The Ultimate Pulled Pork Recipe for a Crowd
When it comes to tender and juicy pulled pork, the slow cooker is the ultimate game-changer. With a simple spice rub and a bed of aromatic garlic and onions, this recipe yields the most mouthwatering results.
The Magic of Slow Cooking
By cooking the pork shoulder on low for 6 to 10 hours, the connective tissues break down, resulting in fall-apart tender meat that’s perfect for shredding. The addition of chicken broth keeps the meat moist and infuses it with rich flavor.
A Spice Rub Like No Other
Our signature spice rub combines the sweetness of dark brown sugar, the smokiness of chili powder, and the warmth of cumin and cinnamon. This blend adds depth and complexity to the pork, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Preparing the Pork
To start, thinly slice 2 medium yellow onions and 4 medium garlic cloves. Place them in an even layer in the slow cooker, followed by 1 cup of chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth. In a small bowl, mix together the spice rub ingredients, then pat the pork dry with paper towels and rub the spice mixture all over the meat.
Cooking and Shredding
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 6 to 8 hours or low for 8 to 10 hours. Once the pork is fork-tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it into bite-sized pieces using 2 forks. Discard any large pieces of fat and return the shredded meat to the slow cooker.
Adding the Finishing Touches
If desired, add 2 cups of barbecue sauce to the slow cooker and mix to combine. Alternatively, use a spoon to skim and discard the fat from the surface of the strained cooking liquid, then add 1/4 cup of the liquid at a time to the slow cooker until the pork is just moistened. Season with salt to taste.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe makes enough pulled pork to feed a crowd, making it perfect for Super Bowl parties or other gatherings. Serve it atop Pulled Pork Nachos, in a sandwich with your favorite barbecue sauce, or get creative and come up with your own unique uses for this delicious pulled pork.
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