We’ll teach you how to make pulled pork in the oven, smoker, slow-cooker, and on the stovetop. Then, you can enjoy a juicy pulled pork sandwich for any occasion, such as tailgates, family reunions, and even weeknight dinners.
Use Pork Shoulder to Make Pulled Pork
Before you roll up your sleeves to learn how to make pulled pork, memorize these two critical words: pork shoulder. No matter how you plan to use the pulled pork—in sandwiches, casseroles, tacos, stews, or even lettuce wraps—the key to the most tender meat is to start with a cut with ample marbling and connective tissue. That way, it softens as it slowly cooks, becoming so tender that it pulls apart easily. Pork shoulder does all that. That’s why most recipes that show you how to make pulled pork call for this cut. Your recipe may specify pork shoulder blade roast, pork shoulder roast, or boneless pork shoulder; all of these are from the shoulder and are great for making pulled pork.
What About Pork Loin?
Our Test Kitchen is often asked if you can make pulled pork with pork loin. Pulled pork is traditionally made from a shoulder cut, but some recipes will work if you’re looking for a lower-fat version of pulled pork.
What About Boston Butt?
Another question our readers have asked: Is Boston butt the same as pork loin? It’s true: In some parts of the country, pork shoulder roast is called Boston butt. No, we don’t get it either, but all you really need to know is this: pork shoulder roast = Boston butt. Same thing. And it’s excellent for making pulled pork.
How to Make Pulled Pork 4 Ways
One of the first things you’ll notice when searching for recipes for pulled pork is that many call for long cooking times over low heat. This is because it takes a generous stretch of time for those connective tissues to break down into juicy tenderness! This means you can make pulled pork in a slow-cooker, in the oven, on the grill, or in a smoker, as long as the heat is low and the timing is slow.
How to Make Pulled Pork in a Smoker
Our well-seasoned Pulled Pork Shoulder Recipe is for you if you own a smoker. While it only takes 15 minutes to prep for the grill, you’ll need to plan on a smoke time of 4 to 5 hours. The general steps for smoking are as follows:
Season your pork as desired.Arrange preheated coals, soaked and drained wood chunks, and water pan according to manufacturer’s directions. Add water to the pan.Place roast on the grill rack over water pan.Cover; smoke 4 to 6 hours or until roast is very tender.Add additional coals and water as needed to maintain temperature and moisture. (Do not add more wood after the first 2 hours of smoking. Too much smoke makes the roast bitter.)
How to Make Pulled Pork in a Slow Cooker
No time to hang outside with your smoker for five hours? Go hands-off with the slow-cooker route. If it’s time to update your slow cooker, try this Crock-Pot programmable slow cooker ($80, Bed Bath & Beyond). The meat can cook all day while you’re out in the world doing what you do. Go Tex-Mex with these Pulled Pork Enchiladas. If you’re winging it without a recipe, these are the general steps.
Trim fat from meat. Cut meat to fit inside your slow cooker (you may need to cut multiple pieces).Make a sauce or seasoned broth and pour over the pork.Slow cook 5 to 6 hours on high or 10 to 11 hours on low.
How to Make Pulled Pork in the Oven
Some oven recipes for pulled pork call on cooking the meat in a tightly covered pot. A Dutch oven is perfect for this. Try this method in our Italian Pork Roast recipe. Other oven recipes specify roasting the meat uncovered in a large roasting pan. As long as the temperature is low (generally 350°F or less), either method can yield the tender, juicy results you seek. The basic steps are the same for the Dutch oven and roasting methods.
Season the pork roast as desired and add to whichever pan type you’re using.Bake at 325°F to 350°F 4 to 6 hours or until the roast registers at least 190°F.
How to Make Pulled Pork on the Stovetop
You’ll need a large, heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid to make pulled pork on the stovetop. Again, a Dutch oven is perfect for this! Try this recipe for Pulled Pork Skillet Chili. The only trick is to be sure that the meat cooks at a simmer, as directed in the recipes. Each recipe uses these same directions.
Season the pork roast and add hot oil to whichever pan type you’re usingBrown the meat on all sides.Add your additional ingredients for a sauce or stew.Simmer, covered 1 to 2 hours, or until meat is tender..
How to Shred Pork
Once you’ve cooked the meat, it’s time to learn how to shred pork into juicy, bite-size pieces that are perfect for sandwiches, tacos, chili, stews, and more. After all, that’s how you put the “pull” in pulled pork! Here’s how to shred pork shoulder, step by step:
Place the cooked meat on a large cutting board. Use a large knife to cut the meat into large pieces.Insert two forks into a piece of meat and pull in opposite directions to get long, thin shreds. Repeat with remaining meat.
Test Kitchen Tip: Making pulled pork ahead of time is a great way to have the makings of a meal at the ready. After shredding pulled pork, divide it into shallow containers. Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months. Now you know: Pulled pork is so easy to pull off; even novice cooks can do it (though if you’re a beginner, leave the smoker method to the barbecue geeks). For now, give our slow-cooker, oven, or stove methods a try, and you’ll always have something thoroughly satisfying to feed your family for multiple meals.
