Dutch Oven Pulled Pork

Dutch Oven Pulled Pork

This recipe uses pork brisket. Cooked low and slow, this tough cut becomes so tender and juicy. It’s so tender, in fact, that you can shred it with a fork. And that’s exactly the point. When it’s all said and done, this delicious slow-cooked pork recipe falls right off the bone, shreds easily, and can then be added to anything you like. It’s filled with the complex flavors of a sweet and spicy rub along with tangy yellow mustard to create a pork dish that checks all the boxes from tenderness to flavor and even ease of cooking.

What is Pork Brisket

Just now, I referred to the cut of pork used in this recipe as pork brisket. For the uninitiated, this might be confusing because we associate the term brisket with beef. However, contrary to popular belief, brisket isn’t a dish, it’s a section of the animal. You’ll most commonly see pork brisket called pork shoulder or pork butt because it’s part of the shoulder, just like beef brisket is.

Why You’ll Love The Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Recipe

• This pork recipe is tender, juicy, and has a wonderfully complex flavor.
• This easy recipe uses simple ingredients that you already have in your spice rack.
• The leftovers from this one recipe can be used to make so many more dishes like BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, enchiladas, mac and cheese, and so much more.

Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Recipe Tips and Variations

This delicious recipe is so easy, but I do have some tips that will help you make it the best it can possibly be. I also have some great variations so you can mix things up if you like.

Tips

• Cook the pork brisket fat side down so the rub stays on the meat.
• Be sure to completely coat every part of the roast with the mustard and rub to keep the flavor nice and strong.
• Cover and cook until the meat pulls off the bone easily with a fork. We’re not cooking for internal temperature, we’re cooking for tenderness. The shoulder will technically be “done” before it’s tender enough.

Variations

• If you don’t like a lot of heat, omit the Slap Ya Mama seasoning and red pepper flakes for a mild version of this recipe.
• Try Dijon mustard for an even deeper flavor.

Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Recipe FAQ

If you have questions about this Dutch oven pulled pork recipe, then read on. The following FAQ answers the most commonly asked questions about this recipe.

What is the best cut for pulled pork?

Pork shoulder (also called pork brisket) is the best cut of meat for pulled pork. It has a fat content that’s perfect for creating ultra-tender meat when cooked low and slow.

How long to cook a 10 lb pork shoulder?

It will take about 7 to 7 1/2 hours to cook a shoulder at 325 degrees. If you reduce the heat to 225 degrees – as some people do – it will take between 10 and 12 hours.

What temperature should pork roast be cooked to?

You should cook pork to an internal temperature of 145 degrees. However, in the case of this recipe, you don’t have to use a meat thermometer to check. After cooking this pork shoulder to fork tenderness, it will be thoroughly cooked. Meat thermometers are important, however, for pork products that are not cooked for hours on end.

How long should pork shoulder rest?

Let your pork shoulder rest for at least 15 minutes before pulling it. If you have time, letting it rest for 30 to 45 minutes is preferred.

How long will pork shoulder last in the fridge?

When properly stored, cooked pork shoulder will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze pulled pork?

Pulled pork freezes very well, so don’t be afraid of your pork shoulder making more meat than you and your family can eat.

How to Freeze Pulled Pork

Place your pulled pork in a heavy-duty freezer bag or in an air-tight, freezer-safe container. Press as much excess air out of the freezer bag as possible, and if using a container, place a layer of parchment paper over the pulled pork to reduce the amount of air that comes into contact with it. Freeze for 2 to 3 months.

How to Reheat Pulled Pork

Place the pulled pork, along with its juices or sauce, in a foil-covered dish and bake at 250 degrees until heated through. You can also reheat it in a slow cooker on low for a couple of hours.

How to Store Pulled Pork

Place the pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months using the method referenced in the FAQ.

What Goes With This Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Recipe

Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish, and as such, barbecue sides go very well with it. Think of recipes like:

• Coleslaw
• Mac and cheese
• Green beans
• French fries
• Potato salad
• Cornbread
• Rolls
• Mashed potatoes

Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Ingredients

It only takes a few simple ingredients to make this delicious recipe. Outside of the pork shoulder, you’ll probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen already.

• 10 pound pork shoulder, bone-in
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic cloves
• Chicken broth
• Yellow mustard

For the Rub

• Parmesan cheese
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Slap Ya Mama® seasoning
• Black pepper
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Parsley flakes
• Basil
• Red pepper flakes

How to Make This Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Recipe

Making this recipe is as simple as the ingredient list. It only takes a few steps to make it!

Step 1: Prep

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and place the pork shoulder on a large cutting board.

Step 2: Make the Rub

Whisk all dry rub seasonings together in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Coat the Pork

Rub the mustard all over the top and sides of the pork shoulder. Then, rub the seasonings all over the mustard-covered pork.

Step 4: Add the Pork to the Dutch Oven

Place the onions on the bottom of a large Dutch oven. Then place the pork shoulder fat side down on top of the onions. Then, pour the chicken broth into the pan and cover it with aluminum foil.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the oven for 7 to 7 1/2 hours or until the pork is fall off the fork tender. *Check the broth level periodically and add more liquid as necessary while the pork bakes.

Step 6: Rest and Shred

Once the pork is done, remove the Dutch oven from the oven and let the pork rest preferably for 30 to 45 minutes with the foil still on top of the pan. Pull and serve.

Try This Delicious Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Recipe Today

This Dutch oven pulled pork recipe is so good and so easy to make. In just a few minutes, you’ll have all the ingredients together and baking. After that, it’s simply a waiting game. It’s the perfect dish to start early for an easy weeknight meal or make in the morning for weekend lunch or an early dinner. With so much flavor and such a tender texture, I know you’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again. Give it a try!