This is one of the best shredded pork I’ve tried in a long time (I’ve been working on perfecting this recipe for months!), and it also doesn’t include any highly processed ingredients like refined brown sugar, corn syrup, or ketchup.
My husband says it’s so good that BBQ sauce isn’t necessary. Now, you know it’s good shredded pork when you don’t reach your favorite BBQ sauce. He would like me to convey that he likes to dip it in some hot sauce, although I’m sure I’ll prefer mine with nothing added.
Try it both ways and decide for yourself. Either way, this is a great dish to serve (and please!) a crowd.
What kind of meat is best for shredded pork cooked over low heat?
Pork shoulder is the most common cut used when making shredded pork. The shoulder includes the front leg and shoulder, and it will likely come with a bone and a lot of veining. Marbling is key because fat is what will prevent the meat from drying out during the cooking process.
A
full pork shoulder is a large cut of meat, so I recommend asking your grocery store butcher to cut the shoulder into two servings (3-5 pounds each). There are different names for the various parts of the pig shoulder that can be used, whether you wear a pig butt, a pig’s shoulder, a Boston butt, or a picnic roast, they will all work well.
How long should you cook shredded pork
in a clay pot?
The Crock Pot is ideal for shredded pork because you need to cook it low and slow for several hours. I usually cook 4 pounds of pork shoulder for 7 hours over low heat. However, keep in mind that shredded pork will dry out if overcooked.
Can you slowly cook shredded pork high?
I don’t recommend it. Pork is the most tender when cooked over low heat. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
What to put on a shredded pork
sandwich Shredded
pork sandwiches are a super easy dinner idea or a way to serve a crowd. If you use real food ingredients for your muffins and toppings, it’s also a healthier alternative to all that junk food you get at Superbowl parties or barbecue gatherings.
Whole-grain bread or
bun
Start with any whole-wheat sliding bread, whether homemade or store-purchased. Whole wheat brioche is another delicious option or serve sandwich-style shredded pork sandwich with homemade sandwich bread.
Traditionally,
shredded pork is served with coleslaw. You can also top your shredded pork sandwiches with lettuce, julienned carrots, onions or arugula, almost any burger sandwich or dressing tastes great in shredded pork!
Personally, I like to add vegetables that give the sandwiches a little crunchy. If you’re entertaining, offer buffet-style toppings so people can choose theirs.
My
husband says this recipe is great without BBQ sauce, and we avoid it because it’s usually full of sugar. An easy alternative is to sprinkle some of the leftover juices on your sandwich. Just don’t overdo it or your bun will get soaked!
Some other great salsa ideas are: hot sauce, tzatziki and salsa.
Not
everyone agrees when it comes to crumbled pork cheese, but some popular options are cheddar, mozzarella, and Havarti. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try Gruyère, Cotija cheese or pepper jack.
How to Make This
Shredded Pork Recipe in an Instant Pot
Crockpots and Instant Pots cook things differently, but this is a recipe that is well suited to pressure cooking. Here’s how to make this crumbled pork recipe in an instant pot
:
- Note: You will need an additional 1 cup of liquid for this recipe. The water will work, but the chicken broth will be tastier.
- Prepare the seasoning mixture.
- Heat a small amount of olive oil in the Instant Pot at the stir-fry setting.
- Meanwhile, cut your pork shoulder into quarters.
- Cover each piece of pork with the seasoning mixture, then place it in the instant pot. Don’t get crowded; You may have to work in batches.
- Brown the pork everywhere and remove.
- Turn off the Instant Pot, then add half a cup of water or broth and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan.
- Place the pork back into the instant pot and add the remaining ingredients, including the other 1/2 cup of water or broth. Note: Instant pots are heated from the bottom. Add the onion at the end and keep it mainly on top of the pork.
- Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Once this is done, natural release for at least 15 minutes.
What to serve with
shredded pork
I have some great side pick-up options here on the blog that perfectly accompany this slow cooker of shredded pork.
Kale Simple
- corn salad
- Kale & Bacon Stuffed potatoes
- Southern potato salad (no mayonnaise!)
- whole-cornbread
- with tomatoes and avocados
Charred
corn salad
