Best Applesauce Pulled Pork Recipes

Applesauce pulled pork recipes are becoming increasingly popular for those who love the smoky and rich flavor of pulled pork, but also want to add a touch of sweetness to their dishes. The use of applesauce in this recipe provides a unique twist on the classic pulled pork, adding a delicious and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender meat.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this recipe are quite simple and can be easily found at any local grocery store. They include:

• 2-3 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
• 1 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Preparation

The first step in making applesauce pulled pork is to prepare the meat. Start by trimming off the excess fat from the pork shoulder and cutting it into manageable-sized pieces. Next, mix all of the dry ingredients together in a small bowl, including the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Rub the dry mixture all over the pork shoulder pieces until they are completely coated.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients

The next step is to mix the wet ingredients together. In a separate bowl, combine the applesauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar, whisking until well combined. Pour the wet mixture over the dry-rubbed pork shoulder and toss it all together, ensuring that the pork is completely coated in the applesauce mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the fridge.

Cooking the Pork

When you are ready to cook the pork, preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the pork and the applesauce mixture to a baking pan or a Dutch oven, and cover it with foil. Bake the pork for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until it is fork-tender and falls apart easily. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Once the meat is cool enough to handle, shred it using two forks, making sure to discard any excess fat or connective tissue. Toss the shredded pork in the remaining applesauce mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Applesauce pulled pork can be served in a variety of ways, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by anyone. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• On a bun: Top the pulled pork with coleslaw and serve it on a soft bun for a classic pulled pork sandwich.
• With roasted vegetables: Serve the pulled pork alongside some roasted carrots or potatoes for a delicious and hearty meal.
• In tacos: Fill soft tortillas with pulled pork, guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese for a delicious twist on taco night.
• Over rice: Serve the pulled pork on a bed of fluffy rice, with a side of steamed veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Applesauce pulled pork is a delicious and unique way to enjoy the classic and beloved pulled pork recipe. Whether you are serving it on a sandwich, in tacos, or over rice, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it for your next family dinner or gathering and impress your guests with your culinary skills!

When it comes to making a delicious plate of pulled pork, the options are endless. With the right combination of ingredients and techniques, anyone can make a mouth-watering pulled pork recipe. One of the most popular variations of pulled pork is the Applesauce Pulled Pork Recipe. The sweet and tangy flavor of applesauce gives the pork a unique and delicious taste that is hard to resist. However, making a perfect batch of apple sauce pulled pork requires some tips and tricks that ensure the end result is nothing short of fabulous.

Tip 1: Choosing the Pork:

The first and foremost rule of making a perfect applesauce pulled pork is choosing the right cut of meat. For this recipe, you want a cut with a decent amount of fat and marbling to ensure the meat stays moist and tender during the cooking process. The best cuts for pulled pork include pork shoulder, pork butt, and pork loin. Also, make sure the cut is bone-in as this helps to give the meat more flavor and texture.

Tip 2: The Applesauce:

The applesauce is the key ingredient in this recipe that gives the pulled pork its unique and delicious taste. You can either make your applesauce from scratch or buy it pre-made from the store. If you decide to make it from scratch, use sweet and juicy apples like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. You can also add some cinnamon and brown sugar to the applesauce to give it an extra sweet and tangy flavor. If you choose to buy pre-made applesauce, look for a brand with no added sugar or preservatives to keep the dish as healthy as possible.

Tip 3: Seasonings:

Seasoning is essential in making a delicious applesauce pulled pork. The perfect blend of spices and herbs will enhance the flavor of the meat and balance the sweetness of the applesauce. Some of the popular seasonings for pulled pork include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

Tip 4: Cooking Method:

The key to tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled pork is the cooking method. For the applesauce pulled pork, the best cooking method is to slow-cook the meat in a crockpot or a Dutch oven. The slow-cooking method allows the pork to cook slowly in the applesauce, which infuses the meat with the sweet and tangy flavor. Also, make sure to cook the pork until it's fork-tender, which means it easily pulls apart with a fork.

Tip 5: Shredding the Meat:

Once the pork is fully cooked, the next step is to shred the meat. This step is essential as it gives the pulled pork its signature texture. You can shred the meat using two forks or a meat shredding tool. However, be careful not to over-shred the meat as it can become mushy and lose its texture and flavor.

Tip 6: Sauce:

After shredding the meat, you can add some additional sauce to the pulled pork to moisten it up and give it an extra burst of flavor. You can use the leftover applesauce from the cooking process or make a fresh batch of sauce using some of the same seasonings used in the recipe.

Tip 7: Serving Suggestions:

The final step in making a perfect applesauce pulled pork is serving it up. You can serve it on a bun with some coleslaw or use it as a topping for nachos, tacos or pizza. You can also serve it with some roasted vegetables or a side salad for a healthier option.

Conclusion:

Making a delicious plate of applesauce pulled pork is easy, provided you use the right techniques and ingredients. Choosing the right cut of meat, using quality applesauce, and seasoning the meat correctly play a vital role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. Slow-cooking the pork and shredding it adds an extra layer of texture and makes it easy to serve. Lastly, adding some additional sauce and serving suggestions will elevate the dish to new heights. With these tips, anyone can make a mouth-watering plate of applesauce pulled pork that will leave guests asking for seconds.