Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Orange Juice

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Are you craving a delicious and tender pulled pork dish that practically melts in your mouth?

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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Orange Juice
Prep
15 min
Cook
6 hr
Total
6 hr 15 min
Servings
8

Method

  1. Place the pork butt in a slow cooker, ensuring that the fattier side is facing upwards.

  2. Pour water and orange juice into the slow cooker.

  3. Season the pork and liquid with salt and pepper.

  4. In a small bowl, mix together garlic and mustard. Spread this mixture over the top of the pork butt.

  5. Sprinkle the onion over the pork.

  6. Cook the pork on Low heat, turning it a few times, until it easily falls apart when pulled with a fork. This should take approximately 6 to 8 hours.

  7. Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and allow it to cool until it is safe to handle.

  8. Trim away and discard any visible chunks of fat from the pork.

  9. Shred the remaining pork into strands.

  10. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it in.

  11. Use a slotted spoon to remove portions of the pork from the slow cooker for serving.

  12. Note: The recipe author used jarred minced garlic, which worked well for them.

  13. The author started with a partially frozen roast at 10 p.m. and removed it from the slow cooker at about 3 p.m. the next day. They recommend turning the pork over a couple of times throughout the cooking process.

About this recipe

Are you craving a delicious and tender pulled pork dish that practically melts in your mouth? Look no further than this slow cooker pulled pork recipe! With the addition of tangy orange juice, this dish takes on a whole new level of flavor. Get ready to wow your taste buds and impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make crowd-pleaser.

The Magic of the Slow Cooker

Imagine coming home after a long day to the enticing aroma of succulent pulled pork wafting through your kitchen. The slow cooker works its magic by slowly cooking the pork to perfection, allowing it to become tender and juicy. It's like having a personal chef take care of all the hard work for you!

The Perfect Pairing: Pork and Orange Juice

Now, you may be wondering, why orange juice? Well, just like a harmonious duet, pork and orange juice complement each other beautifully. The natural sweetness and acidity of the orange juice help to tenderize the meat while adding a delightful citrusy flavor profile. It's a match made in culinary heaven!

Ingredients Made Simple

Preparing this slow cooker pulled pork with orange juice is a breeze. You'll only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. From succulent pork shoulder to zesty orange juice, each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

In Conclusion

Slow cooker pulled pork with orange juice is a winning recipe that will leave your taste buds singing with joy. The tender, flavorful meat combined with the citrusy zing of orange juice creates a truly irresistible dish. So, why wait? Grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a meal that will leave you and your loved ones wanting seconds!

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use other cuts of pork for this recipe?

While pork shoulder is the preferred cut for pulled pork due to its marbling and tenderness, you can experiment with other cuts like pork loin or even a combination of different cuts. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and results may vary.

. Can I substitute orange juice with another citrus juice?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different citrus flavor, feel free to substitute orange juice with lemon juice, lime juice, or even grapefruit juice. Each citrus juice will bring its own unique twist to the dish.

. How long should I cook the pork in the slow cooker?

The cooking time will depend on the size of your pork shoulder and the heat setting of your slow cooker. As a general guideline, allow the pork to cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours. The key is to cook it until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.

. Can I add other spices or seasonings to the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your seasonings. You can add spices like paprika, cumin, garlic powder, or even a touch of chili powder for some heat. Just be mindful of the flavors and adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.

. What are some serving suggestions for slow cooker pulled pork?

There are endless ways to enjoy your tender pulled pork. You can serve it on a soft bun with some coleslaw for a classic pulled pork sandwich. Alternatively, you can use it as a filling for tacos, quesadillas, or even a topping for loaded fries. Let your imagination run wild!

. Can I freeze the leftover pulled pork?

Absolutely! Pulled pork freezes exceptionally well. Simply portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for your Instant Pot. Follow the same steps for seasoning the pork and adding the orange juice, then cook the pork on the "Meat/Stew" setting for about 90 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally before shredding the meat.

. Can I use this recipe for BBQ pulled pork?

Absolutely! Once the pork is cooked and shredded, you can mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce to create a mouthwatering BBQ pulled pork. The tanginess from the orange juice will add an extra layer of flavor to your BBQ sauce, making it even more delicious.

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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