The Nigella BBQ Pulled Pork is a succulent, slow-cooked dish packed with rich, smoky flavors. This recipe creates tender pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos or served with your favorite sides. Nigella’s approach combines simple ingredients with slow cooking, allowing the pork to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while absorbing all the tangy and sweet barbecue flavors.
Nigella BBQ Pulled Pork
Nigella’s BBQ Pulled Pork is a slow-cooked pork shoulder, seasoned with spices and cooked until it easily shreds apart. It’s then tossed in a flavorful barbecue sauce, creating a juicy and tender dish that’s ideal for family meals or gatherings. This versatile dish can be enjoyed in sandwiches, wraps, or alongside hearty sides like coleslaw or cornbread.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Rich BBQ Flavor: The pork is infused with a delicious, tangy barbecue sauce.
- Tender and Juicy: Slow-cooked to perfection, making the pork incredibly tender and easy to shred.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Great for family dinners, barbecues, or any event.
- Easy to Make: Requires minimal hands-on time, with most of the work done by the slow cooker or oven.
- Versatile: Ideal for sandwiches, tacos, or simply served with a side of vegetables.
Ingredients Needed to Make Nigella BBQ 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, for sweetness in the rub.
- Smoked paprika: 2 teaspoons, to add smokiness.
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the flavor depth.
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon, for added flavor.
- Cayenne pepper: ½ teaspoon, for a slight kick (optional).
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, to bring out the flavors.
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon, for seasoning.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, to coat the pork and help the rub adhere.
- Barbecue sauce: 200ml, for coating the pulled pork.
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons, to balance the richness and add tang.
Equipment
- Slow cooker or roasting pan: For slow-cooking the pork.
- Mixing bowl: For combining the spice rub ingredients.
- Tongs: For handling the pork.
- Forks: For shredding the pork once cooked.
- Baking tray (optional): To crisp the pork under the broiler after shredding.
Instructions to Make Nigella BBQ Pulled Pork
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the Pork: Rub the pork shoulder with olive oil, then coat it evenly with the spice rub, pressing the rub into the meat to ensure it’s well-covered.
Step 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 pork in the slow cooker or a roasting pan. Cover with a lid or foil and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Step 3: Shred the Pork and Add BBQ Sauce
- Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked, 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 barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar, mixing well to coat the meat. For a crispy texture, spread the pork on a baking tray and broil it in the oven for 5-10 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve the Pulled Pork: Serve the pulled pork in soft buns, tacos, or alongside your favorite sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or roasted vegetables.
What Goes Well With Nigella BBQ Pulled Pork
- Brioche buns: Soft, sweet brioche buns make the perfect vessel for pulled pork sandwiches.
- Coleslaw: A fresh, crunchy coleslaw provides a perfect contrast to the rich pork.
- Pickles: Add some tangy pickles or pickled onions to balance the flavors.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory pork perfectly.
- Baked beans: The smoky, sweet flavor of baked beans pairs beautifully with BBQ pulled pork.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted root vegetables or grilled corn for a hearty meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Nigella BBQ Pulled Pork
- Use pork shoulder: Pork shoulder has the right amount of fat to keep the meat tender and juicy during the long cooking process.
- Don’t rush the cooking: Slow cooking is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Let the pork rest: Allow the pork to rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding, as this helps the meat retain its juices.
- Crispy edges: For added texture, broil the shredded pork for a few minutes to get crispy edges.
Easy Variations of Nigella BBQ Pulled Pork
- Spicy pulled pork: Add more cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the rub for extra heat.
- Sweet pulled pork: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the barbecue sauce for a sweeter finish.
- Beer-braised pulled pork: Add a bottle of your favorite beer to the slow cooker for an extra layer of flavor.
- Pulled pork tacos: Serve the pulled pork in soft tortillas with salsa, avocado, and lime for a Mexican twist.
Best Practices to Store Nigella BBQ Pulled Pork
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Pulled pork freezes well 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 Nigella BBQ 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, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out.
How Can I Make Nigella BBQ Pulled Pork Healthier?
- Use a leaner cut: Try using pork loin instead of pork shoulder for a leaner version.
- Reduce sugar: Cut down on the sugar in the rub or use a low-sugar barbecue sauce.
- Add vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted or grilled vegetables to increase fiber and nutrients.
- Skip the buns: For a low-carb option, serve the pulled pork over a salad or in lettuce wraps.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
Can I make BBQ pulled pork in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make BBQ pulled pork in the oven. Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F), place the pork in a roasting pan, cover with foil, and cook for 6-8 hours until the meat is tender and shreds easily.
How do I keep pulled pork from drying out?
To keep pulled pork from drying out, cook it low and slow to retain moisture. After shredding, mix the pork with barbecue sauce or its cooking juices. If reheating, add extra sauce or broth to maintain its juiciness.
Can I freeze BBQ pulled pork?
Yes, you can freeze BBQ pulled pork. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What cut of meat is best for BBQ pulled pork?
Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt, is the best cut for BBQ pulled pork because it has the right amount of fat to keep the meat tender and flavorful during long, slow cooking.
Final Words
The Nigella BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender, juicy texture and rich barbecue flavor, this pulled pork is sure to be a hit at family dinners, barbecues, or parties. Whether you serve it in buns, tacos, or with a side of coleslaw, this dish is bound to impress!
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Nigella BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 420
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Nigella’s BBQ Pulled Pork is a slow-cooked pork shoulder, seasoned with spices and cooked until it easily shreds apart. It’s then tossed in a flavorful barbecue sauce, creating a juicy and tender dish that’s ideal for family meals or gatherings. This versatile dish can be enjoyed in sandwiches, wraps, or alongside hearty sides like coleslaw or cornbread.
Ingredients
- Turkey thigh: 1.5-2 kg (bone-in or boneless), ideal for pulled pork.
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons, for sweetness in the rub.
- Smoked paprika: 2 teaspoons, to add smokiness.
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the flavor depth.
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon, for added flavor.
- Cayenne pepper: ½ teaspoon, for a slight kick (optional).
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, to bring out the flavors.
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon, for seasoning.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, to coat the pork and help the rub adhere.
- Barbecue sauce: 200ml, for coating the pulled pork.
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons, to balance the richness and add tang.
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 (optional), salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the Pork: Rub the pork shoulder with olive oil, then coat it evenly with the spice rub, pressing the rub into the meat to ensure it’s well-covered.
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 pork in the slow cooker or a roasting pan. Cover with a lid or foil and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
3. Shred the Pork and Add BBQ Sauce
- Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked, 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 barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar, mixing well to coat the meat. For a crispy texture, spread the pork on a baking tray and broil it in the oven for 5-10 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
4. Serve
- Serve the Pulled Pork: Serve the pulled pork in soft buns, tacos, or alongside your favorite sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or roasted vegetables.
