Craving a melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork sandwich but don't want to spend all day in the kitchen? This cast iron Dutch oven pulled pork recipe is your answer! It delivers incredible flavor and unbelievably tender pork, all while requiring minimal hands-on time. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend gatherings. Get ready for a delicious journey into the world of homemade cooking and quick dinner ideas!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb boneless pork shoulder (butt roast)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes browning.
- In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Building Flavor in the Dutch Oven:
- Generously season the pork shoulder all over with the spice mixture.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your cast iron Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until nicely browned. This step adds depth of flavor to your healthy meal.
- Add the chopped onion to the Dutch oven and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Slow Cooking to Perfection:
- Pour the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce into the Dutch oven.
- Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the Dutch oven and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C).
- Cook for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. You'll know it's ready when it practically falls apart!
Shredding and Serving:
- Carefully remove the pork from the Dutch oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Using two forks, shred the pork.
- Skim off excess fat from the cooking liquid in the Dutch oven.
- Add some of the cooking liquid back to the shredded pork to keep it moist. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
- Serve on buns with your favorite coleslaw or BBQ sauce. This delicious dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra smoky flavor: Use a wood chip smoker box in your oven while cooking the pork.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the spice rub.
- Make it sweeter: Increase the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- Add vegetables: Include carrots, potatoes, or sweet potatoes in the Dutch oven during the last hour of cooking.
- Make it a meal prep staple: This pulled pork recipe freezes beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This cast iron Dutch oven pulled pork recipe is a testament to the magic of slow cooking. The result is a truly unforgettable, fall-apart tender, and flavorful pulled pork that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this easy recipe and elevate your homemade cooking game!