The James Martin Pulled Pork recipe is a slow-cooked, succulent dish perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners. This recipe ensures tender, flavorful pork that easily shreds apart and is packed with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served as a main dish with your favorite sides.
What is James Martin’s Pulled Pork?
James Martin’s Pulled Pork is a classic slow-cooked pork dish, typically made from pork shoulder or pork butt, seasoned with spices, and cooked low and slow until tender. The pork is shredded and usually paired with barbecue sauce for a rich, flavorful finish. It’s great served in buns or alongside coleslaw, potatoes, or grilled vegetables.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Tender and Juicy: The slow cooking ensures the pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Bold Flavors: A mix of spices and barbecue sauce adds a smoky, sweet, and savory punch.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or serving with side dishes.
- Great for Feeding a Crowd: Ideal for parties, barbecues, or large family dinners.
- Easy to Make: Although it takes time to cook, the recipe itself is simple to follow.
Ingredients Needed to Make James Martin Pulled Pork
- Turkey thigh (I used Turkey instead of pork shoulder): 1.5-2 kg (bone-in or boneless), for the best results.
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons, for a touch of sweetness in the rub.
- Smoked paprika: 2 teaspoons, for a smoky flavor.
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon, to add depth to the seasoning.
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon, for a hint of garlic.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the flavors.
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon, for seasoning.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, to help coat the pork with the seasoning.
- Barbecue sauce: 200ml, for coating the pulled pork after cooking.
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons, to balance the flavors and add tang.
Equipment
- Slow cooker or roasting pan: For slow-cooking the pork.
- Mixing bowl: This is used to prepare the seasoning rub.
- Tongs: For handling the pork.
- Forks: For shredding the pork.
- Baking tray (optional): If finishing in the oven.
Instructions to Prepare James Martin Pulled Pork
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the Pork: Rub the pork shoulder all over with olive oil, then coat it generously with the spice rub, making sure to cover all sides.
Step 1: Slow Cook the Pork
- Preheat the Slow Cooker: Set your slow cooker to low or preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Cook the Pork: Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker or a roasting pan. If using the oven, cover the pan with foil to trap moisture. Cook for 6-8 hours on low (or in the oven), until the pork is tender and easily falls apart.
Step 3: Finish and Shred the Pork
- Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker or roasting pan.
- Add Barbecue Sauce: Pour in the barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar, then toss the shredded pork in the sauce until well-coated.
- Optional Step (Crispy Edges): If you prefer crispy edges, transfer the shredded pork to a baking tray and place it under the grill (broiler) for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve the Pulled Pork: Serve the pulled pork in buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or roasted vegetables.
What Goes Well With James Martin Pulled Pork
- Buns: Soft burger buns or brioche rolls make perfect vessels for pulled pork sandwiches.
- Coleslaw: A crisp and tangy coleslaw pairs beautifully with the rich pork.
- Pickles: Add some acidity with pickled cucumbers or pickled onions.
- Cornbread: Serve alongside sweet, crumbly cornbread for a classic pairing.
- Baked beans: The sweet and savory flavors of baked beans complement pulled pork well.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted root vegetables or grilled corn on the cob are excellent side dishes.
Expert Tips for Making the Best James Martin Pulled Pork
- Use pork shoulder: Pork shoulder (or pork butt) is ideal for pulled pork due to its fat content, which keeps the meat moist during the long cooking process.
- Low and slow is key: Cooking the pork on low heat for an extended time ensures it becomes tender and easy to shred.
- Rest the pork: Let the pork rest for 15 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Crispy edges: For a bit of extra texture, broil the shredded pork for a few minutes to get those crispy edges.
Easy Variations of James Martin Pulled Pork
- Spicy pulled pork: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the rub for a spicy kick.
- Sweet pulled pork: Mix in honey or maple syrup with the barbecue sauce for a sweeter flavor.
- Beer-braised pulled pork: Add a bottle of your favorite beer to the slow cooker for added depth of flavor.
- Pulled pork tacos: Serve the pulled pork in soft tortillas with salsa, avocado, and lime for a Mexican-inspired meal.
Best Practices to Store James Martin Pulled Pork
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Pulled pork freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Best Practices to Reheat James Martin Pulled Pork
- Oven: Reheat the pulled pork in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 15-20 minutes, adding a little extra barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, microwave the pork in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or barbecue sauce to prevent drying out.
How Can I Make James Martin Pulled Pork Healthier?
- Use a leaner cut of pork: Opt for pork loin instead of pork shoulder for a leaner version.
- Reduce the sugar: Cut back on the brown sugar in the rub and use a low-sugar barbecue sauce.
- Add vegetables: Serve the pulled pork with a side of roasted or grilled vegetables for added fiber and nutrients.
- Skip the buns: For a lower-carb option, serve the pulled pork in lettuce wraps or over a bed of salad.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
What cut of meat is best for pulled pork?
Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt, is the best cut for pulled pork. It has a higher fat content, which keeps the meat moist and flavorful during the long, slow cooking process.
Can I make pulled pork in advance?
Yes, you can make pulled pork in advance. Once cooked and shredded, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it before serving, and add a bit more barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
How do I keep pulled pork from drying out?
To prevent pulled pork from drying out, cook it low and slow to retain moisture. After shredding, mix in barbecue sauce or its own cooking juices. If reheating, add a little extra sauce or liquid and cover the dish to keep the pork moist.
Can I freeze pulled pork?
Yes, pulled pork freezes well. After cooking and shredding, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Final Words
The James Martin Pulled Pork recipe is a surefire way to create a tender, flavorful pulled pork that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it in sandwiches, tacos, or with a variety of sides, this pulled pork is bound to impress with its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Enjoy the slow-cooked goodness and share it with family and friends!
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James Martin Pulled Pork
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 420
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: British
Description
James Martin’s Pulled Pork is a classic slow-cooked pork dish, typically made from pork shoulder or pork butt, seasoned with spices, and cooked low and slow until tender. The pork is shredded and usually paired with barbecue sauce for a rich, flavorful finish. It’s great served in buns or alongside coleslaw, potatoes, or grilled vegetables.
Ingredients
- Turkey Pork shoulder: 1.5-2 kg (bone-in or boneless), for the best results.
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons, for a touch of sweetness in the rub.
- Smoked paprika: 2 teaspoons, for a smoky flavor.
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon, to add depth to the seasoning.
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon, for a hint of garlic.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the flavors.
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon, for seasoning.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, to help coat the pork with the seasoning.
- Barbecue sauce: 200ml, for coating the pulled pork after cooking.
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons, to balance the flavors and add tang.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the Pork: Rub the pork shoulder all over with olive oil, then coat it generously with the spice rub, making sure to cover all sides.
2. Slow Cook the Pork
- Preheat the Slow Cooker: Set your slow cooker to low or preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Cook the Pork: Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker or a roasting pan. If using the oven, cover the pan with foil to trap moisture. Cook for 6-8 hours on low (or in the oven), until the pork is tender and easily falls apart.
3. Finish and Shred the Pork
- Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker or roasting pan.
- Add Barbecue Sauce: Pour in the barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar, then toss the shredded pork in the sauce until well-coated.
- Optional Step (Crispy Edges): If you prefer crispy edges, transfer the shredded pork to a baking tray and place it under the grill (broiler) for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
4. Serve
- Serve the Pulled Pork: Serve the pulled pork in buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or roasted vegetables.
