Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled Pork with Vinegar Slaw
Recipe Introduction
Fancy some slow cooker ideas that will knock your socks off? Honestly, is there anything better than coming home to a house filled with the smell of delicious, slow cooked goodness? You know that feeling, right? Let's dive into this Carolina pulled pork recipe !
Quick Hook
Ever crave that tangy, savory bite of Carolina pulled pork ? This recipe uses your slow cooker to make it super simple.
The vinegar slaw adds a zing that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Brief Overview
This dish hails from the Carolinas, where BBQ is practically a religion. It's surprisingly easy and only needs 20 minutes prep time, plus 8- 10 hours in the slow cooker on low.
This recipe makes enough for 6-8 hungry people. It's one of the easy slow cooker recipes for beginners .
Main Benefits
Pulled pork is a great source of protein! Perfect for a casual get-together, a family BBQ, or even just a cozy night in.
What makes this recipe special? The vinegar slaw recipe . It provides a cool contrast to the tender, savory pork.
Ready to Get Started?
The secret to truly tender pork is cooking it low and slow. The slow cooker pork shoulder becomes fall apart delicious.
And that slaw? It's more than just cabbage. It’s a burst of flavor. The tang of the vinegar really balances the richness of the pork.
This really is one of the easy crockpot dinners . I reckon even my clumsy mate, Dave, could nail it! Now, let’s gather the ingredients! You'll need a crockpot meal easy and your shopping list.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this awesome Carolina pulled pork recipe ! Honestly, I've made this dish so many times, I practically dream about it.
There is also a Vinegar slaw recipe included in the article.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Starters
Getting the right ingredients is key to any recipe. The pork shoulder is the centre of it all.
Main Ingredients Deconstructed
Let's get specific with quantities, shall we?
- Pork Shoulder: 3-4 pounds (1.3-1.8 kg). Look for good marbling. That fat equals flavor. Quality is important.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). It has to be a good smoky smell.
- Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon , packed (15 ml).
- Kosher Salt: 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml). Adjust to your liking.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml).
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 cup (240 ml). This is key for that Carolina tang.
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml). Adds moisture and flavor.
- Green Cabbage: 1/2 head , shredded (approx 350g).
- Red Onion: 1/2 , thinly sliced.
- Apple Cider Vinegar for Slaw: 1/4 cup (60 ml).
- Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons (30 ml).
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
- Celery Seed: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml).
Seasoning Symphony
Spices are where the magic happens. It is Easy Crockpot Dinners at your fingertips.
- Essential spice combo: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder. This blend gives you that smoky BBQ vibe.
- Flavor enhancers: A pinch of cayenne adds a kick. You know, if you're feeling brave.
- Quick sub: Out of celery seed? A pinch of dill works in a pinch.
Gear Up!
You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this. Really.
- Essential tools: A slow cooker . Obviously! This is where the slow cooker ideas come from.
- Household alternatives: A large bowl for the slaw. A whisk for the dressing. Two forks for shredding the pork.
And there you have it. With those ingredients and equipment, you're all set to make some seriously delicious slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches . Are you prepared to start?
Easy Crockpot Dinners : Carolina Pulled Pork, Sorted!
Alright, so let's chat about slow cooker ideas . Honestly, finding something easy and tasty can be a right pain, yeah? Well, look no further.
This Carolina Pulled Pork recipe is gonna be a game changer. Think of it as the kitchen equivalent of binge watching your favourite series minimal effort, maximum reward.
Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Act Together
Right then, first things first: mise en place! Sounds fancy, but it just means getting everything ready. Chop your onions.
Measure your spices. You know, the boring stuff. This recipe starts with 1 (3-4 pound) pork shoulder . I buy boneless 'cos less faff, innit? Mix your 1 tablespoon smoked paprika , 1 tablespoon brown sugar , 1 tablespoon kosher salt , 1 teaspoon garlic powder , 1 teaspoon onion powder , 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper , and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl.
This will be your spice rub, the flavour bomb for the pork.
The Magic: step-by-step Slow Cooker Dinner
- Rub that spice mixture ALL over the pork. Like giving it a proper massage.
- Chuck the pork into your slow cooker.
- Pour in 1 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup chicken broth . That's it!
- Cook on low for 8- 10 hours or high for 4- 5 hours . Honestly, low is best. The pork gets so tender.
- While the pork's doing its thing, make the slaw. Shred 1/2 head of green cabbage and thinly slice 1/2 red onion .
- Mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar , 2 tablespoons granulated sugar , 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard , and 1/2 teaspoon celery seed for the dressing.
- Shred the pork with two forks. Easy peasy. Serve with vinegar slaw recipe on buns.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Crockpot Meal Easy
Don't rush the rest! Let the pork sit for 10- 15 minutes after cooking. It makes a HUGE difference.
Also, don't be shy with the vinegar in the slaw. It's what gives it that Carolina pulled pork recipe twang.
If you're feeling adventurous, chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. A common mistake? Not trimming enough fat.
It's tempting to leave it for flavor, but trust me, you don't want chewy bits in your slow cooker pork shoulder .
If you want to make-ahead, cook the pork and shred it, then reheat it later in some of the cooking juices.
Bam, Crockpot dishes sorted!
Recipe Notes: Making This Your Own
So, you're ready to tackle this slow cooker Carolina pulled pork recipe ? Ace! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things I've learned along the way.
Honestly, every easy crockpot dinner deserves a bit of personal flair, you know?
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters, even with something as rustic as Crockpot Meal Easy . Forget fancy foams. Think about layers of flavor. Pile that slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches high on toasted brioche buns! Then, generously crown it with the vinegar slaw.
For a pop of colour, maybe some sliced pickles or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Don't forget the napkins! This is gonna get messy.
If you're not feeling buns, this healthy crockpot pork is amazing on baked potatoes. Or even as a topping for nachos! A classic side? Corn on the cob is always a winner.
As is a simple green salad.
Storage Tips: Keeping That Goodness Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you. The pork keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days . Just store it in an airtight container.
For longer storage, freezing is an option. Let the pork cool completely, then pack it into freezer bags. Squeeze out any excess air.
It'll keep for up to 3 months . Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating is easy: either microwave it until heated through or toss it back into the slow cooker with a splash of chicken broth.
Low and slow is the key here, so it doesn't dry out.
Variations: Tweaking the Recipe to Your Taste
Okay, confession time: I once accidentally used maple syrup instead of brown sugar! It was...actually pretty good! Feel free to experiment.
If you're watching your carbs, serve the pork and slaw over a bed of cauliflower rice. For a vegetarian twist, you can also use the vinegar slaw as the filling for vegan tacos.
It really is that good. And hey, Easy slow cooker recipes for beginners are fun to adapt to your taste.
Nutrition Basics: What You're Actually Eating
Alright, let's be real. This is BBQ. It's delicious, but it's not exactly a kale smoothie. Each serving is a good source of protein, which helps keep you feeling full.
The pork also offers iron. And the cabbage in the slaw has vitamin C.
Still, it is high in sodium. So, be mindful of portion sizes. And consider using low-sodium broth. A bit of healthy food makes the Crockpot Dishes feel guilt free.
So, there you have it. All my secrets, tips, and tricks for making the best slow cooker ideas and Carolina pulled pork recipe . Now go forth and cook, my friend!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this one of those 'set it and forget it' slow cooker ideas, or is there some babysitting involved?
Absolutely a "set it and forget it" kind of deal! Once you've prepped the pork and added the liquids, the slow cooker does the heavy lifting. You can leave it to do its thing while you're out and about, or binge watching the latest season of The Crown.
Can I use a different cut of pork, or is the pork shoulder essential for this slow cooker recipe?
Pork shoulder (also known as Boston butt) is really the star here because of its high fat content, which renders down beautifully during the long cooking time, resulting in super tender and flavorful pulled pork. You could use a pork loin, but it tends to be drier, so you'd need to be extra careful not to overcook it.
It's like trying to make a proper cuppa with a microwave technically possible, but not ideal.
My slow cooker cooks really hot. How do I prevent the pork from drying out?
A hot slow cooker can definitely be a worry! To prevent dryness, make sure there's enough liquid in the pot the pork should be partially submerged. You can also try reducing the cooking time or placing a folded tea towel under the lid to trap some steam.
Think of it as giving your slow cooker a bit of a personality adjustment!
How long does the leftover pulled pork and slaw last, and what's the best way to store them?
Leftover pulled pork will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container perfect for sandwiches or topping salads! The vinegar slaw is best enjoyed within 1-2 days, as the cabbage tends to soften over time.
Just like a good cheese, though, it can still be delicious the day after, depending on your preferences.
I'm trying to be healthy. Are there any ways to make this slow cooker recipe a bit lighter?
You can definitely lighten things up! Trim excess fat from the pork before cooking. Also, reduce the amount of sugar in the slaw dressing, and consider using a light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a creamier, but healthier texture.
You could also load up on the greens in the slaw to bulk out the dish and add extra fibre.
Can I adapt these slow cooker ideas to use a different kind of meat?
While this recipe is specifically designed for pork shoulder, the principles can be adapted! You could use beef chuck roast for a similar result, adjusting cooking times as needed. Chicken thighs also work well, creating a flavorful pulled chicken.
Just remember each type of meat may require different internal temperature.
Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled Pork With Vinegar Sl
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
