Image by Jez Timms

Pulled pork

Ahhh, pulled pork; what a delight! This succulent dish has been tantalizing taste buds for centuries with its unique and exquisite flavors.

Pulled pork


The origins of this dish are up for some debate, but most agree it originated in the southern United States. It's usually made by slow-cooking pork shoulder or pork butt in a smoker or oven until it becomes incredibly tender. The cooked meat is then "pulled" into smaller chunks and mixed with a variety of seasonings and sauces.

A distinctive aspect of pulled pork dishes is that it is often cooked with a smokey flavor on an open flame or smoker. This results in a deeply flavorful and satisfying taste that's a perfect compliment to the juicy texture of the pork itself.

Pulled pork can be served in many different ways. Some people enjoy it served in tacos, while others prefer it piled high onto a sandwich bun accompanied with their favorite sides. In either case, its unique flavor-profile makes it a true crowd-pleaser.

The great thing about pulled pork is its versatility — it can be used in a variety of dishes, from pizza to salads, or even as a topping for stir-fry. You can get creative and use a variety of different seasonings and sauces to spice things up.

No matter what your preferred method is, pulled pork is sure to be the star of any gathering. With its finger-licking-good taste, it's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So make sure to give this delectable dish a try today!

The origin of Pulled pork

Ah, pulled pork—the succulent, flavorful meal that has become an iconic dish in many parts of the world. Originating in the Southern United States and derived from the ancient tradition of cooking pork in a low-and-slow barbecue method, its deep-rooted history is intertwined with the heritage of the region.

By some accounts, the first iteration of pulled pork was seen in the distant past, where Native Americans slow-cooked their meat over an open fire. By doing so, they achieved tender and delectable results, a tradition they eventually passed on to settlers.

However, the first true description of what we now know as ‘pulled pork’ appeared in a cookbook from the 18th century called The Virginia Housewife. Written by Mary Randolph, it detailed a recipe for barbecued pork using pork shoulder and smoked hickory wood chips.

The dish gained traction in the late 19th century when German immigrants began to settle in Texas, bringing their own distinctive style of barbecue. They would smoke their meat over low heat, allowing the flavor to slowly penetrate the meat. The end result was a tender and flavourful meal, which generations of Southerners slowly began to adopt.

In the mid-20th century, pulled pork began to make its way outside of the South, establishing itself as a favourite among barbeque enthusiasts and foodies all across America. Before long, the beloved dish had travelled far beyond the United States, becoming popular in countries like Australia, South Korea, and Japan.

Today, pulled pork remains a classic meal that can be found in restaurants, diners, and backyard barbeques throughout the world. With its slow-cooked, smoky goodness, it’s no wonder why this longstanding BBQ dish continues to be enjoyed by millions around the globe.

FAQs about Pulled pork

What is the best cut of meat for pulled pork?

The best cut of meat for pulled pork is pork shoulder, which is also known as Boston butt or Picnic shoulder. This cut of meat has excellent marbling and a high fat content, which make it ideal for slow cooking or smoking. It can become fork-tender and extremely flavorful when cooked correctly.


What is the best method for cooking pulled pork?

The best method for cooking pulled pork is slow-cooking in a smoker or slow cooker. Smoking is the preferred method, as it imparts a unique flavor that is difficult to replicate any other way. To properly smoke pulled pork, you will need to have a smoker or an outdoor grill with a smoker box or pouch. Place your pork shoulder in the smoker and cook it at 225–250°F (107–121°C) for 6–8 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart. Once it is finished cooking, you can use two forks to shred it into pieces and serve it with your favorite barbecue sauce.


What is the difference between pulled pork and shredded pork?

Pulled pork is made by cooking a pork roast until it falls apart easily, then shredding it using two forks. Shredded pork is made by cooking a cut of pork until it is tender and then finely chopping or slicing it with a knife. Pulled pork is usually cooked in liquid such as broth, wine, or barbecue sauce, while shredded pork is usually cooked dry in a skillet. Pulled pork is usually served with a barbecue sauce, while shredded pork is often served in tacos or burritos.


What is the secret to pulled pork?

The secret to making great pulled pork is slow and low cooking! Cook the pork low and slow in a smoker, oven, or slow cooker for several hours until it becomes very tender. Once cooked, use two forks to shred the pork into strands. To achieve the perfect flavor, season the pork with a dry rub before cooking and/or sauce after shredding.


Types of Pulled pork

When it comes to one of the most beloved dishes worldwide, Pulled Pork deserves a special mention. This succulent and juicy dish is known in many cultures around the world, such as America, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. The sheer deliciousness of pulled pork is why it's preferred by so many chefs and gourmands alike.

Pulled pork is usually made from the shoulder or butt of pork, which is cooked for hours until it is tenderizes and easily pulls apart. The meat is then marinated with a variety of spices and seasonings, giving it a unique flavor and texture. While American-style pulled pork is usually smoked, there are several other varieties of this classic dish that can be enjoyed.

One of the most popular ways to enjoy pulled pork is to make it Carolina-style. This type of pulled pork is cooked low and slow in a pit, using wood chips, over low heat. The traditional ingredients to use when making Carolina-style pulled pork are vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, and allspice. This gives the dish an incomparably distinctive flavor that makes it a favorite all over the US.

Another great way to enjoy pulled pork is to go Mexican-style. Instead of being cooked low and slow, the pork is grilled over a charcoal fire and then shredded. Its smoky flavor is enhanced with a selection of spices, such as cumin, chili powder, oregano, and garlic, giving it a distinctly Mexican taste.

Asian-style pulled pork, on the other hand, is a delectable fusion of East meets West. Not only does it incorporate ubiquitous Asian flavors, such as soy sauce and ginger, but it also includes western ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce and paprika, making it an incredibly unique and delicious dish.

Pulled pork is a classic dish that is sure to please a crowd. Whether you choose to try it Carolina-style, Mexican-style, or Asian-style, it's sure to be an unforgettable dining experience. So the next time you get a craving for pulled pork, why not try one of these sumptuous methods?