Craving tender, juicy pulled pork but don't have all day to spend in the kitchen? Then you've come to the right place! This Ninja Foodi pulled pork recipe is a game-changer, delivering restaurant-quality results in a fraction of the time. Forget hours of slow cooking; this recipe harnesses the power of your Ninja Foodi to create melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork that's perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or simply enjoyed on its own. Get ready for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious meal!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound pork shoulder (butt roast)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Pork
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a good sear.
Step 2: Searing the Pork (Optional but Recommended)
Set your Ninja Foodi to "Sauté" mode. Add the olive oil, then sear the pork shoulder on all sides until nicely browned. This step adds incredible flavor. Remove the pork and set aside.
Step 3: Building Flavor
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Creating the Sauce
Stir in the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Pressure Cooking the Pork
Place the seared pork shoulder back into the Ninja Foodi. Pour the sauce over the pork, ensuring it's mostly submerged. Close the lid, select the "Pressure Cook" setting, and set the timer for 90 minutes at high pressure. Allow for a natural pressure release for 20 minutes, followed by a quick release of any remaining pressure.
Step 6: Shredding the Pork
Carefully remove the pork shoulder from the Ninja Foodi. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Return the shredded pork to the Ninja Foodi (if desired) and stir in some of the cooking liquid to create a moist and flavorful pulled pork. You can also add a little more brown sugar or apple cider vinegar to adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your preference.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra smoky flavor: Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Different vinegar: Experiment with other vinegars like white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar.
- Bone-in or boneless: This recipe works well with both bone-in and boneless pork shoulders. Adjust cooking time as needed. Bone-in will generally require a slightly longer cooking time.
- Make it ahead: This pulled pork is even better the next day! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Around 350-400 Protein: Around 35-40g Fat: Around 15-20g Carbohydrates: Around 15-20g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion size.
Enjoy your incredibly tender and flavorful Ninja Foodi pulled pork! It's a delicious and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. This quick dinner idea is sure to become a family favorite. Share your culinary creations with us using #NinjaFoodiPulledPork!