The James Martin Pulled Pork Jacket Potatoes combines two comfort food favorites: tender, slow-cooked pulled pork and crispy, fluffy jacket potatoes. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of pulled pork with the simplicity of baked potatoes, making it a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
James Martin Pulled Pork Jacket Potatoes
James Martin’s Pulled Pork Jacket Potatoes is a comforting dish that combines slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork with perfectly baked jacket potatoes. The pulled pork is seasoned with a rich blend of spices and then slow-cooked until it becomes tender and easy to shred. Paired with jacket potatoes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Other Popular Recipes
- Mary Berry Meat Pie with Shortcrust Pastry
- Hairy Bikers Spaghetti Bolognese
- Mary Berry Spaghetti Bolognese
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic: Combines tender pulled pork with crispy baked potatoes for a filling meal.
- Easy to Make: While the pork takes time to cook, the recipe is simple and hands-off.
- Perfect for Family Dinners: A great way to serve a crowd with minimal effort.
- Versatile Dish: You can add toppings like cheese, sour cream, or coleslaw to suit your taste.
- Great for Leftovers: Pulled pork can be made in advance and used in various ways, including with jacket potatoes.
Ingredients Needed to Make James Martin Pulled Pork Jacket Potatoes
For the Pulled Pork:
- Turkey thigh (I used Turkey instead of pork shoulder): 1.5-2 kg, for tender pulled pork.
- 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 subtle garlic flavor.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, for seasoning.
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon, for extra flavor.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, to coat the pork.
- Barbecue sauce: 200ml, for tossing the pulled pork.
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons, to balance the flavors.
For the Jacket Potatoes:
- Baking potatoes: 4 large, for crispy jacket potatoes.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for coating the potatoes.
- Salt: To taste, season the potato skins.
Optional Toppings:
- Cheddar cheese: Grated, for a cheesy finish.
- Sour cream: For added creaminess.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing topping for added crunch.
- Chopped chives: For garnish.
Equipment
- Slow cooker or roasting pan: For cooking the pulled pork.
- Baking tray: For roasting the potatoes.
- Mixing bowl: This is used to prepare the spice rub.
- Forks: For shredding the pulled pork.
- Tongs: For handling the pork and potatoes.
Instructions to Prepare James Martin Pulled Pork Jacket Potatoes
1. Prepare the Pulled Pork
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the Pork: Coat the pork shoulder with olive oil, then rub the spice mixture all over the meat, ensuring it’s well-covered.
- Slow Cook the Pork: Place the pork in a slow cooker or roasting pan. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Toss the shredded pork with barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar.
2. Bake the Jacket Potatoes
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare the Potatoes: Scrub the baking potatoes and prick them several times with a fork. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake the Potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking tray. Bake for 1 hour, or until the skins are crispy and the insides are soft when pierced with a fork.
3. Assemble the Pulled Pork Jacket Potatoes
- Split the Potatoes: Once the jacket potatoes are baked, use a knife to carefully cut a slit down the center of each potato. Fluff up the inside of the potato with a fork.
- Top with Pulled Pork: Generously top each potato with the shredded pulled pork.
- Add Optional Toppings: If desired, add grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, coleslaw, or chopped chives to finish.
4. Serve
- Serve Hot: Serve the pulled pork jacket potatoes hot with your favorite sides or on their own.
What Goes Well With James Martin Pulled Pork Jacket Potatoes
- Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw pairs perfectly with the rich pulled pork.
- Green salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
- Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn is a great side dish for this hearty meal.
- Garlic bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best James Martin Pulled Pork Jacket Potatoes
- Crisp Potato Skins: For extra-crispy skins, rub the potatoes with olive oil and salt before baking and bake them directly on the oven rack.
- Use Pork Shoulder: Pork shoulder is ideal for pulled pork due to its fat content, which keeps the meat tender during long cooking.
- Make Ahead: Pulled pork can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. Reheat it when ready to serve.
- Customize Toppings: Add your favorite toppings such as jalapeños, salsa, or even guacamole for extra flavor.
Easy Variations of James Martin Pulled Pork Jacket Potatoes
- Sweet potato version: Swap the baking potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter and healthier alternative.
- Spicy pulled pork: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice rub for a spicier version of pulled pork.
- Vegan option: Use jackfruit instead of pork to make a plant-based version of the pulled pork filling.
- Pulled chicken: If you prefer, you can use slow-cooked pulled chicken instead of pork for a lighter option.
Best Practices to Store James Martin Pulled Pork Jacket Potatoes
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Jacket potatoes are best served fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Pulled pork can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool it completely before storing in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Best Practices to Reheat James Martin Pulled Pork Jacket Potatoes
- Oven: Reheat the pulled pork in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Reheat jacket potatoes in the oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions of pulled pork and jacket potatoes in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
How Can I Make James Martin Pulled Pork Jacket Potatoes Healthier?
- Use lean pork: Choose a leaner cut of pork or trim excess fat before cooking.
- Increase vegetables: Add more vegetable-based toppings such as grilled peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrients.
- Swap potatoes: Use sweet potatoes for more fiber and vitamins.
- Reduce the cheese: Use a smaller amount of cheese or opt for a reduced-fat version.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 8g
Final Words
The James Martin Pulled Pork Jacket Potatoes is a hearty and comforting meal that’s sure to impress. With its combination of tender pulled pork and crispy jacket potatoes, this dish is both satisfying and versatile.
More By British Baking Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Cheese Scones
- Delia Smith Cheese Scones
- Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork
- James Martin Pulled Pork
James Martin Pulled Pork Jacket Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 420
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
James Martin’s Pulled Pork Jacket Potatoes is a comforting dish that combines slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork with perfectly baked jacket potatoes. The pulled pork is seasoned with a rich blend of spices and then slow-cooked until it becomes tender and easy to shred. Paired with jacket potatoes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s ideal for both casual dinners and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Pulled Pork:
- Pork shoulder: 1.5-2 kg, for tender pulled pork.
- 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 subtle garlic flavor.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, for seasoning.
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon, for extra flavor.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, to coat the pork.
- Barbecue sauce: 200ml, for tossing the pulled pork.
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons, to balance the flavors.
For the Jacket Potatoes:
- Baking potatoes: 4 large, for crispy jacket potatoes.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for coating the potatoes.
- Salt: To taste, season the potato skins.
Optional Toppings:
- Cheddar cheese: Grated, for a cheesy finish.
- Sour cream: For added creaminess.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing topping for added crunch.
- Chopped chives: For garnish.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pulled Pork
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the Pork: Coat the pork shoulder with olive oil, then rub the spice mixture all over the meat, ensuring it’s well-covered.
- Slow Cook the Pork: Place the pork in a slow cooker or roasting pan. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Toss the shredded pork with barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar.
2. Bake the Jacket Potatoes
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare the Potatoes: Scrub the baking potatoes and prick them several times with a fork. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake the Potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking tray. Bake for 1 hour, or until the skins are crispy and the insides are soft when pierced with a fork.
3. Assemble the Pulled Pork Jacket Potatoes
- Split the Potatoes: Once the jacket potatoes are baked, use a knife to carefully cut a slit down the center of each potato. Fluff up the inside of the potato with a fork.
- Top with Pulled Pork: Generously top each potato with the shredded pulled pork.
- Add Optional Toppings: If desired, add grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, coleslaw, or chopped chives to finish.
4. Serve
- Serve Hot: Serve the pulled pork jacket potatoes hot with your favorite sides or on their own.
