Easy Oven Pulled Pork Recipe

Are you looking for a fuss-free way to make pulled pork in your oven? Look no further! With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can achieve tender, juicy pulled pork that will be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re planning a cozy indoor dinner or hosting a backyard BBQ, this oven method for making pulled pork is sure to delight your taste buds.

First, you’ll need to pick up a pork shoulder, also referred to as a pork butt. Don’t be fooled by the name – this cut of meat is actually from the shoulder of the pig, and it’s perfect for slow-cooking. Begin by seasoning the pork with a rub of your choice, then let it marinate in the fridge for several hours, or overnight. When you’re ready to cook, simply place the pork shoulder in your oven on low heat and let it cook for several hours until it’s tender enough to pull apart with a fork. Serve it up on a bun with your favorite BBQ sauce, and you’re sure to have a crowd pleaser!

Preparation Before Cooking

When it comes to making delicious pulled pork in the oven, preparation is key. Before you start cooking, you must take the necessary steps to ensure that your pork is cooked to perfection. Here are some essential steps for preparation before cooking:

Choose Your Pork Cut

Pork shoulder or Boston butt are the go-to pork cuts when it comes to making pulled pork. They are both well-marbled with fat, which is essential in creating tender and juicy meat. Make sure to select a pork cut with nice marbling and at least two inches of fat cap on top.

Brining the Pork

Brining the pork adds flavor and moisture to the meat. To brine, mix 1 cup of kosher salt and 1 cup of brown sugar to 1 gallon of water. Add some herbs and spices of your choice for added flavor. Soak the pork in the brine for at least eight hours, then rinse and pat dry.

Tenderizing

Another important preparation step is to tenderize the pork. Use a meat tenderizer or a fork to poke small holes into the meat to allow the flavors to penetrate the pork and break down the collagen.

Season the Pork

The key to flavorful pulled pork is seasoning. Mix together a rub with your favorite spices and herbs. Rub the mixture all over the pork, making sure to cover every inch of the meat.

Let the Pork Rest

After seasoning the pork, let it rest in the refrigerator for at least two hours and up to overnight. This will allow the flavors to seep in and tenderize the meat.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F, giving it enough time to get nice and hot before putting your pork in the oven.

Choose Your Roasting Pan

Choose a roasting pan large enough to fit your pork and with high enough sides to prevent juices from splattering out. Line the pan with aluminum foil for easy clean-up.

Add Liquid

Add liquid to the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the meat moist throughout cooking. You can use chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, or apple juice. Use enough to form a shallow layer (about ½ inch) to avoid drying out your pork.

Roast Your Pork

Place your pork in the roasting pan, fat side up. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven, set to a low and slow temperature. Allow it to cook for 3-4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 195-200°F.

Rest Your Pork

Once the pork is done cooking, it is important to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before shredding. This gives the meat time to reabsorb moisture and will prevent dryness when you start to pull it apart.

Making pulled pork in the oven is a time-consuming process, but it is worth the wait. Follow these steps for preparation before cooking, and you’ll be well on your way to a succulent, juicy, and flavorful result!

Section 2: Prep and Seasoning

1. Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

When it comes to making pulled pork, the cut of meat you choose is important. Look for a pork shoulder, also known as a pork butt. It’s a well-marbled cut with enough fat to keep the meat moist during the slow cooking process. If you can, choose a bone-in cut, which will add more flavor to the finished dish.

2. Trimming and Prepping the Meat

Before cooking your pork shoulder, it’s essential to trim it of excess fat. Use a sharp knife and remove any thick layers of fat, leaving a thin layer for flavor. Then, score the meat by cutting a cross-hatch pattern on the fat cap, which will help the seasonings penetrate further.

3. Dry Rub or Wet Marinade?

The flavor of your pulled pork will depend on how you season it. One option is to use a dry rub made from a mix of spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and cumin. Rub the seasoning all over the pork shoulder and wrap it in plastic wrap overnight to let the flavors meld.

Alternatively, you can marinade the pork shoulder in a wet mixture, which will tenderize the meat while infusing it with flavor. Try a mixture of apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and your favorite BBQ sauce.

4. Injecting for Even More Flavor

One lesser-known method for seasoning pulled pork is to inject it with a flavorful liquid using a meat injector. This technique results in an evenly seasoned and moist cut of meat. Try injecting a mixture of apple juice, apple cider vinegar, and your favorite dry rub into the pork shoulder before cooking.

5. To Wrap or Not to Wrap?

There are different schools of thought on whether to wrap your pork shoulder in foil during the cooking process. Some say the foil helps keep the meat moist, while others argue that it steams the meat and compromises the crispy bark. If you like a crisper outer layer on your pulled pork, skip the foil. If you prefer a softer bark, wrap it up about halfway through the cooking process.

6. Choosing the Right Cooking Temperature

Slow and low is the name of the game when it comes to making pulled pork. Preheat your oven to 225°F and let it come to temperature before adding your pork shoulder. Some cooks swear by the low and slow method of cooking at 200°F for up to 14 hours for maximum tenderness, while others prefer a slightly higher temperature of 225°F for a quicker cook time of 8-10 hours.

7. Add a Pan of Liquid

To keep your pork shoulder moist during the cooking process, add a pan of liquid to the oven. Try using water, apple juice, or even beer for added flavor. The liquid will also help create steam in the oven, which will prevent the meat from drying out.

8. Let It Rest

When your pork shoulder reaches an internal temperature of 195°F – 205°F, it’s done. But before you pull out the carving knife and start shredding, let the meat rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and makes for a more tender and flavorful finished product.

9. Shredding the Meat

After your pulled pork has rested, it’s time to shred it. You can use two forks to pull the meat apart, or invest in a set of meat claws for a more efficient shredding process. Once shredded, add your favorite BBQ sauce and mix it in with the meat.

10. Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve made a delicious batch of pulled pork, it’s time to enjoy it! Serve it on a bun with coleslaw for a classic BBQ sandwich, or try topping it on nachos or pizza for a fun twist. Pulled pork also freezes well, so you can enjoy it anytime – just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the freezer.

Preparing the Pork for the Oven

Now that we’ve covered the basics of selecting the right cut of meat, it’s time to move on to preparing the pork for the oven. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the steps you can take to ensure that your pulled pork turns out juicy and flavorful.

Trimming the Fat

While a certain amount of fat is needed to keep the pork moist during cooking, excessive fat can result in a greasy end product. To trim the fat, start by removing any large chunks or visible strips of fat from the surface of the meat. You can use a sharp knife for this purpose, being careful to remove only the excess fat and not too much of the meat itself. Keep in mind that some cuts of pork are naturally more fatty than others, so you may need to adjust your trimming based on the type of meat you are using.

Seasoning the Pork

One of the keys to making delicious pulled pork is seasoning the meat properly. There are many different seasoning blends you can use, and the choice largely comes down to personal preference. Popular seasonings for pulled pork include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and brown sugar. You can create your own homemade blend or purchase a pre-made seasoning mix at the grocery store. To apply the seasoning, rub it generously onto the surface of the pork, making sure to cover all sides of the meat.

Marinating the Pork

While not strictly necessary, marinating the pork ahead of time can help to infuse it with additional flavor and tenderness. To make a marinade, combine ingredients like vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and oil in a bowl or plastic bag. Add the pork to the marinade, making sure that it is fully submerged. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight, depending on your desired flavor intensity.

Wrapping the Pork

As the pork cooks in the oven, it can easily become dry and tough if not properly moistened and protected. To prevent this from happening, wrap the pork in aluminum foil or parchment paper. You can also add a small amount of liquid like apple juice, beer, or chicken broth to the foil packet to create a steamy environment that keeps the meat juicy. Make sure to seal the edges of the foil tightly to prevent any moisture from escaping.

Cooking the Pork

Once the pork is prepared and seasoned, it’s time to cook it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 275°F and place the wrapped pork in a baking dish or on a baking sheet. Cook the pork for approximately 5-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 195°F. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before unwrapping it and shredding it with two forks. Serve it up with your favorite BBQ sauce and enjoy!

Happy Pulled Pork Making!

I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about making pulled pork in the oven. Remember, practice makes perfect and don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and sauces to make it your own. Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and please come back soon for more tips and tricks on cooking delicious meals at home. Until then, happy cooking and enjoy your next batch of pulled pork!