Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of tender, juicy pulled pork that practically melts in your mouth. This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Pulled Pork isn't just another recipe – it's a game-changing culinary experience that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dish for family dinners, game day gatherings, and everything in between!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 burger buns
- Coleslaw for topping
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and place it in the slow cooker.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the honey mustard mixture over the pork shoulder, ensuring the meat is evenly coated on all sides.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once cooking is complete, remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer to a large cutting board.
- Using two forks, shred the pork, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Optional: Strain the cooking liquid and skim off excess fat, then mix a small amount back into the shredded meat for extra moisture.
- Serve the pulled pork hot on burger buns, topped with coleslaw for added crunch and flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Always opt for pork shoulder (also called pork butt) as it has the perfect fat content for creating tender, shreddable meat.
- Low and Slow is the Secret: Resist the temptation to rush the cooking process. Eight hours on low heat ensures the most tender, flavorful result.
- Moisture is Key: If the meat seems dry after shredding, don't panic! Mix in a little of the strained cooking liquid to restore moisture.
- Coleslaw Matters: The fresh, crunchy coleslaw isn't just a topping – it's a crucial flavor and texture component that elevates the entire sandwich.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This pulled pork actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for meal prep or parties.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the shredded pork for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 414kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
