If you’re craving some melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in, this Simple Pulled Pork Oven recipe is just what you need. With minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor, this dish will become a favorite go-to for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Let’s dive into creating this delicious dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
**Simple Pulled Pork Oven**
**Ingredients:**
– 3-4 pound pork shoulder
– 1 onion, diced
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Your favorite barbecue sauce
**Instructions:**
1. Preparing the Pork: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder. You want to leave a thin layer to help keep the meat juicy while cooking. Season the pork generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Searing the Meat: Heat a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork shoulder and sear it until all sides are nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step helps lock in the flavor.
3. Building Flavor: Remove the pork from the pot and set it aside temporarily. In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar. Stir in the brown sugar, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper if using.
4. Cooking the Pork: Return the seared pork shoulder to the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let the pork cook low and slow for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is extremely tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.
5. Shredding the Pork: Once the pork is done cooking, remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any excess fat. You can also pull out any large pieces of fat or gristle before shredding.
6. Saucing the Pork: Place the shredded pork back into the pot with the flavorful cooking liquid. Add your favorite barbecue sauce to taste, starting with about 1/2 cup and adjusting to your preference. Stir well to combine and coat the pork with the sauce.
7. Serving Suggestions: Serve the Simple Pulled Pork warm on a toasted brioche bun or alongside creamy coleslaw and pickles. This dish also pairs well with cornbread, baked beans, or a side of macaroni and cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Enjoy the tender, flavor-packed goodness of this Simple Pulled Pork Oven recipe that will have your loved ones coming back for more. With just a few simple steps, you can elevate any gathering with this crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress.
