.
- Cook: Secure the lid on the slow cooker. Set to cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the pork is tender enough to be easily shredded with forks.
- Finish the pork: Remove and discard the thyme sprigs. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, mixing it well with the onions and collected cooking juices.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spread a layer of Dijon mustard on each toasted pretzel roll. Spoon generous amounts of the pulled pork and onions into the rolls.
