Are you tired of using the same old cuts of meat for your pulled pork? Look no further than the pork ribeye roast.
This lean and tender cut of meat is often compared to prime rib and is perfect for roasting or grilling as the main course. But can it be used for pulled pork?
The answer is yes! In this article, we’ll explore how to prepare and cook a pork ribeye roast for delicious and flavorful pulled pork.
So, grab your slow cooker or smoker and let’s get started.
Can I Use A Pork Ribeye Roast For Pulled Pork?
As mentioned earlier, the pork ribeye roast is a great cut of meat for roasting or grilling. However, it can also be used for pulled pork with a few modifications to the cooking process.
First, it’s important to note that the pork ribeye roast has slightly more fat than a center cut pork loin roast, which makes it perfect for smoking or slow cooking. The meat is lean but still flavorful and tender.
To prepare the pork ribeye roast for pulled pork, start by browning the meat on all sides in a heavy saute pan with canola oil. This will give the meat some color and crunch. Then, transfer the meat to a slow cooker or smoker and cook for about 3 hours or until the meat starts to fall apart and is very tender.
Once the meat is done, transfer it to a shallow dish and shred it with two forks. Reserve the liquid in the slow cooker or smoker and skim off any fat. Combine several commercial BBQ sauces with apple cider vinegar and mix well with the shredded pork. Adjust seasoning to taste.
To serve, put a generous amount of the pulled pork on a bun with a topping of creamy coleslaw. You can also serve the sauce on the side for those who prefer more sauce.
What Is A Pork Ribeye Roast?
The pork ribeye roast is a boneless cut of meat that comes from the rib area of the loin. This cut is more tender and flavorful than a center cut pork loin roast due to its location on the pig. It is well-marbled with fat, which adds to its juiciness and flavor. When shopping for a pork ribeye roast, look for one that has a good amount of darker colored meat in it, as this is where the most flavor lies. The roast should also have a bit of a fat cap on one side, which will contribute moisture as it cooks. This cut of meat typically weighs about 2-3 pounds and can serve 4 to 6 people. While it’s great for roasting or grilling, it’s also perfect for smoking or slow cooking for pulled pork. Its slightly higher fat content makes it ideal for this method of cooking, resulting in tender and flavorful pulled pork.
How To Prepare The Pork Ribeye Roast For Pulled Pork
Preparing a pork ribeye roast for pulled pork is relatively simple. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and bring a large oven-safe skillet or frying pan to medium-high heat with the olive oil.
2. Generously season your pork ribeye roast with salt and pepper then sear all sides in your hot skillet or frying pan. Use tongs to flip and sear each side until lightly golden, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Once the pork roast is seared, brush about half of the honey Dijon sauce onto all surfaces.
4. Place the roast into your preheated oven and roast in the middle of your oven’s center rack for about 20 minutes.
5. Remove the pork ribeye roast from your oven and brush with the remaining sauce, then return to the oven to finish cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Once done, transfer the roast to a cutting board or platter and cover loosely with a sheet of aluminum foil. Let the roast rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
7. After the meat is all shredded, add several small ladles of the reserved juices back in with the pork. This will help to keep it moist.
8. Combine several commercial BBQ sauces with apple cider vinegar and mix well with the shredded pork. Adjust seasoning to taste.
By following these steps, you can turn a pork ribeye roast into delicious pulled pork that is perfect for sandwiches or as a main dish.
Cooking Methods For Pork Ribeye Roast
If you decide to roast the pork ribeye roast, there are several cooking methods you can use. One popular method is to season the meat with a mixture of garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper and roast it in the oven at 375 degrees F for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
Another method is to marinate the pork ribeye roast in a mixture of orange marmalade, cranberries, Dijon mustard, cloves, orange zest, orange juice, and rosemary for 1-2 hours. Then, roast the meat in the oven at 250 degrees F until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F. Once it reaches this temperature, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Finally, return the roast to the oven at 500 degrees F to crisp up the fat and brown the meat.
If you prefer to use a slow cooker or smoker for your pork ribeye roast, start by browning the meat on all sides in a heavy saute pan with canola oil. Then, transfer it to a slow cooker or smoker and cook for about 3 hours or until the meat is very tender and falls apart easily.
Regardless of which cooking method you choose, it’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees F before serving. This will ensure that your pork ribeye roast is safe to eat and will be juicy and flavorful.
Tips For Achieving Perfect Pulled Pork With Pork Ribeye Roast
If you want to achieve perfect pulled pork with a pork ribeye roast, here are some tips to follow:
1. Use a dry rub: Instead of using marinades, injections, or brines, opt for a dry rub of spices, sugar, and salt. Rub the mixture generously all over the meat before cooking.
2. Cook low and slow: To get tender and succulent pulled pork, cook the meat at a low temperature for a longer period of time. Set your smoker temperature to 225 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the pork ribeye roast for about 90 minutes per pound.
3. Use an instant-read thermometer: To ensure that the pork is cooked properly, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The recommended safe temperature for pork products is 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Let it rest: Once the pork is done cooking, let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before shredding it with two forks. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make it even more tender.
5. Add sauce: To give your pulled pork some extra flavor and moisture, mix several commercial BBQ sauces with apple cider vinegar and mix well with the shredded pork. Adjust seasoning to taste.
By following these tips, you can achieve perfect pulled pork with a pork ribeye roast that is sure to impress your guests.
Serving Suggestions For Pork Ribeye Roast Pulled Pork
Pulled pork made from a pork ribeye roast is a versatile and delicious dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to help you get creative with your pulled pork:
1. Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Spoon the pulled pork into hamburger buns or slices of bread to create the perfect BBQ pulled pork sandwich. Don’t forget to add some barbecue sauce, pickles, or relish for extra flavor.
2. Pork Tacos: Pull out flour or corn tortillas and pile the pulled pork inside, creating the perfect easy taco. Top with sour cream, red onions, cilantro, lime juice, hot sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
3. Pork Nachos: Place tortilla chips in a single layer, followed by a layer of pulled pork and topped with toppings of your choice such as sharp cheddar cheese, jalapeno slices, guacamole, and taco sauce.
4. Solo: No casing required! One of the best qualities about this recipe is its delicious flavor, so you can easily eat pulled pork solo or on top of a pile of mashed potatoes or cooked noodles. This is a great option if you’re looking for a gluten-free way to enjoy this yummy dish.
5. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Stuff the pulled pork into baked sweet potatoes for a hearty and flavorful meal. Top with sour cream, cheese, and green onions for added flavor.
6. Grilled Radishes: Serve the pulled pork alongside grilled radishes for a fresh and crunchy side dish that complements the rich flavor of the meat.
7. Watermelon Arugula Feta Salad: Serve the pulled pork alongside a light and refreshing watermelon arugula feta salad for a balanced meal that’s perfect for summer.
8. Crispy Buffalo Smashed Potatoes: Top crispy smashed potatoes with tangy buffalo sauce and shredded pulled pork for an irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
9. Coleslaw Orzo Salad: Serve the pulled pork alongside a light and tasty coleslaw orzo salad with a citrus orange dressing and toasted almonds for crunch.
10. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Char grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo and topped with tangy Cotija cheese, chili powder, and cilantro is the perfect side dish to serve with your pulled pork.
These serving suggestions are just a few ideas to get you started with your pork ribeye roast pulled pork. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures to create your own unique dishes that are sure to impress your family and friends!