Leftover pork roast can be a lifesaver when it comes to meal planning. But what do you do when you’re tired of reheating the same old thing?
That’s where pulled pork comes in! With just a few simple steps, you can transform your leftover pork roast into a delicious and versatile dish that can be used in sandwiches, tacos, wraps, and more.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make pulled pork out of leftover pork roast using a variety of recipes and techniques. So, grab your forks and let’s get shredding!
How To Make Pulled Pork Out Of Leftover Pork Roast?
There are several ways to make pulled pork out of leftover pork roast, depending on your preferences and available ingredients. Here are some of our favorite methods:
1. Slow Cooker Method: Cut the leftover pork roast into 2-inch thick slices and place them in a slow cooker. In a bowl, mix together your favorite BBQ sauce, chicken stock, and any additional seasonings you like. Pour the sauce over the pork and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and falling apart. Use two forks to shred the pork and mix it with the sauce.
2. Skillet Method: In a heavy skillet, combine the leftover pork roast with just enough water to cover it. Add vinegar, BBQ sauce, and hot sauce to taste. Bring to a boil and simmer over medium heat, covered, until the meat pulls apart easily (about 50 minutes). Remove the pork from the sauce, shred it with two forks, and set it aside. Simmer the sauce until it reaches your desired thickness, then stir in the shredded pork.
3. Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Cut the leftover pork roast into 2-inch thick slices and place them in a baking dish. In a bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the pork and cover the dish with foil. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender and falling apart. Use two forks to shred the pork and mix it with the sauce.
4. Stovetop Method: In a medium saucepan, combine leftover pork roast with chicken broth, vinegar, sugar, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the meat is tender (about 30 minutes). Use two forks to shred the pork and mix it with the sauce.
Prepping Your Leftover Pork Roast
Before you can start making pulled pork out of your leftover pork roast, you need to prep the meat properly. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Remove any excess fat: Trim off any visible fat from the pork roast. You want to end up with tender meat, not chewy bits of fat.
2. Shred the meat: Use two forks to shred the pork into small pieces. You can also use a food processor, but be careful not to over-process the meat.
3. Season the meat: Depending on your recipe, you may want to season the pork with spices like paprika, cumin, or chili powder. You can also add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add liquid: To keep the meat moist and flavorful, you’ll need to add some liquid. This can be BBQ sauce, chicken broth, beef broth, or a combination of these. Make sure you have enough liquid to cover the meat.
5. Mix well: Once you’ve added your liquid and seasonings, mix everything together well. You want the pork to be evenly coated with sauce and spices.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly prepped leftover pork roast ready to be turned into delicious pulled pork.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe
If you choose to use the slow cooker method to make pulled pork out of leftover pork roast, follow these simple steps:
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs leftover pork roast
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 cup chicken stock
– 1 tbsp paprika
– 1 tbsp garlic powder
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the leftover pork roast into 2-inch thick slices and place them in a slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken stock, paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the sauce over the pork and make sure all the slices are coated.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender and falling apart.
5. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
6. Use two forks to shred the pork into small pieces.
7. Pour the remaining sauce from the slow cooker into a separate bowl.
8. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and pour some of the sauce over it.
9. Mix well until all the pork is coated in sauce.
10. Cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until hot.
This slow cooker pulled pork recipe is perfect for using up leftover pork roast and requires minimal effort. The result is tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled pork that can be served as a sandwich, taco filling, or even on its own with some sides. Enjoy!
Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe
If you have an Instant Pot, making pulled pork out of leftover pork roast has never been easier. This recipe yields the most tender and flavorful pulled pork in a fraction of the time it takes to make it in a slow cooker or oven. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
– 2-3 pounds leftover pork roast, cut into large chunks
– 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1 teaspoon ground mustard
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 – 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cumin, and cayenne (if using).
2. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the leftover pork roast chunks.
3. Turn on the saute setting on your Instant Pot and add the olive oil. Once hot, sear the pork on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Do this in batches if necessary.
4. Turn off the Instant Pot and pour in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Stir to combine.
5. Close the lid and set to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 45 minutes.
6. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes before doing a quick release.
7. Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred it with two forks.
8. Pour in your favorite BBQ sauce and stir to combine with the shredded pork.
9. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
This Instant Pot pulled pork recipe is perfect for using up leftover pork roast and can be easily customized to your taste preferences. It’s also a great option for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Enjoy!
BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious BBQ pulled pork recipe, look no further! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover pork roast and can be made in a slow cooker for easy preparation.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 pounds of leftover pork roast, shredded
– 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
– 1/2 cup of chicken broth
– 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup of brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard
– 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon of chili powder
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, pour in vegetable oil and add the shredded pork roast.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, onion, garlic, and thyme.
3. Pour the sauce over the pork roast in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours or high for 5 to 6 hours until pork shreds easily with a fork.
5. Once the pork is tender and falling apart, remove it from the slow cooker and shred the meat using two forks.
6. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine with juices.
7. Spread the inside of both halves of hamburger buns with butter. Toast buns, butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
8. Spoon pulled pork into toasted buns and enjoy!
Whether you’re serving this BBQ pulled pork at a summer cookout or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner recipe, this recipe is sure to please. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors from the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar make this pulled pork recipe irresistible.
Asian-Inspired Pulled Pork Recipe
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful way to use your leftover pork roast, try this Asian-inspired pulled pork recipe. The combination of gochujang, ginger, and Chinese 5-spice creates a spicy, sweet, and tingly flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
– Leftover pork roast, shredded
– 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
– 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 teaspoon Chinese 5-spice powder
– Tortillas or lettuce wraps
– Broccoli slaw (mix of shredded broccoli stems, carrots, and cabbage)
– Dressing for slaw (mix of rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and soy sauce)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, gochujang, and Chinese 5-spice powder.
2. Place the shredded pork and marinade in a slow cooker pot and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 10-12 hours.
3. Once the pork is cooked and tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker to keep warm.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ingredients for the broccoli slaw and toss well in the dressing.
5. Serve the pulled pork with warm tortillas or lettuce wraps and top with the broccoli slaw.
This Asian-inspired pulled pork recipe is versatile and can be used in various dishes such as rice bowls or sandwiches. The marinade/dipping sauce is also delicious and can be used as a dressing or dipping sauce for other dishes. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the explosion of flavors in your mouth!
Using Your Pulled Pork In Different Dishes
Once you have made your delicious pulled pork, there are many ways to transform it into new and exciting dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Pulled Pork Tacos: Warm up some tortillas and fill them with pulled pork, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. Top with your favorite salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick.
2. Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Toast some buns and pile on the pulled pork, coleslaw, and pickles for a classic BBQ sandwich. You can also add cheese, onions, or any other toppings you like.
3. Pulled Pork Quesadillas: Layer pulled pork and shredded cheese between two tortillas and cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. Serve with salsa and guacamole for dipping.
4. Pulled Pork Pizza: Spread BBQ sauce on a pizza crust and top with pulled pork, sliced onions, and shredded cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Pulled Pork Chili: Add pulled pork to your favorite chili recipe for a hearty and flavorful twist. Top with shredded cheese and sour cream for extra indulgence.
6. Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Bake sweet potatoes in the oven until tender, then slice them open and stuff with pulled pork, black beans, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices.
7. Pulled Pork Breakfast Hash: Fry up some diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers in a skillet, then add in pulled pork and cook until everything is crispy and golden brown. Serve with fried eggs on top for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
With these ideas, you can turn your leftover pulled pork into a variety of delicious meals that will keep your taste buds happy all week long.