Are you craving some delicious pulled pork but only have boneless pork chops on hand?
Don’t worry, you can still make a mouth-watering pulled pork dish with this cut of meat.
In this article, we will show you how to turn boneless pork chops into tender and flavorful pulled pork using a slow cooker or oven.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow and will leave your taste buds satisfied.
So, let’s get started and learn how to make pulled pork with boneless pork chops!
How To Make Pulled Pork With Boneless Pork Chops?
First, let’s talk about why boneless pork chops may not be the best choice for pulled pork. The meat is lean and tender, which means it can easily dry out during the long cooking process. Additionally, if the meat is not cooked to at least 185 degrees Fahrenheit, it won’t shred properly.
However, with a few adjustments to the cooking method, you can still achieve delicious pulled pork with boneless pork chops.
Ingredients Needed For Making Pulled Pork With Boneless Pork Chops
To make pulled pork with boneless pork chops, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– Boneless pork chops (1 lb or more)
– BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Water (1/2 cup)
– Onion (diced)
– Garlic powder (1 tsp)
– Onion powder (1 tsp)
– Salt (1/2 tsp)
– Pepper (1/4 tsp)
Optional ingredients:
– Cinnamon (1/2 tsp)
– Apple cider (1/2 cup)
Note that the amount of ingredients may vary depending on the size of your slow cooker and the amount of meat you’re using.
To prepare the pork chops for cooking, season them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add cinnamon for extra flavor. Then, lightly coat a 5-quart or larger slow cooker with nonstick spray and spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the bottom. Scatter diced onions over the sauce and add the seasoned pork chops, overlapping them if necessary. Pour the remaining BBQ sauce and water on top of the pork chops.
Cook on low heat for 6 to 10 hours, depending on your slow cooker and the amount of meat you’re using. You can also use a timer to start cooking later or use frozen pork chops to inhibit bacteria growth. Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and let them cool slightly before pulling them apart with a fork.
You can serve the pulled pork with your favorite starch and steamed veggies or use it in various pulled pork recipes. If you want to thicken the sauce, mix a slurry of cornstarch and water and add it to the remaining sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the sauce thickens.
Preparing The Boneless Pork Chops For Cooking
To prepare boneless pork chops for pulled pork, start by patting them dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick better to the meat. Next, sprinkle the chops liberally with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. For an extra burst of flavor, you can also add a dry rub made of brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
If you want to sear the chops before cooking them in the oven or on the grill, use a cast iron skillet for the best results. Preheat the skillet to medium-high heat and add some olive oil. When it’s shimmering hot, add the pork chops and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Avoid moving the chops around too much as this can disrupt the sear.
If you’re grilling the pork chops, start with high-heat direct cooking to sear the meat and create those beautiful grill marks. Then switch to indirect grilling by pushing the coals to the side. This will prevent marinade or fat from dripping onto the coals and causing flare-ups. Grill bone-in chops on medium heat for about 25 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer reads 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you’re baking boneless pork chops in the oven, preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. After seasoning the chops, place them on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
By following these steps, you can prepare boneless pork chops for pulled pork that is flavorful and tender. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly and to a high enough temperature for optimal shredding.
Slow Cooker Method For Making Pulled Pork With Boneless Pork Chops
To make pulled pork with boneless pork chops using a slow cooker, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps. Begin by coating the slow cooker with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of your favorite BBQ sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
Next, arrange the boneless pork chops in a single layer in the slow cooker. Spread another layer of BBQ sauce on top of the pork chops. Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all of your pork chops and BBQ sauce, ending with a layer of BBQ sauce on top.
Cook on LOW for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours, depending on the thickness and fat content of your pork chops. Keep in mind that boneless pork chops cook faster than bone-in pork chops, so you’ll need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Once the pork is cooked through and tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using a couple of forks. Be sure to let the pork rest for a few minutes before shredding to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
If you’d like to thicken the remaining BBQ sauce in the slow cooker, add a slurry of cornstarch and water and whisk it together. Cover and set the slow cooker to HIGH, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
With this method, you can enjoy delicious pulled pork with boneless pork chops that are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Serve it up on a bun with coleslaw, or use it in tacos or pizza for a fun twist on classic pulled pork dishes.
Oven Method For Making Pulled Pork With Boneless Pork Chops
1. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Sprinkle a little dry rub on each side of the boneless pork chops. You can make your own dry rub by mixing together brown sugar, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Rub the mixture all over the pork chops.
3. Place the seasoned pork chops on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy clean-up.
4. Bake the pork chops in the oven for 20 minutes.
5. Brush on some of your favorite barbecue sauce and return to the oven for 10 minutes.
6. Turn the pork chops and brush the other side with barbecue sauce. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Check the internal temperature of the pork chops with a meat thermometer. The temperature should read at least 185 degrees Fahrenheit for proper shredding.
8. Once the pork chops are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool until they are safe to handle.
9. Using two forks, shred the pork chops into small pieces.
10. Toss the shredded meat with your favorite barbecue sauce until it’s fully coated.
11. Serve as shredded pork for tacos, sandwiches, or any other recipe that calls for pulled pork.
By following these steps, you can easily make delicious pulled pork using boneless pork chops. The key is to cook them low and slow in the oven until they are fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
Shredding And Serving The Pulled Pork
Once you’ve cooked your boneless pork chops to the appropriate temperature and allowed them to rest, it’s time to shred the meat. There are a few different methods you can use to achieve perfectly shredded pork.
The most basic method is the double fork method. Place the pork on a cutting board or baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Slice off one end of the pork chop from top to bottom, then place two forks about an inch apart on top of the meat. 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, repeating until all of the meat has been shredded.
Another popular method is using a stand mixer with a flat beater attachment. Place the cooked pork chops in the mixer bowl and beat on low speed for a few seconds until the meat is shredded to your desired consistency. Be sure to remove any bones before using this method.
If you’re short on time or have sensitive hands, you can also use the two-fork method while the pork is still in your slow-cooker. Simply insert two forks into the meat and pull apart in opposite directions until it is fully shredded.
Once you’ve shredded your pork, it’s time to serve it up. Pulled pork is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes such as sandwiches, tacos, chili, stews, and more. Divide the shredded pork into shallow containers and store in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.
Tips For Making The Perfect Pulled Pork With Boneless Pork Chops
1. Use plenty of liquid: Boneless pork chops need a lot of moisture to stay tender and juicy during the cooking process. Make sure to use enough liquid, such as Dr. Pepper or apple cider, to cover the meat.
2. Cook on low heat: Cooking boneless pork chops on low heat for a longer period of time will help ensure that the meat stays moist and tender. Plan for at least 7-8 hours on low heat or 4 hours on high heat.
3. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that the boneless pork chops are cooked to the proper temperature, use a digital meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the meat. The pork should reach at least 185 degrees Fahrenheit before it is ready to shred.
4. Add flavor: Boneless pork chops can be bland on their own, so make sure to add plenty of spices and seasonings to enhance the flavor. Consider adding garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ sauce.
5. Shred well: After the boneless pork chops have cooked and reached the proper temperature, use two forks to shred the meat thoroughly. This will help distribute the flavor and ensure that the meat is easy to eat.
By following these tips, you can make delicious pulled pork with boneless pork chops that is just as flavorful and tender as traditional pulled pork made with a shoulder cut.
