Pork Loin Pulled Pork

Pork Loin Pulled Pork

Making pulled pork in a crock pot with a pork loin is a fantastic way to enjoy tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. Pork loin, while leaner than the traditional pork shoulder cut used for pulled pork, can still yield delicious results when cooked slowly.

Ingredients:

  • 2 to 3 pounds pork loin
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Pork Loin: Trim any excess fat from the pork loin. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper to create your rub.

  2. Season: Rub the spice mix all over the pork loin, ensuring it's well-coated.

  3. Layer the Crock Pot: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the crock pot. This will add flavor and create a bed for the pork to rest on.

  4. Add the Pork: Place the seasoned pork loin on top of the onions and garlic. Pour the chicken broth or water around the pork loin. The liquid will create steam and help keep the pork moist during cooking.

  5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is very tender and can easily be shredded with a fork.

  6. Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat.

  7. Sauce and Serve: Return the shredded pork to the crock pot and mix with the barbecue sauce. Let it cook on low for another 30 minutes to an hour to soak up the flavors. Serve the pulled pork with additional barbecue sauce, if desired.

Tips:

  • While pork loin is leaner, adding broth and cooking it slowly ensures it stays moist. If you prefer a fattier cut, pork shoulder is a great alternative.
  • Adjust the spice level to your taste by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper or adding more barbecue sauce.