Are you looking for a foolproof way to cook pulled pork that will leave your guests raving?
Look no further than cooking it in an oven bag!
This method ensures that the pork stays moist and tender, while also allowing for easy cleanup.
Plus, you can customize the seasonings and flavors to your liking.
In this article, we’ll walk you through several different methods for cooking pulled pork in an oven bag, so you can find the one that works best for you.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with your delicious pulled pork!
How To Cook Pulled Pork In Oven Bag?
Method 1: Dry Rub and Brine
For this method, you’ll need to start by making a dry rub and brine for your pork shoulder. Mix together your desired dry rub ingredients and set it aside. Then, mix together the brine ingredients in a large container or resealable bag. Add the pork shoulder to the brine and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
Once the pork has been brined, preheat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the pork from the brine and pat it dry. Rub the dry rub all over the surface of the pork, making sure to coat all sides. Place the pork in an oven bag and close it with a nylon tie. Cut six 1/2-inch slits in the top of the bag.
Bake the pork in the oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until it’s tender enough to shred. Remove any bones and visible fat, then shred the meat with two forks. Skim any excess fat from the juices and pour enough over the meat to moisten it. Spoon the pulled pork into buns and drizzle with barbecue sauce.
Method 2: Low and Slow
For this method, you’ll need a pork shoulder, a dry rub of your choice, and an oven bag. Preheat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rub the dry rub all over the surface of the pork shoulder, making sure to coat all sides. Place the pork in an oven bag and close it with a nylon tie. Cut six 1/2-inch slits in the top of the bag.
Bake the pork in the oven for 8-9 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from the oven and wrap tightly with foil and towels to keep warm.
After resting for at least 15 minutes, shred the meat with two forks and serve immediately or keep warm until ready to serve.
Method 3: Beer Braised
For this method, you’ll need a pork shoulder, onions, beer, oil, salt, pepper, and an oven bag. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heat oil in a large pot until it begins to smoke. Add onions and cook for 2-3 minutes. Carefully add the pork shoulder to the pot and sear on all sides (3-5 minutes per side). Add beer to the pot, cover, and cook for 2-3 hours.
Remove from oven and allow to cool until safe to handle. Shred with two forks and toss with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Why Cook Pulled Pork In An Oven Bag?
Cooking pulled pork in an oven bag is a great option for several reasons. Firstly, the oven bag helps to keep the pork moist and tender by trapping in all the juices and flavors. This is especially important when cooking pork, as it can easily become dry and tough if not cooked properly. The bag also helps to prevent any mess or spills in your oven, making clean-up a breeze.
Additionally, cooking in an oven bag allows for easy seasoning and flavoring of the meat. You can easily add your desired dry rub or marinade to the pork before sealing it in the bag, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat as it cooks.
Using an oven bag also helps to reduce cooking time, as the heat is evenly distributed throughout the bag, resulting in faster and more efficient cooking. This is particularly useful when cooking a large piece of meat like a pork shoulder, which can take several hours to cook through.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Pork For Pulled Pork
When it comes to making pulled pork, choosing the right cut of pork is crucial. The most commonly used cut for pulled pork is the shoulder, which is divided into two cuts: the Boston butt and the picnic roast. The Boston butt, also known as the Boston roast, comes from the upper part of the front shoulder and is a fattier piece of meat that can be sold with or without the bone. On the other hand, the picnic roast is almost always sold with the bone in and tends to be more muscley and firm.
The ideal cut for making pulled pork is Circle B Ranch pork shoulder, which has an optimum fat content that yields tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. Pork shoulder contains a good helping of fat and collagen, which helps keep the meat moist during cooking. Because of its intense fat marbling and concentration of connective tissue, pork shoulder can endure hours of cooking, making it an ideal choice for barbecue pulled pork.
While you can make shredded pork from a leaner cut like a top loin roast, it’s best to stick with pork shoulder for making pulled pork. This is because the marbled content from the pork shoulder is best for creating tender, flavorful meat that falls apart easily. Regardless of which portion of the shoulder you use, make sure to buy the best quality meat you can afford.
Preparing The Pork For Cooking
Before cooking your pork, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that it turns out tender and juicy. One important step is to brine the pork. To do this, combine cold water, salt, and sugar in a nonreactive container and stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Then, transfer the solution to a resealable bag and add the pork. You can also add any optional ingredients, such as herbs or spices, to the bag. Seal the bag and refrigerate it for 8-12 hours.
After brining the pork, remove it from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help ensure that the pork browns properly when cooked. Next, apply a dry rub to the pork. You can use any combination of herbs and spices that you like. Be sure to coat all sides of the pork with the dry rub.
Once you’ve applied the dry rub, it’s time to cook the pork. You can use an oven bag for this, which will help keep the meat moist during cooking. Place the pork in the oven bag and close it with a nylon tie. Cut six 1/2-inch slits in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape.
Bake the pork in a preheated oven at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until it’s tender enough to shred. Another option is to cook it low and slow at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-9 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit. For a beer-braised option, sear the pork in a pot with onions for 3-5 minutes per side before adding beer and cooking for 2-3 hours.
After cooking, let the pork rest for at least 15 minutes before shredding it with two forks. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. Finally, serve your pulled pork with your favorite barbecue sauce or toppings.
Seasoning Options For Pulled Pork
When it comes to seasoning pulled pork, there are endless options to choose from. However, the key is to strike the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors. Here are a few seasoning options that you can try for your pulled pork:
1. Classic BBQ Rub: This is the most common seasoning used for pulled pork. It consists of brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking if you prefer it spicier.
2. Mexican Inspired Rub: If you want to give your pulled pork a Mexican twist, try using a seasoning blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add some chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for an extra kick.
3. Asian Inspired Rub: For an Asian-inspired flavor profile, mix together soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ginger powder, sesame oil, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork before cooking.
4. Mustard Based Rub: If you prefer a tangy flavor profile, try using a mustard-based rub. Mix together yellow mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Experiment with different seasoning options until you find your favorite one. Remember to rub the seasoning mixture thoroughly into the meat for maximum flavor infusion. Happy cooking!
Step-by-Step Guide To Cooking Pulled Pork In An Oven Bag
Cooking pulled pork in an oven bag is a simple and easy way to achieve delicious and tender meat. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking pulled pork in an oven bag:
1. Preheat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Prepare your dry rub by mixing together your desired spices and set it aside.
3. Place the pork shoulder in an oven bag and add the dry rub, making sure to coat all sides of the meat.
4. Close the oven bag with a nylon tie and cut six 1/2-inch slits in the top of the bag.
5. Place the oven bag on a roasting pan and bake in the oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender enough to shred.
6. Remove any bones and visible fat from the meat, then shred it with two forks.
7. Skim any excess fat from the juices in the oven bag and pour enough over the meat to moisten it.
8. Spoon the pulled pork into buns and drizzle with barbecue sauce.
Cooking pulled pork in an oven bag is a great way to achieve tender and flavorful meat without much effort. Whether you choose to use a dry rub, braise it with beer, or cook it low and slow, an oven bag can help you achieve perfect results every time.
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Pulled Pork
1. Trim excess fat: Before cooking your pork shoulder, it’s important to trim off any excess fat. This will help ensure that your pulled pork isn’t too greasy or fatty.
2. Use a dry rub: A dry rub is a mixture of spices and herbs that you rub onto the surface of the pork shoulder before cooking. This will help add flavor and create a delicious crust on the outside of the meat.
3. Brine your pork: Brining your pork shoulder before cooking can help keep it moist and tender. A simple brine solution can be made with salt, sugar, and water.
4. Cook low and slow: Pulled pork requires a slow cooking process to ensure that it’s tender and falls apart easily. Cooking at a low temperature, around 225-300 degrees Fahrenheit, for several hours is key.
5. Use an oven bag: Using an oven bag to cook your pulled pork can help keep it moist and tender. It also makes clean-up easier since the bag catches any juices or drippings.
6. Let it rest: After cooking your pulled pork, let it rest for at least 15 minutes before shredding. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat and make it even more flavorful.
7. Add BBQ sauce: While not necessary, adding BBQ sauce to your pulled pork can add a delicious sweet and tangy flavor. Serve on buns with coleslaw for a classic pulled pork sandwich.