How to Make the Best Pulled Pork Without a Smoker or Crock Pot
Are you craving that delicious, fall-apart tender pulled pork, but don't have access to a smoker or crock pot? Fear not! This article will guide you through several creative methods to achieve mouthwatering pulled pork with just a few household essentials. Whether you want a quick and easy solution or a slow cook method, we've got you covered.
Traditional Dry Rub and Baking Method
One of the most straightforward ways to make pulled pork without cooking equipment is by using a dry rub and baking in the oven. This method relies on slow roasting to achieve the perfect texture. Here's a simple recipe:
Ingredients
4 lb pork shoulder 2 Tablespoons oil (optional, for searing) 1 Tbsp brown sugar 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 12 ounces coke (regular, not diet) bbq sauce (optional for coating meat)Instructions
Trim the pork of excess fat and cut it into 4 pieces. In a small bowl, combine the spices and rub them all over the pork. This can be done the night before for best flavor. Sear the meat (optional): Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven pot over medium-high heat. Add the meat and sear for a few seconds on all sides. Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. Pour coke around the pork in the Dutch oven pot. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for about 3 hours until the pork is tender. Remove the lid and cook for an additional 1-2 hours until the pork easily pulls apart with a fork. Remove from the oven and shred the meat, tossing it with barbecue sauce if desired. Slow Cooker Method: Place the pork in a slow cooker, pour the coke around it, cover, and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork. Instant Pot Method: Place the pork in an Instant Pot, pour the coke around it, and cook on Manual/High pressure for 70 minutes. Release the pressure naturally for about 15 minutes longer. Remove the lid and shred the meat.Alternative Methods and Tips
While the traditional methods above are effective, you might want to consider other techniques that can achieve similar results:
Pressure Cooking Method
Using a pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot, can save you a considerable amount of time. Here's a quick guide:
Ingredients
4 lb pork shoulder 2 Tablespoons oil (optional, for searing) 1 Tbsp brown sugar 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 12 ounces coke (regular, not diet) bbq sauce (optional for coating meat)Instructions
Trim the pork of excess fat and cut it into 4 pieces. Season the pork with the dry rub. Sear the meat (optional). Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven pot over medium-high heat. Add the meat and sear for a few seconds on all sides. Place the pork in the Instant Pot and pour the coke around it. Cook on Manual/High pressure for 70 minutes. Release the pressure naturally for about 15 minutes longer. Remove the lid and shred the meat. Toss it with barbecue sauce if desired.Note: The Instant Pot method requires a shorter cooking time, making it ideal for those short on time.
Microwave Method for Emergency Situations
If you're left with only a microwave and absolutely need pulled pork, you can salvage a piece of pork with a little ingenuity. This is not a 100% authentic method but can be a lifesaver in a pinch. Here's how:
Ingredients
4 lb pork shoulder Coke (regular, not diet) 12 ounces barbecue sauce (optional)Instructions
Place the pork in a microwave-safe dish. Pour coke around the pork, taking care not to get it too close to the edges. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or foil, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Start with low power (30% to 50%) and cook in 5-minute intervals, turning the pork with tongs after each interval. The aim is to keep the meat moist and achievable until tender. Continue this process until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork, which will likely take around 30-45 minutes depending on the microwave's power. Once done, allow the pork to cool slightly, then shred it and pour over barbecue sauce if desired.Tips: Adding a small amount of tomato sauce or a mild sweet and sour sauce can help add some moisture and flavor, but be careful not to add too much as the pork should be cooked until it is fall-apart tender.
Conclusion
With these methods, you can master the art of pulled pork even without a smoker or crock pot. Whether you prefer a traditional dry rub and baking method, a quicker pressure cooking technique, or a creative microwave approach, you'll be able to savor that delicious pulled pork. Happy cooking!