Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork Recipe is a tender and smoky dish, which uses boneless pork shoulder and dry cider. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 5 hours 15 minutes.

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Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork Ingredients

• 2 kg (4.4 lbs) boneless pork shoulder joint
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 500 ml (2 cups) dry cider
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp clear runny honey

How To Make Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork

1. Prepare the pork: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Mix paprika, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Pat pork dry, then rub spice mix all over.
2. Sear the pork: In a heavy casserole dish, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown.
3. Braise the pork: Add cider, Worcestershire sauce, and honey. Bring to a simmer. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the oven.
4. Slow cook: Cook for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork pulls apart easily with a fork.
5. Shred the meat: Remove pork and transfer to a board. Shred with two forks, discarding excess fat.
6. Finish the sauce: Simmer remaining liquid on the stove. Skim fat, reduce slightly, and return shredded pork to coat in the sauce.

Recipe Tips

• What cut of pork is best for pulled pork?
  Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is perfect for slow cooking due to its fat content and tenderness.
• Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
  Yes, cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is fall-apart tender.
• How to make it spicier:
  Add more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the braising liquid.
• Do I need to sear the pork first?
  Searing adds flavor and texture, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
• What cider should I use?
  A dry cider works best to balance the sweetness and add depth to the sauce.

What To Serve With Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is versatile and goes well with many sides:

• Soft burger buns or brioche rolls
• Coleslaw or pickled red onions
• Cornbread or baked beans
• Sweet potato fries or wedges
• Grilled corn on the cob

How To Store Pulled Pork

Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Freeze:
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat with a splash of stock or water.

Pulled Pork Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 40g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make pulled pork ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and the flavors improve after sitting overnight.

What’s the best way to shred pork?
Use two forks or meat shredding claws while the pork is still warm.

Can I use pork loin instead of shoulder?
Pork loin is leaner and may dry out—shoulder is the preferred cut for juiciness.

How do I prevent dry pulled pork?
Don’t overcook it and make sure to mix it back into the sauce.

Can I add BBQ sauce?
Absolutely—mix some into the sauce or serve on the side.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Leek And Potato Soup With Milk Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Lamb Shanks Recipe