Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth, tender pulled pork sandwich but short on time? This oven-baked pulled pork recipe, inspired by Jamie Oliver's masterful approach to simple yet delicious food, delivers incredible flavor without hours of slow-cooking. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 lb boneless pork shoulder (butt roast)
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Burger buns, coleslaw (optional), your favorite BBQ sauce
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Pork
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), and brown sugar.
Step 2: Creating Flavor
Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it's evenly coated. This step is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor.
Step 3: Oven Baking
Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a large oven-safe dish. Pour the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth around the pork. This helps keep the meat moist during cooking.
Step 4: Cooking the Pork
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 3-3.5 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 5: Shredding and Serving
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Using two forks, shred the pork into smaller pieces. You can discard excess fat at this stage.
Step 6: The Final Touch
Stir some of the cooking juices into the shredded pork to keep it moist and flavorful. Serve on burger buns with your favorite coleslaw and BBQ sauce.
Tips for the Best Pulled Pork:
- Don't rush the cooking process: The longer the pork cooks, the more tender it becomes.
- Use a meat thermometer: For foolproof results, check the internal temperature of the pork. It should reach an internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-93°C).
- Get creative with your BBQ sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your perfect match.
- Make it a meal prep winner: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can shred the pork and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spicy Pulled Pork: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili powder for extra heat.
- Apple Pulled Pork: Add diced apples to the roasting dish for a sweet and savory twist.
- Slow Cooker Version: Adapt this recipe for your slow cooker by following steps 1 and 2, then cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on serving size and additions)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This Jamie Oliver inspired pulled pork recipe is a delicious and healthy meal that's easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!