Are you craving some delicious pulled pork, but not sure how long to cook it for?
Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore the different cooking methods for pulled pork and provide you with the perfect cook times to achieve that tender, juicy texture.
Whether you’re using a slow cooker, oven, or instant pot, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn how to cook the perfect pulled pork every time.
How Long To Cook A Pulled Pork?
The cooking time for pulled pork can vary depending on the cooking method and the size of the pork roast. For oven pulled pork, preheat your oven to 300 degrees F and cook for 3 hours with coke poured around the pork in a Dutch oven pot. Remove the lid and cook for an additional 1-2 hours until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. This method takes approximately 4-5 hours in total.
For slow cooker pulled pork, place the pork in a slow cooker and pour coke around it. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
If you’re using an instant pot, place the pork in the pot and pour coke around it. Cook on manual/high pressure for 70 minutes, then allow the pot to naturally release pressure for about 15 minutes longer.
It’s important to note that the size of your pork roast will affect the cooking time. If you split the meat in half, slow cook for 6-8 hours, and about 8-10 hours if you left the pork butt whole. The trick to good pulled pork is cooking low and slow! We want all the collagen and connective tissues to break down and give us that tender, delicious texture.
Make sure you check with a meat thermometer toward the end to make sure it doesn’t go above 200 degrees F. Higher than that, and the meat gets dried out and stringy.
The Basics Of Pulled Pork Cooking
When cooking pulled pork, it’s important to start with a pork shoulder roast, also known as pork butt or Boston butt. Trim the excess fat and cut the meat into 4 pieces. Rub the spices all over the pork, and let it marinate overnight if possible.
For oven pulled pork, preheat your oven to 300 degrees F and pour coke around the pork in a Dutch oven pot. Cover with a lid and cook for 3 hours. Remove the lid and cook for an additional 1-2 hours until the pork is tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork.
For slow cooker pulled pork, place the pork in a slow cooker and pour coke around it. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
If you’re using an instant pot, place the pork in the pot and pour coke around it. Cook on manual/high pressure for 70 minutes, then allow the pot to naturally release pressure for about 15 minutes longer.
When cooking pulled pork, it’s important to cook low and slow to allow all the collagen and connective tissues to break down. This will give you that tender, juicy texture that is characteristic of pulled pork. The cooking time will depend on the size of your pork roast, but plan on approximately 2 hours of cook time per pound if cooking at 225 degrees F.
Always check the internal temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer toward the end of cooking. The internal temperature should not go above 200 degrees F, or else the meat will become dry and stringy. Remember that the temperature will continue to rise even after you take it out of the oven or slow cooker, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and take it out a few degrees early.
By following these basic guidelines, you’ll be able to cook delicious pulled pork that is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a main dish.
Slow Cooker Method: Low And Slow
The slow cooker method is a popular way to cook pulled pork because it requires minimal effort and yields tender, juicy meat. To start, season the pork all over with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you’d like. Then, place it in the slow cooker and cover with a lid. Cook on low for about 8 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 200F.
When the pork is done cooking, remove it to a board and let it cool for at least 20 minutes but ideally one hour before shredding with a fork. Take the leftover liquid from the crockpot and strain it to remove any solids. If you don’t mind the fat, add the liquid back to the shredded pork and toss well. If you want to remove the excess fat, chill the liquid in an ice bath in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until the fat solidifies, then discard and pour the remaining liquid over the meat.
It’s important to note that if you split the meat in half, slow cook for 6-8 hours, and about 8-10 hours if you left the pork butt whole. The trick to good pulled pork is cooking low and slow! We want all the collagen and connective tissues to break down and give us that tender, delicious texture.
Make sure you check with a meat thermometer toward the end to make sure it doesn’t go above 200 degrees F. Higher than that, and the meat gets dried out and stringy. Once your pork is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before pulling.
Oven Method: Crispy Outside, Tender Inside
If you’re looking for a pulled pork recipe that gives you a crispy outside and tender inside, try the oven method. Start by preheating your oven to 300 degrees F. Rub the dry rub over the pork loin, making sure to cover all sides. Optional: trim the fat layer if you wish. Place the pork loin uncovered with the fat layer facing up before roasting.
Cook the pork loin for 2 1/2 hours per pound, or 5 hours for a 2 lb pork loin roast. Insert an oven-safe thermometer into the center or thickest part of the pork loin. Check the temperature throughout cooking, a wireless digital thermometer makes this really easy. Once the pork loin has reached 200 degrees, shut off the oven and let the pork loin roast cool for an hour before removing from the oven.
To get that crispy outside, remove the pork from the roasting pan and place it on a baking sheet. Turn your oven up to 425 degrees F and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes until crispy on the outside.
After removing from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before pulling it apart with two forks. Toss into the rub and drippings, and optionally toss in your favorite BBQ sauce. This method takes approximately 4-5 hours in total.
Remember to always check with a meat thermometer toward the end of cooking to make sure it doesn’t go above 200 degrees F. Higher than that, and the meat gets dried out and stringy. With this oven method, you’ll have deliciously crispy pulled pork that’s perfect for feeding a crowd!
Instant Pot Method: Quick And Easy
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make pulled pork, the Instant Pot method is the way to go. The cooking time for this method is approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of your pork roast.
To start, cut your pork shoulder or butt into 2-inch strips and season with your favorite BBQ rub. In a medium bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, hot sauce (if using), and beef broth. Turn your Instant Pot to the saute setting and add olive oil. Once hot, add half of the cubed pork and saute for 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Remove the browned pork to a plate and repeat with the remaining half of the cubed pork.
After browning all of the pork, use the remaining beef broth and a wooden spoon to deglaze (scrape the brown bits) from the bottom of the pot. Add all of the meat along with the BBQ sauce mixture to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set it to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 40-60 minutes depending on the size of your pork roast.
Once the cooking time ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before doing a quick release. Carefully remove the meat from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks. If desired, you can thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry.
The Instant Pot method is perfect for those who want tender, flavorful pulled pork but don’t have hours to spend slow cooking in an oven or crockpot. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal which means less clean up!
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Pulled Pork Every Time
1. Choose the right cut of meat: Pork shoulder or pork butt are the best cuts for pulled pork. Pork butt has more marbling and is better for stewing and braising, while pork shoulder is tougher but still results in a delicious batch of pulled pork.
2. Cook low and slow: For oven pulled pork, cook at a super-low heat of around 140C, or gas mark 2-3, for two hours per kilogram. For slow cooker pulled pork, cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The collagen and connective tissues need time to break down and melt away in the meat.
3. Use a Dutch oven: For oven pulled pork, try cooking the meat in a tightly covered pot like a Dutch oven. This will help keep the meat moist and tender.
4. Keep the meat moist: Use a wet marinade or brine to add extra moisture and flavor to the meat. Keep a spray bottle handy during smoking or reheating to replace lost moisture.
5. Use low heat: Cooking at low temperatures will allow the meat to cook slowly and reduce the rate of moisture loss due to heat.
6. Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer towards the end of cooking to make sure it doesn’t go above 200 degrees F. Higher than that, and the meat can get dried out and stringy.
7. Consider using a pro smoker: A professional smoker can perform most of the cooking chores automatically while you relax and enjoy the party with minimum supervision.
By following these tips, you can achieve perfectly cooked pulled pork every time. Remember to choose the right cut of meat, cook low and slow, keep the meat moist, use low heat, check the temperature, and consider using a pro smoker for added convenience.
Serving Suggestions And Leftover Ideas
Once you’ve cooked your pulled pork to perfection, there are numerous serving suggestions and leftover ideas to consider. One classic way to serve pulled pork is on a bun with coleslaw and barbecue sauce. You can also use it as a topping for nachos or pizza, or even mix it into scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast.
If you have leftovers, don’t let them go to waste! Pulled pork can last up to 3 months in the freezer if stored correctly in an airtight container or bag. When reheating, be sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator first before heating it up in the microwave or oven. You can also use leftover pulled pork to make delicious sandwiches or wraps, like Ree’s Sticky Pork Lettuce Wraps recipe.
Another great way to use leftover pulled pork is by incorporating it into mac and cheese. This comfort food classic reaches new heights when combined with tender, flavorful pulled pork. Simply mix the pulled pork into your favorite mac and cheese recipe and bake it in the oven for a tasty casserole that’s sure to please the whole family.
Remember, if you have leftover pulled pork in the fridge, it’s best to consume it within 3-4 days to avoid any risk of getting sick. But if you want your pulled pork to last longer than that, simply freeze it for later use. With so many serving suggestions and leftover ideas, you’ll never get bored of this versatile and delicious dish!
