I’m going to start this one off with a strong disclaimer: this is not supposed to be an authentic pulled pork of any kind of bbq style! I am faaar from an expert, even though I live in NC, a place with a large bbq culture and strong bbq style. However, this is delicious, pretty easy, and a great meal prep or weekend dinner!
THE RECIPE
- the spice rub – I wanted to make something that used pantry ingredients but still had a TON of flavor and I really love how this came out! it leans more towards the spicey side since I paired it with a sweet pineapple slaw, but it definitely isn’t spicey
- the sauce – I went with a vinegar based slaw since I wanted somethign to balance the sweet pineapple slaw. I think I nailed it with this one!
- the slaw – so good. it’s creamy, a bit sweet, a bit crunchy, and the perfect pairing with this pulled pork!
- the cooking method – I don’t own a crock pot that’s big enough, so I made this in my dutch oven in the oven. If you wanted to try it with a crock pot, go for it! I can’t promise how it’ll turn out, but I can’t imagine it’ll be bad.
That’s it! This one takes some time, but is totally worth it.
Yield: 6 servings
Pulled Pork with Pineapple Slaw
Maybe this Pulled Pork isn't traditional or ~authentic~ but it's darn good, and easy to make! Pair it with some tasty sauce and pineapple slaw and you're in great shape for meal prep or a weekend meal!
Ingredients
for the spice rub
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp mustard powder
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
for the pulled pork
- 2-3 lb pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp oil
- 12oz lager
for the sauce
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
for the pineapple slaw
- 1 bag (16 oz) slaw mix
- 2/3 cup mayo (or greek yogurt)
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
- 20oz can crushed pineapple
- 2 tbsp pineapple juice (from the can of pineapple)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 bunch of green onion, cut into thin slices
- salt and pepper to taste
for serving
- burger or slider buns
Instructions
- make the pulled pork: in a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the spice rub. sprinkle all of the rub over the cubed pork shoulder. if you can, do this the night before, or at least a couple hours before cooking. if you can't, it'll still be delicious!
- when ready to cook, preheat the oven to 300*. heat the dutch oven over medium high heat and add the oil. sear at least 2 sides of each chunk of pork, working in batches if needed. keep an eye on it and turn down the heat if needed, you don't wnat to burn the spices
- place the pork shoulder into a large dutch oven and top with the lager. cover with the lid and bake for about 2 hours until it's tender. remove the lid and cook for an additional hour or until it's easily shreadable with a fork. remove from the oven, shread and mix, and set aside
- make the sauce: combine all of the sauce ingredients in a medium sauce pot. brign to a boil, then let cool. at this point it will seem like it's way too acidic, but once it cools it'll be delicious, trust me!
- make the pineapple slaw: in a very large bowl, combine all of the slaw ingredients
- enjoy! when ready to eat, toast the buns. top with some pulled pork, sauce, and slaw and enjoy