Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that is beloved for its tender, fall-apart texture and robust flavor. While traditionally made by smoking a pork shoulder or butt low and slow for hours, pulled pork can also be made using either a slow cooker or pressure cooker with delicious results.
Both slow cooking and pressure cooking are great hands-off cooking methods that break down tough cuts of meat into tender, juicy pulled pork. But they work differently and produce somewhat different outcomes. So which is better – slow cooked or pressure cooked pulled pork?
Slow Cooked vs Pressure Cooked Pulled Pork
Here’s a quick overview of how slow cooking and pressure cooking work and their pros and cons for pulled pork:
Slow Cooking
- Cooks at low heat (around 200°F) for a long time (8-10 hours)
- Breaks down connective tissue slowly over time
- Produces very tender, fall-apart meat
- Allows flavors to develop slowly
- Less hands-on time, just requires occasional checking
- Slower overall cooking time
Pressure Cooking
- Uses steam pressure to quickly cook at high heat (around 240°F)
- Breaks down connective tissue in about 1-2 hours
- Meat can be slightly less tender than slow cooked
- Develops flavor rapidly
- Requires more hands-on time releasing pressure
- Much faster cooking time
Comparing Flavor
One of the biggest differences between slow cooked and pressure cooked pulled pork is the flavor development. With slow cooking, you get a more complex flavor profile thanks to the extended cooking time. The meat soaks up seasonings and smoky flavors gradually. This allows subtle flavors to build.
Pressure cooked pulled pork develops flavor more quickly. You’ll get a bolder, more direct pork and spice flavor. But some of the nuances may be lost without that long, slow cooking time. So slow cooking wins out slightly when it comes to maximizing complex flavors.
Tenderness
Slow cooking wins when it comes to tenderness too. The low and slow heat tenderizes the meat to the point where it completely falls apart and shreds easily. It’s hard to overcook since the temperature remains constant. Pressure cooked pork can sometimes end up slightly less shreddable or with a slightly more al dente texture. But it’s still tender and juicy compared to other cooking methods.
Convenience
For convenience, pressure cooking pulls ahead. While slow cooking requires little effort, pressure cooking is significantly faster. You can have delicious pulled pork in just an hour or two from start to finish. Slow cooking takes about 8-10 hours of mostly hands off cooking. So pressure cooking is the quicker and easier option.
Moisture Level
Properly slow cooked pulled pork should be very moist and juicy. But pressure cooked pork often ends up a bit more moist and succulent. The high pressure steam forces liquid into the meat. So if your top priority is moisture, pressure cooking may work slightly better.
Cooking Time Comparison
Here is a cooking time comparison between slow cooking and pressure cooking pulled pork:
| Cooking Method | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Slow cooker | 8-10 hours on low |
| Pressure cooker | 45-90 minutes |
As you can see, pressure cooking is significantly faster. You can have delicious pulled pork ready in an hour or two with a pressure cooker versus waiting nearly all day for the slow cooker.
Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork
Here are some tips to ensure tender, flavorful pulled pork regardless of which cooking method you use:
Cut of Pork
Select a well-marbled pork shoulder or butt. This cut has the right balance of fat and connective tissue to break down into moist, tender pulled pork.
Season Well
Rub the pork all over with a spice rub or dry brine. Use spices like brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The seasonings will really permeate the meat.
Brown First
Browning the pork first adds deeper flavor from the maillard reaction. Quickly sear the seasoned pork on all sides in a hot pan before slow or pressure cooking.
Use Liquid
Moisten the pork as it cooks. For the slow cooker, add broth, apple juice, beer, etc. For the pressure cooker, 1 cup liquid is enough. This keeps the meat succulent.
Shred Thoroughly
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the pork until it falls apart into fine, tender pieces of meat.
Finish with BBQ Sauce
Toss the shredded pork with your favorite barbecue sauce. Sweet and tangy flavors balance the rich pork perfectly.
Best Recipes for Each Method
Here are ideal recipes to showcase slow cooked and pressure cooked pulled pork:
Slow Cooker Cola Pulled Pork
This recipe produces super tender and moist pulled pork flavored with cola, spices, and barbecue sauce. Cook low and slow for 8-10 hours for perfect shreds.
Pressure Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork
Bold Mexican spices like chili powder, cumin, and oregano flavor this quick 1-2 hour pressure cooked pulled pork. Top with your favorite taco garnishes.
Conclusion
While both produce delicious pulled pork, slow cooking wins out slightly when it comes to ultimate tenderness and flavor complexity. But pressure cooking has the advantage for quick meals. For super moist and fast pulled pork, go pressure cooker. For the most tender and nuanced flavor, opt for slow cooking.
Or, use both! Brown and season the pork in a pressure cooker first, then transfer to a slow cooker for hours of perfect low and slow cooking. This gives you the flavor boost of browning upfront and the tender shreds of slow cooking.
No matter which option you choose, follow general tips like choosing a well-marbled cut of pork, seasoning generously, adding liquid, and shredding thoroughly. With the right technqiue, both slow cooking and pressure cooking will turn out amazing pulled pork.
Pulled pork is such a versatile and satisfying dish. Serve it piled high on buns, topped with coleslaw, or stuffed into tacos. Leftovers also make delicious meal additions all week long. So unlock the secrets of your slow cooker or pressure cooker and enjoy sensational shredded pork anytime.
Now you know whether to slow cook or pressure cook pulled pork based on your priorities like flavor, texture, and cook time. With this comparison, you can choose the very best method for crafting your perfect plate of tender, juicy pulled pork.