Can You Use Pork Leg for Pulled Pork? A Complete Guide

Pulled pork is a barbecue staple loved for its tender, juicy meat dripping in flavorful sauce. While pork shoulder is the traditional cut used, pork leg can also make delicious pulled pork. Keep reading to learn all about using pork leg for pulled pork

What is Pork Leg?

Pork leg also known as pork hind leg or ham, refers to the back legs of the pig. This includes the following cuts

• Fresh ham – from the upper part of the leg
• Leg (ham) roast – from the lower part above the hock
• Sirloin end roast – from the hip bone end
• Shank end roast – from the hock end

The pork leg contains less fat than the shoulder. It’s also divided into smaller individual muscles, so it requires special handling to turn out tender and juicy. But with the right technique, pork leg can make fabulous pulled pork.

Benefits of Using Pork Leg for Pulled Pork

Here are some advantages to using pork leg for pulled pork:

• Larger cuts – Pork leg roasts are bigger than shoulder, yielding more meat. Great for feeding a crowd.
• Leaner meat – Less fat means a healthier option compared to pork shoulder.
• Unique flavor – Since it’s less used, pork leg provides a taste change up from the usual pulled pork.
• Lower cost – Pork leg is often cheaper per pound than pork shoulder. Great budget option.
• Efficient use of leg – Turns a lesser used tougher cut into delicious pulled pork.

Challenges of Pork Leg for Pulled Pork

However, pork leg does present some challenges:

• Less fat – With less fat, the meat can dry out if overcooked. Moist cooking methods are key.
• Tougher muscles – It contains various small muscles that can turn chewy and stringy.
• No collagen – Lack of connective tissue means less tenderizing gelatin.
• Less flavor – Not as inherently flavorful as pork shoulder. Benefits more from rubs and marinades.

While doable, pork leg requires care to turn out properly moist and tender for pulled pork.

Best Methods for Cooking Pork Leg for Pulled Pork

To account for pork leg’s leaner, tougher properties, use these cooking methods:

• Slow roasting – Low 200-250°F oven cooking breaks down connective tissue.
• Braising – Tenderizing through moist heat cooking submerged in liquid.
• Smoking – Penetrates meat with flavor while gently cooking.
• Stewing – Simmering in liquid transforms tough meat into succulent pulled pork.
• Crockpot – Continued low moist heat tenderizes pork leg over 4-8 hours on low.

Moist cooking methods at lower temperatures around 225-250°F slowly tenderize pork leg into luscious pulled pork.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pulled Pork from Pork Leg

Follow these steps for foolproof pulled pork using a pork leg roast:

Ingredients:

• 3-5 lb bone-in pork leg roast
• Dry rub – 1⁄4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp each salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup barbecue sauce or thin vinegar sauce

Instructions:

1. Pat pork dry and coat all over with dry rub. Refrigerate 8-24 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 250°F. Place pork in roasting pan.
3. Roast 4-6 hours until fork tender and internal temperature reaches 200-205°F.
4. Remove pork from oven, tent with foil and let rest 30 minutes.
5. Transfer pork to cutting board. Using 2 forks or fingers, shred and pull meat apart into bite-size pieces.
6. In large bowl, mix shredded pork with desired amount of barbecue sauce.
7. Adjust seasoning with more dry rub, vinegar, salt, etc.
8. Serve on buns or over cornbread, baked beans, coleslaw, etc.

With the right roasting time and temperature, pork leg makes incredibly moist pulled pork full of smoky flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pork Leg Pulled Pork

Here are answers to some common pork leg pulled pork questions:

What’s the best cut of pork leg to use?

The sirloin end or shank end roasts contain a good meat-to-bone ratio for even cooking. Avoid cuts labeled “fresh ham” as they can be quite large.

How long does pork leg take to roast for pulled pork?

Plan on roasting a 3-5 lb pork leg roast around 4-6 hours at 250°F until fork tender and 200-205°F internal temperature.

Should you sear pork leg first?

Searing isn’t mandatory, but it adds nice caramelized flavor. Brown all over on high heat before slow roasting.

What barbecue sauce goes best with pork leg?

Tomato-based, mustard sauces, or vinegar sauces all pair fantastically. Mix some with shredded pork or serve on the side.

Can you use an instant pot or slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on high pressure 40-60 minutes or low 8-10 hours until extremely tender.

Conclusion

While it requires special handling, pork leg can absolutely be used to make delicious pulled pork. Keys are choosing the right cut, maintaining moisture through slow roasting, smoking or braising, and shredding when extremely tender. With the right techniques, pork leg pulled pork offers a juicy, flavorful twist on a barbecue classic.