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.