Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that is beloved for its tender, juicy meat soaked in a flavorful sauce. However, one of the biggest challenges when making pulled pork is keeping it moist and preventing it from drying out. There are several methods you can use to help keep pulled pork moist.
Use a flavorful liquid when cooking the pork
One of the keys to moist pulled pork is using a flavorful braising liquid while the pork cooks low and slow. The pork will absorb some of this liquid as it cooks, helping to keep it juicy. Here are some excellent braising liquids to use:
- Chicken or beef broth – Using broth adds savory flavor and keeps the pork moist. Opt for low-sodium if adding a sauce later.
- Fruit juice – Apple cider, orange juice, or pineapple juice all add sweetness and moisture.
- Beer or cola – The carbonation helps break down the pork as it cooks.
- Marinades – Consider soaking the pork in a marinade overnight before cooking, for added flavor and moisture.
Look for well-marbled pork shoulder
When buying pork for pulled pork, look for a well-marbled shoulder. The streaks of fat running through the meat will baste it from the inside out as the fat renders, keeping it tender and moist. Opt for a bone-in shoulder if possible, as the bone adds flavor and moisture too.
Cook it low and slow
Pulled pork gets its signature shreddable tenderness through long, slow cooking at low heat. This extended cooking allows the tough collagen in the pork to break down into gelatin, keeping the meat fall-apart tender and juicy. Cook the pork for 8-12 hours at 225-250°F.
Let it rest before pulling
After cooking the pork, let it rest for at least 30 minutes wrapped in foil before pulling. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat. If you shred it too soon, the juices can run out and the pork will dry out.
Mix in braising liquid when pulling
After the pork has finished cooking and resting, pull or shred it with two forks, adding some of the braising liquid back in as you shred. This adds back moisture and flavor into each bite.
Use a moist finishing sauce
A finishing sauce adds a burst of flavor and moisture when tossed with the pulled pork just before serving. Try vinegary barbecue sauce, mustard sauce, or even just braising liquid reduced down into a glaze.
Mix in other ingredients
In addition to sauce, mixing other moist ingredients into pulled pork can prevent it from drying out. Consider adding any of the following:
- Chopped pickled jalapeños
- Diced onions
- BBQ sauce
- Mustard
- Vinegar-based coleslaw
Keep it moist when storing leftovers
For leftover pulled pork that will be stored and reheated later, moisture is key. Here are some tips:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
- Add some of the cooking liquid or sauce to the pork before refrigerating.
- Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of water, broth, or sauce.
- Use leftovers within 3-4 days for best quality.
Conclusion
With juicy braising liquid, plenty of time over low heat, and a moist finishing sauce, it’s easy to keep pulled pork moist and delicious. Allowing the pork to rest before pulling and mixing in flavorful ingredients like sauce and slaw will also prevent the pork from drying out. Follow these tips, and your pulled pork will be fork-tender with every bite, even as leftovers.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pork shoulder | 5-7 pounds |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| BBQ sauce | 1 cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Chopped onion | 1/2 cup |
| Minced garlic | 2 tbsp |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tbsp |
| Pepper | 1 tsp |
This table outlines the ingredients and amounts needed for a flavorful pulled pork recipe that will help keep the pork moist. Pork shoulder provides well-marbled meat. Chicken broth adds savory moisture while cooking. A tangy vinegar sauce with BBQ sauce, spices, and aromatics infuses the pork with flavor. Together, these ingredients allow the pork to cook up juicy, shred easily, and soak up maximum taste in every bite.
Tips for serving pulled pork
Once you’ve made your flavorful, moist pulled pork, you’ll want to serve it in a way that keeps it from drying out. Here are some serving tips:
- Keep pulled pork warm in a slow cooker or warming tray on the lowest setting if serving over time.
- Portion into serving sizes as needed rather than leaving in a large batch.
- If making sandwiches, lightly butter or mayo the buns to add moisture.
- Keep sandwiches tightly wrapped after assembling.
- Offer extra sauce on the side.
- Serve any sides like coleslaw, beans, or mac & cheese under or mixed into the pork.
With big servings of juicy pulled pork layered on buttery buns and mixed with flavorful sides, your crowd will be going back for moist and meaty seconds and thirds.
Pulled Pork Sandwich Combinations
Piled high on a bun, pulled pork sings when paired with complementary flavors and textures. Here are some amazing sandwich combinations to try:
- Classic – Pulled pork, BBQ sauce, coleslaw
- Sweet & Spicy – Pulled pork, honey mustard slaw, sliced jalapeños
- Pig & Fig – Pulled pork, fig jam, arugula
- Luau – Pulled pork, grilled pineapple, teriyaki sauce
- El Cubano – Pulled pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, mustard
With sauces, slaws, spices, and creative toppings, the possibilities for incredible pulled pork sandwiches are endless. The tender pork stays moist when layered and wrapped up inside a flavorful sandwich.
Leftover Pulled Pork Recipes
Well-stored leftover pulled pork can be brought back to juicy, delicious life in many ways. Here are just a few ways to transform leftovers:
- BBQ Pizza – Top pizza crust with pulled pork, red onion, cilantro and drizzle BBQ sauce.
- Burritos or Tacos – Fill tortillas with pulled pork and top with pico de gallo, avocado and lime crema.
- Breakfast Hash – Sauté pulled pork with potatoes, peppers and onions. Top with fried eggs.
- Stuffed Peppers – Mix pulled pork with rice and cheese and stuff into roasted bell peppers.
With a little creativity, leftover pulled pork can become totally new exciting meals and prevent any meat from going to waste.
Conclusion
Keeping pulled pork moist starts with choosing well-marbled pork shoulder and cooking it gently in a flavorful liquid. Allowing the pork to rest before pulling and mixing it with a finishing sauce or tangy slaw prevents dryness. Store leftovers with a bit of liquid for continued moisture. Serving the pork in sandwiches or wraps helps lock in the moisture. With the right techniques, pulled pork can stay fork-tender and delicious for sandwiches, tacos, pizza, and any other creative recipe you can dream up.