Craving a delicious, satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This recipe for rice and pulled pork is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, guaranteed to become a family favorite. It's a fantastic option for busy weeknights, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a comforting homemade meal. Forget complicated recipes; this one's quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
For the Pulled Pork:
- 2 lbs 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 smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Preparing the Pulled Pork:
- Sear the pork: Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until nicely browned. This step helps develop a deeper flavor.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the pork: Pour in the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. For quicker cooking, consider using a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred the pork: Once the pork is cooked through, remove it from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes. Using two forks, shred the pork into small pieces.
- Reduce the sauce: While the pork rests, increase the heat under the remaining liquid in the pot and let it simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has reduced and slightly thickened. This creates a delicious, flavorful sauce for your pulled pork.
- Combine: Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir to coat it evenly in the reduced sauce.
Cooking the Rice:
- Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent sticking.
- Combine and simmer: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Serving:
Serve the pulled pork over a bed of fluffy rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired. This dish is incredibly versatile. You can serve it with coleslaw, baked beans, or your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the pulled pork for an extra kick.
- Sweet and smoky: Try adding a tablespoon of molasses or maple syrup to the pulled pork for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
- Different grains: Experiment with different types of rice, such as brown rice or quinoa, for a healthier twist.
- Slow cooker magic: This recipe is perfect for a slow cooker! Simply brown the pork as instructed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: 35-40g Carbohydrates: 50-60g Fat: 15-20g
This easy recipe for rice and pulled pork is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!