Craving a tender, juicy pulled pork sandwich but dreading hours of stovetop simmering? Say hello to your new favorite recipe: Pulled Pork in a Roaster Oven! This easy recipe delivers fall-apart-tender pork, bursting with flavor, all with minimal effort. It's perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or a satisfying weekend meal. Get ready to experience the magic of slow cooking with this simple, delicious, and healthy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb boneless pork shoulder (butt roast)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your roaster oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps it brown nicely.
Preparing the Pork:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful sauce.
- Place the pork shoulder in the roaster oven. Pour the sauce evenly over the pork, ensuring it's coated on all sides.
Cooking the Pork:
- Cover the roaster oven and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender. The cooking time may vary depending on your roaster oven and the size of the pork shoulder. You should be able to easily shred the pork with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the roaster oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pulled pork.
Shredding and Serving:
- Using two forks, shred the pork shoulder. You can leave some larger chunks if you prefer.
- Skim off excess fat from the cooking liquid. You can use some of the liquid to moisten the shredded pork if needed.
- Serve the pulled pork on buns with your favorite coleslaw, barbecue sauce, or other toppings.
Tips for the Best Pulled Pork:
- Don't overcrowd the roaster oven: Ensure there's enough space around the pork shoulder for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: For foolproof cooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork. It should reach an internal temperature of 190-195°F (88-91°C).
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices and seasonings to your liking. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick!
Variations:
- Spicy Pulled Pork: Add a tablespoon or two of your favorite hot sauce to the cooking liquid.
- BBQ Pulled Pork: Mix your favorite BBQ sauce into the shredded pork after cooking.
- Hawaiian Pulled Pork: Add pineapple chunks to the cooking liquid for a sweet and tangy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meal prepping and makes for a quick dinner idea. Enjoy this homemade cooking masterpiece! It's one of the best recipes for a flavorful and satisfying pulled pork experience. Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!