Mouthwatering Pulled Pork: A Tender and Flavorful Slow-Cooked Delight

Slow-Cooked BBQ Spiced Pulled Pork: A Flavorful and Tender Dish

Slow-cooked BBQ spiced pulled pork is a mouthwatering dish that combines the smoky flavors of barbecue with the tender texture of slow-cooked pork. This dish is a favorite for gatherings, parties, and family meals. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you prepare this delectable dish:

Ingredients:

- 3-4 pounds boneless pork shoulder (pork butt)
- 1 cup BBQ spice rub
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- Optional: Onion slices, garlic cloves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork: Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder. Season it generously with the BBQ spice rub, ensuring it covers all surfaces.

2. Slow-Cook the Pork: Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, and honey. If desired, add onion slices and garlic cloves for extra flavor. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the pork is fall-off-the-bone tender.

3. Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly. Use two forks or a meat shredder to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.

4. Simmer the Pulled Pork: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker along with the cooking liquid. Simmer on low for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Serve and Enjoy: The pulled pork is now ready to serve. You can serve it on buns, tortillas, as a sandwich filling, or with your favorite sides.

Tips:

- Choose the Right Cut of Pork: A pork shoulder, also known as a pork butt, is the ideal cut for slow cooking as it has a good amount of marbling and fat content, which helps it stay moist and tender.
- Use a Good BBQ Spice Rub: The spice rub is crucial for adding flavor to the pork. You can use a store-bought rub or create your own blend of spices such as paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Don't Overcook the Pork: Overcooking can result in dry and tough pork. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 195-205°F (90-96°C).
- Let the Pulled Pork Rest: After shredding, let the pulled pork rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it even more tender and flavorful.

Slow-cooked BBQ spiced pulled pork is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a hearty and flavorful meal, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds.