The Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork is a slow-cooked, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or any casual gathering. This recipe ensures tender, juicy pork that pulls apart easily, making it ideal for sandwiches, tacos or served alongside your favorite sides. The Hairy Bikers’ recipe incorporates a spice rub and a low-and-slow cooking method that infuses the meat with rich, smoky flavors.
What is Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork?
Hairy Bikers’ Pulled Pork is a slow-cooked pork dish made using pork shoulder, seasoned with a flavorful spice rub, and cooked until the meat is tender enough to be easily shredded. It’s often paired with a tangy barbecue sauce and is perfect for serving in sandwiches, tacos, or with coleslaw and potatoes.
Other Popular Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Tender and Juicy: The pork is cooked low and slow for maximum tenderness.
- Bold Flavors: A flavorful spice rub and barbecue sauce bring a smoky, savory depth.
- Great for Gatherings: Perfect for feeding a crowd, whether at a barbecue, party, or family dinner.
- Versatile: Enjoy in sandwiches, tacos, or served with a variety of sides.
- Easy to Make: While it takes time to cook, the preparation is simple.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork
- Turkey thigh (I used Turkey instead of pork shoulder): 1.5-2 kg (bone-in or boneless), ideal for pulled pork.
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons, to add a hint of sweetness to the rub.
- Smoked paprika: 2 teaspoons, for smoky flavor.
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon, to add depth to the spice rub.
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon, for a subtle garlic flavor.
- Cayenne pepper: ½ teaspoon, for a bit of heat (optional).
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, to season the pork.
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon, for added flavor.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, to help the rub stick to the pork.
- Barbecue sauce: 200ml, for serving or tossing the pulled pork.
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons, to balance the richness of the pork.
Equipment
- Slow cooker or roasting pan: For slow-cooking the pork.
- Mixing bowl: For making the spice rub.
- Tongs: For handling the pork.
- Forks: For shredding the pork.
- Baking tray (optional): If you want to crisp the pork under the broiler after shredding.
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork
Follow these simple steps to make Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork
1. Prepare the Pork
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the Pork: Coat the pork shoulder with olive oil, then rub the spice mixture all over the meat, making sure to cover every part.
2. Slow Cook the Pork
- Preheat the Slow Cooker or Oven: Set your slow cooker to low, or preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Cook the Pork: Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker or a roasting pan. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (or in the oven for the same amount of time), until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
3. Shred the Pork and Add Sauce
- Shred the Pork: Once the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker or oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the Barbecue Sauce: Toss the shredded pork with the barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar, mixing well to coat the meat. For a crispy texture, spread the pork on a baking tray and place it under the broiler for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
4. Serve
- Serve the Pulled Pork: Serve the pulled pork in soft buns, with coleslaw, or alongside your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or potatoes.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork
- Buns: Perfect for pulled pork sandwiches.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw pairs perfectly with the rich pork.
- Pickles: Add tangy pickles or pickled onions for a refreshing contrast.
- Cornbread: Sweet and crumbly cornbread complements the smoky pork.
- Baked beans: The savory and slightly sweet flavors of baked beans go well with pulled pork.
- Grilled vegetables: A healthy side option to serve with the pork.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork
- Choose pork shoulder: Pork shoulder is the best cut for pulled pork due to its fat content, which keeps the meat moist during the long cooking process.
- Don’t rush the cooking: Cooking the pork low and slow ensures that it becomes tender and juicy.
- Let it rest: Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before shredding to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Crispy finish: For crispy edges, place the shredded pork under the broiler for a few minutes after shredding.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork
- Spicy pulled pork: Add extra cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the rub for a spicier version.
- Sweet pulled pork: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the barbecue sauce for a sweeter flavor.
- Pulled pork tacos: Serve the pulled pork in soft tortillas with salsa, avocado, and lime for a Mexican-inspired meal.
- Beer-braised pulled pork: Add a bottle of beer to the slow cooker for added depth of flavor.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Pulled pork can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool the pork, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork
- Oven: Reheat the pork in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 15-20 minutes, adding extra barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
- Microwave: For quick reheating, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork Healthier?
- Use leaner cuts: Choose a leaner cut of pork like pork loin for a healthier version.
- Reduce sugar: Cut back on the sugar in the rub or use a sugar-free barbecue sauce.
- Add vegetables: Serve the pulled pork with a side of roasted or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Use whole wheat buns: Opt for whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps to make the dish lighter.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying with family. With its bold, smoky flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this pulled pork is versatile and easy to make. Serve it in sandwiches, tacos, or with your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to impress!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Ginger Cake
- Hairy Bikers Cheese Scones
- Nigella Coconut And Raspberry Cake
- Delia Smith Cheese Scones
Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 420
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Hairy Bikers’ Pulled Pork is a slow-cooked pork dish made using pork shoulder, seasoned with a flavorful spice rub, and cooked until the meat is tender enough to be easily shredded. It’s often paired with a tangy barbecue sauce and is perfect for serving in sandwiches, tacos, or with coleslaw and potatoes.
Ingredients
- Turkey pork shoulder: 1.5-2 kg (bone-in or boneless), ideal for pulled pork.
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons, to add a hint of sweetness to the rub.
- Smoked paprika: 2 teaspoons, for smoky flavor.
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon, to add depth to the spice rub.
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon, for a subtle garlic flavor.
- Cayenne pepper: ½ teaspoon, for a bit of heat (optional).
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, to season the pork.
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon, for added flavor.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, to help the rub stick to the pork.
- Barbecue sauce: 200ml, for serving or tossing the pulled pork.
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons, to balance the richness of the pork.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the Pork: Coat the pork shoulder with olive oil, then rub the spice mixture all over the meat, making sure to cover every part.
2. Slow Cook the Pork
- Preheat the Slow Cooker or Oven: Set your slow cooker to low, or preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Cook the Pork: Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker or a roasting pan. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (or in the oven for the same amount of time), until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
3. Shred the Pork and Add Sauce
- Shred the Pork: Once the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker or oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the Barbecue Sauce: Toss the shredded pork with the barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar, mixing well to coat the meat. For a crispy texture, spread the pork on a baking tray and place it under the broiler for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
4. Serve
- Serve the Pulled Pork: Serve the pulled pork in soft buns, with coleslaw, or alongside your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or potatoes.
