This recipe for crockpot pulled pork is so easy to make that you can just set it and forget about it. It always tastes great. Apple juice, a mixture of bold seasonings and barbecue sauce make this fall-apart pulled pork irresistible.
Pull pork in the crock pot is as easy as it gets! It only takes a few simple steps and always turns out great. This is the definition of foolproof!.
For a really great sandwich, I love putting this slow cooker pulled pork on top of a homemade hamburger bun with coleslaw and homemade BBQ sauce. However, it’s great a number of different ways – scroll down to the serving suggestions for more ideas.
No matter how you choose to enjoy this bbq pulled pork recipe, you’re going to be obsessed!
Sarah said, “Oh my gosh, this is so good! We used Sweet Baby Ray’s honey BBQ sauce and it was SO FREAKING GOOD!”
Pulled pork is a classic BBQ dish that’s loved by many. But if you’re tired of the same old sauce flavors, you may be wondering if apple juice can add a unique twist to your pulled pork recipe.
In this complete guide, we’ll explore if apple juice is worth using to cook pulled pork, looking at the different benefits, cooking methods, and recipes you can try. Let’s get into it!
The Benefits of Cooking Pulled Pork with Apple Juice
Using apple juice as your cooking liquid when making pulled pork has some great advantages
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Adds natural sweetness – The sugars in apple juice caramelize, creating a delicious, sweet crust on the pork as it cooks. This balances the other spices.
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Tenderizes the meat – Apple juice is acidic which helps break down tough pork fibers, resulting in more tender and juicy pulled pork.
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Enhances smoke flavor – As the apple juice evaporates during cooking, it catches smoke particles, amplifying that coveted smoky taste.
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Creates a smoke ring – The juice can help to develop that pink “smoke ring” on the pork, which is aesthetically pleasing.
The key is choosing 100% pure, unsweetened apple juice. Added sugars or preservatives can negatively impact flavor and texture.
Different Cooking Methods for Apple Juice Pulled Pork
There are several ways you can cook pulled pork with apple juice:
Slow Cooker Method
This is the most popular technique. Simply add your seasoned pork shoulder to the slow cooker, pour in enough apple juice to cover the meat, and cook on low for 8-10 hours. The low, slow cooking results in super tender pulled pork.
Oven Method
Don’t have a slow cooker? You can achieve similar results in the oven. Place your seasoned pork in a roasting pan with apple juice covering the bottom. Cover with foil and bake at 325°F for 3-4 hours until fork tender.
Instant Pot Method
For fast pulled pork, use an Instant Pot. Add seasoned pork and enough apple juice to cover the meat. Cook on high pressure for 90 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before shredding.
No matter which method you pick, always let the pork rest for 10 minutes before pulling to allow the juices to redistribute.
Slow Cooker Apple Juice Pulled Pork Recipe
If you want to sample apple juice pulled pork, try this easy slow cooker recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-5 lb) bone-in pork shoulder
- 1 cup apple juice (unsweetened)
- 1⁄4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Place pork shoulder in the slow cooker and coat with Worcestershire sauce.
- Press brown sugar into the pork on all sides.
- Pour apple juice around the sides, avoiding the sugar crust.
- Cook on low for 10-12 hours or high for 6-8 hours.
- Remove bone and shred pork with a fork.
- Stir in salt before serving.
The apple juice adds a touch of sweetness and tenderness to this classic pulled pork. Serve it up on rolls with your favorite BBQ sides.
Tips for Perfect Apple Juice Pulled Pork
Follow these tips for the best apple juice pulled pork:
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Use a fatty pork shoulder for moisture and tenderness.
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Cook low and slow – this is crucial for pulled pork.
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Brine the pork in apple juice overnight for extra flavor.
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Generously season with a pork rub before cooking.
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Make a tangy slaw to serve alongside. It balances the richness.
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Stick to 100% pure, unsweetened apple juice only.
By mastering these pointers, you can make restaurant-worthy pulled pork with apple juice right at home.
Is Apple Juice Worth Using for Pulled Pork?
So, should you cook pulled pork with apple juice? We think it’s definitely worth trying!
The natural sweetness and acidity apple juice provides can really enhance pulled pork’s flavor. It promotes tenderness, caramelization, and smokiness that takes this classic to the next level.
Just be sure to use unsweetened, 100% juice and cook low and slow for the ideal apple juice pulled pork. Follow our tips, try one of the recipes, and see for yourself how it can transform your next BBQ meal.
Crockpot Pulled Pork Ingredients:
- For pulled pork, I always use a pork loin or shoulder that doesn’t have any bones. A shoulder will have more fat, but I find that this slow cooker recipe keeps the leaner pork loin nice and juicy!
- Apple juice: Soda (like Dr. Pepper) also works if preferred.
- BBQ sauce: If you want to go the extra mile, make your own Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce!
- Spices: To make this pulled pork recipe taste great, all you need is a mix of Italian seasoning, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
How to store Crock Pot Pulled Pork
When the BBQ pulled pork is cool enough to touch, put it in a container that won’t let air in and put it in the fridge for up to three days.
Place the food in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time and stir it every time it stops until it is completely warm. If necessary, add a splash of water, broth, juice, or sauce.
Traeger Apple Juice Brined Pulled Pork
FAQ
What does apple juice do to pork?
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