Are you looking for an easy and delicious way to cook pork butt? Look no further than your trusty crockpot!
With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can have tender and flavorful pulled pork that will be the star of any meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned crockpot pro or a newbie, this guide will walk you through the steps to cook the perfect pork butt in your crockpot.
So grab your slow cooker and let’s get started!
How To Cook Pork Butt In Crock Pot?
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Butt
Before you start cooking, make sure your pork butt is trimmed of excess fat and patted dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat and prevent excess grease in the crockpot.
Step 2: Season the Pork Butt
Season the pork butt with your favorite spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or even a dry rub. Make sure to coat the entire surface of the meat for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Add Liquid
Pour in enough liquid to cover the bottom of the crockpot. This can be anything from water to broth to soda. Some popular choices include Dr. Pepper or root beer for a sweet and tangy flavor, or apple cider vinegar for a more acidic taste.
Step 4: Cook on Low Heat
Set your crockpot to low heat and cook the pork butt for 8 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 200F. This will ensure that all of the connective tissue breaks down and the meat is tender and juicy.
Step 5: Shred the Pork Butt
Once the pork butt is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moister end result. Use two forks to shred the pork into small pieces.
Step 6: Add Back Cooking Liquid
Don’t throw away the cooking liquid! It’s packed with flavor and can be used to moisten and flavor your shredded pork. Pour it back into the crockpot with the shredded pork and mix well.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Your delicious pulled pork is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it on its own or use it as a filling for sandwiches, tacos, or even pizza. The possibilities are endless!
Choosing The Right Pork Butt
Choosing the right pork butt is crucial to making the best crockpot pulled pork. Look for a pork butt that is bright red-pink in color with a coarse grain, and has a smooth, firm, white fat cap on the exterior. Avoid meat that has a pale color and/or dark spots in the fat, as this indicates not-so-fresh meat. The pork butt should have a good balance between muscle fibers and fat throughout the meat (aka “marbling”). You ideally want to get a pork butt that has a good amount of fat marbling in the muscle area farthest from the bone (known as “the money muscle” in this cut). But, steer clear of ones that have a ton of extra fat that will need to be trimmed off.
If the pork butt has come sealed in Cryovac wrapping, make sure it is nice and tight on the meat. If it is loose and/or has air pockets, that means the meat has been sitting there for a while, has been exposed to air, and will not have as good a flavor. You can also purchase pork butt from warehouse stores like Sam’s Club or Costco, which usually sell high-quality meat having the characteristics described above.
When shopping for a Boston Butt always choose one with the bone for more flavor. Make sure it has a nice even layer of fat on it (at least 1/4 inch) so it can render down during the cooking process. Ask your butcher to score the fat so your rub can get deep into the meat. Remember that a good pork butt will lose about 35-40 percent of its original raw weight when cooked, due to the large amounts of fat and the bone. An 8lb. Butt will yield about 5lbs. of cooked meat and will serve about 10-12 people.
Preparing Your Pork Butt For The Crockpot
To prepare your pork butt for the crockpot, start by trimming any excess fat from the meat and patting it dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat and prevent excess grease in the crockpot. Once the pork butt is dry, season it with your favorite spices or a dry rub, making sure to coat the entire surface of the meat for maximum flavor.
Next, add enough liquid to cover the bottom of the crockpot. This can be anything from water to broth to soda. Some popular choices include Dr. Pepper or root beer for a sweet and tangy flavor, or apple cider vinegar for a more acidic taste.
Set your crockpot to low heat and cook the pork butt for 8 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 200F. This will ensure that all of the connective tissue breaks down and the meat is tender and juicy.
Once the pork butt is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moister end result. Use two forks to shred the pork into small pieces.
Don’t throw away the cooking liquid! It’s packed with flavor and can be used to moisten and flavor your shredded pork. Pour it back into the crockpot with the shredded pork and mix well.
Your delicious pulled pork is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it on its own or use it as a filling for sandwiches, tacos, or even pizza. The possibilities are endless!
Adding Flavor To Your Pork Butt
Adding flavor to your pork butt is essential for a delicious end result. There are several ways to do this, starting with a dry rub. The perfect dry rub should contain a balance of mild and strong spices, such as chili powder, paprika, ground garlic, and cayenne. You can also add sweetness to your rub by including granulated sugar or brown sugar. It’s important to mix the spices thoroughly to ensure a consistent flavor throughout the meat.
Another way to add flavor is by using a liquid smoke flavor. This can be added to your dry rub or directly to the cooking liquid in the crockpot. Liquid smoke will give your pork butt a savory BBQ flavor that is sure to impress.
If you want to take things up a notch, try injecting your pork butt with flavor. This involves using a meat injector to inject a marinade directly into the meat. You can use any type of marinade you like, such as BBQ sauce, apple juice, or even beer.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of binders. Binders are used to help keep the seasoning on the meat and can include olive oil, mustard, or even mayonnaise. These binders will not only help your seasoning stick but also add an additional layer of flavor.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a pork butt that is bursting with flavor and sure to impress your guests.
Setting The Crockpot Temperature And Time
Setting the right temperature and time for cooking pork butt in a crockpot is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Slow cooking is the key to tender, juicy pulled pork, so it’s important to cook it on low heat for an extended period of time.
The recommended cooking time for pork butt is 8 hours on low heat, but this can vary depending on the size of your pork butt and your crockpot. It’s always best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. The internal temperature should reach at least 200F to ensure that all of the connective tissue has broken down.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can test the meat by using a fork. If it shreds easily, it’s done. If not, continue cooking for another hour or two until it reaches the desired tenderness.
It’s important to note that splitting the meat in half will reduce the cooking time to 6-8 hours, while leaving it whole will take about 8-10 hours. Keep an eye on the timing and adjust accordingly.
Shredding And Serving Your Pork Butt
Now that your pork butt is cooked to perfection, it’s time to shred it into bite-sized pieces and serve it up. There are several methods you can use to shred your pork butt, each with its own pros and cons.
One of the most popular methods is the double fork method. To do this, place the pork on a cutting board or baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Slice off one end of the pork butt, from top to bottom. Place forks about an inch apart on top of the meat, then press down firmly until you hear it crackle and break up into smaller pieces. Insert the forks into the meat and pull apart in opposite directions. Repeat this process until all of the meat has been shredded. This method takes some finesse which may not suit everyone, but it does give good results when done correctly.
If you have really sensitive hands or just want to save time, you could haul out your heavy-duty stand mixer to do the pulling for you. Use a stainless-steel mixer bowl to hold the meat and attach the flat beater to do the shredding. A few seconds on low, then you have a bowlful of machine-pulled pork. Just make sure to remove the bones before you start!
Another method is to use two forks and pull in opposite directions to get long, thin shreds. This method works well for smaller portions and can be done quickly and easily.
If you prefer a more hands-off approach, you can also use a food processor or blender to shred your pork butt. Simply cut the cooked meat into large chunks and pulse in batches until shredded to your desired consistency.
Once your pork butt is shredded, it’s time to add back some of the cooking liquid for extra flavor and moisture. Mix well and serve up your delicious pulled pork! Whether you’re making sandwiches, tacos, chili, stews, or more, your shredded pork butt is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Delicious Ways To Enjoy Your Pulled Pork
Now that you have your perfectly cooked pulled pork, it’s time to get creative with how you enjoy it. Here are some delicious ways to use your leftover pulled pork:
1. Pulled Pork Sliders – These mini sandwiches are perfect for a party or a quick and easy meal at home. Just heat up the pulled pork and serve on slider buns with your favorite toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or onions.
2. Pulled Pork Tacos – Add some Mexican flair to your pulled pork by using it as a filling for tacos. Top with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh and flavorful meal.
3. Pulled Pork Pizza – Yes, you read that right! Use pulled pork as a topping for your pizza along with BBQ sauce, red onions, and mozzarella cheese for a unique and delicious twist on traditional pizza.
4. Pulled Pork Quesadillas – Make a quick and easy meal by using pulled pork as a filling for quesadillas along with cheese and your favorite veggies like bell peppers and onions.
5. Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese – Take comfort food to the next level by mixing your leftover pulled pork into your favorite mac and cheese recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup!
No matter how you choose to enjoy your pulled pork, these ideas are sure to be a hit with family and friends. So get creative and have fun experimenting with different flavor combinations!