Pork for Sandwiches

North Carolina-style pulled pork is a versatile and beloved dish that forms the foundation for countless delicious recipes. This tender and flavorful pork can be used in a variety of ways, allowing you to explore different culinary creations and add a touch of Southern charm to your meals. Whether you’re craving a classic pulled pork sandwich, a flavorful stir-fry, or a comforting soup, this recipe will provide you with a delightful base that can be transformed into a range of mouthwatering dishes.

The slow cooking process ensures that the boneless pork shoulder becomes incredibly tender and easy to shred, making it the perfect choice for a multitude of recipes. The addition of a sweet onion and minced garlic infuses the pork with aromatic flavors, while the combination of chili sauce, sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and black pepper creates a savory and tangy sauce that enhances the taste of the meat.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 pounds (1 1/3 kg) boneless pork shoulder
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (10 g) minced garlic
• 1½ cups (413 g) chili sauce (see recipe in Chapter 2)
• 2 tablespoons (26 g) sugar
• 2 tablespoons (28 ml) cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon (7.5 g) chili powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

PREPARATION:

1. Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and, if needed, cut it into pieces that will fit in your slow cooker.
2. Place the pork, chopped sweet onion, and minced garlic in the slow cooker.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the chili sauce, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and black pepper.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 10 to 11 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
6. Remove the pork from the cooker, reserving the juices. Use two forks to shred the pork, discarding any excess fat.
7. Skim off any fat from the reserved juices and add enough of the juices to the shredded pork to moisten it.

YIELD: 12 servings

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• To achieve the best results, use a boneless pork shoulder for this recipe. The slow cooking process will transform the meat into tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
• Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred texture. Cooking the pork for a longer period on low heat will result in even more tender meat, while a shorter cooking time on high heat will still produce succulent results.
• Don’t discard the reserved juices from the slow cooker. They contain the delicious flavors from the pork and the sauce, which can be used to moisten the shredded pork and add extra depth of flavor.

TIPS:

• Save portions of the pulled pork in airtight containers and refrigerate them for up to three days. This makes it convenient to enjoy the pork in various dishes throughout the week.
• You can also freeze the pulled pork in portions for up to three months. When ready to use, simply thaw the desired amount and incorporate it into your favorite recipes.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 123 g water
• 189 calories (35% from fat, 50% from protein, 14% from carbs)
• 23 g protein
• 7 g total fat
• 2 g saturated fat
• 3 g monounsaturated fat
• 1 g polyunsaturated fat
• 7 g carbs
• 1 g fiber
• 4 g sugar
• 256 mg phosphorus
• 19 mg calcium
• 2 mg iron
• 134 mg sodium
• 434 mg potassium
• 649 IU vitamin A
• 2 mg ATE vitamin E
• 10 mg vitamin C
• 74 mg cholesterol

CONCLUSION:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to utilizing North Carolina-style pulled pork in your cooking repertoire. This recipe provides you with a versatile base that can be transformed into a range of mouthwatering dishes. Whether you prefer a classic pulled pork sandwich with barbecue sauce or want to explore more creative options like incorporating the pork into stir-fries or soups, the tender and flavorful meat will add a delightful twist to any recipe. With the convenience of storing leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days or freezing them for future use, you can enjoy the rich flavors of this North Carolina-style pulled pork whenever your taste buds desire. So, unleash your culinary creativity and savor the tastes of the South with this delectable and versatile dish!