What is Pulled Pork?

Pulled pork is a barbecue dish made from shredded pork shoulder. It is typically slow-smoked over wood, but can also be cooked in a slow cooker or oven. The meat is then shredded and mixed with a sauce, and can be served on bread as a sandwich or eaten on its own.

Why is it Called Pulled Pork?

Pulled pork gets its name from the way it is prepared. The pork shoulder is cooked until it is very tender, and then it is pulled apart into shreds. This process gives the meat a unique texture that is both tender and juicy.

How is Pulled Pork Made?

Pulled pork is typically made from a pork shoulder, also known as a Boston butt. The shoulder is a tough cut of meat, but it is also very flavorful. The pork shoulder is first rubbed with a dry rub, which typically consists of spices, herbs, and sugar. The meat is then smoked over wood for several hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 195 to 205°F (90.5 to 96°C).

Once the pork is cooked, it is removed from the smoker and allowed to rest for a few minutes. The meat is then shredded into small pieces and mixed with a sauce. The sauce can be made from a variety of ingredients, but it typically includes vinegar, sugar, and spices.

What are the Different Ways to Cook Pulled Pork?

Pulled pork can be cooked in a variety of ways, including:

Smoking: This is the traditional method of cooking pulled pork, and it produces the most flavorful results. The pork shoulder is smoked over wood for several hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 195 to 205°F (90.5 to 96°C).
Slow cooking: Pulled pork can also be cooked in a slow cooker. This method is less flavorful than smoking, but it is also easier and requires less attention. The pork shoulder is placed in a slow cooker and cooked on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 195 to 205°F (90.5 to 96°C).
Oven roasting: Pulled pork can also be roasted in the oven. This method is less flavorful than smoking or slow cooking, but it is also the quickest. The pork shoulder is placed in a roasting pan and cooked at 300°F (149°C) for 3 to 4 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 195 to 205°F (90.5 to 96°C).

What are the Different Sauces for Pulled Pork?

Pulled pork can be served with a variety of sauces, including:

Vinegar-based sauce: This is the traditional sauce for pulled pork, and it is made from vinegar, sugar, and spices.
Mustard-based sauce: This sauce is made from mustard, vinegar, and spices. It is a good choice for those who like a tangy sauce.
Barbecue sauce: Barbecue sauce is a thick, sweet sauce that is made from tomatoes, vinegar, and spices. It is a good choice for those who like a smoky, flavorful sauce.

How to Serve Pulled Pork

Pulled pork can be served in a variety of ways, including:

On a bun: Pulled pork is a popular sandwich filling. It can be served on a hamburger bun, a hoagie roll, or a slider bun.
On a plate: Pulled pork can also be served on a plate with sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad.
In a taco: Pulled pork can also be served in a taco shell with toppings such as shredded cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Conclusion

Pulled pork is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It is a popular choice for backyard barbecues and potlucks, and it can also be served as a main course for a family meal.

How to Smoke Pork Butt / How to Make Pulled Pork Recipe

FAQ

Why do they call it pulled pork?

The shoulder cut of pork, or mixed cuts, at times referred to as the Boston Butt, is commonly used for pulled pork cooking. Although basically the name pulled pork is derived by the action of being able to pull the pork by hand, other forms such as sliced, chopped and shredded are also often referred to as pulled pork.

What mean do you use for pulled pork?

Pork shoulder is ideal for pulling purposes. It has an optimum fat content that yields to create tender, melty meat, but it’s essential you cook it slowly to allow the protein to break down properly.

What’s the difference between pulled and shredded pork?

Pulled pork is just shredded pork that has been traditionally smoked or slow-cooked to achieve a soft texture.

What’s the difference between pulled and sliced pork?

There are two main differences between sliced and pulled smoked pork shoulder: 1) tying and 2)temperature. Sliced BBQ pork is, in essence, a pork roast that you cook in the smoker.