Norah Clark, Editor of Boyd Hampers! Norah is a food writer with over a decade of experience in hospitality as a pastry chef, sous chef, and barista; former chef at the Savoy Hotel, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons and Plaza Hotel.
You can overcook pulled pork if you boil your pulled pork for too long or at too high a temperature, it won’t shred easily and will likely become dry and tough. As a result, it may not be as tasty, moist, and tender as you’d like it to be.
To achieve tender and flavorful pulled pork, it’s best to cook it slowly for a long time until it’s easy to shred. This makes it a great dish to prepare in advance and serve for dinner later.
However, if you want to avoid dry and crumbly pulled pork, it’s important to understand why it can get overcooked, what happens when it does, and how to prevent it. Keep reading to learn more.
Of course you can slow pork too long. You can overcook anything, even with moist heat. Once the meat has cooked completely, become tender and the collagen transforms into gelatin, further cooking will only pull moisture from the meat. It will just become dryer and dryer, even if it is partially submerged in liquid.
Keep It On Low Heat
For perfect pulled pork, you need to cook it slowly at a low temperature. If you try to speed up the process by increasing the heat, the meat will dry out and become tough.
The ideal temperature for making pulled pork is at least 225 degrees Fahrenheit. While this may take some time to cook, it’s definitely worth the wait for the delicious end result.
If you decide to increase the temperature to cook a little faster, be sure to keep an eye on the pork to prevent it from drying out.
Keep Watch As It Cooks
The best way to avoid overcooking pulled pork in addition to making sure it is cooked at the correct temperature, is to closely watch over it as it cooks.
At the end of the cooking time, look at the pork to determine how cooked it is. Put a knife in the pork and then twist it a bit. When this is completed with minimal resistance and the pork is cooked the meat, it’s an indication that it’s done.
If you see the pork breaking up easily into small pieces with no pressure, it is ready to be removed from the oven and ready to serve.
But make sure you make sure that the pork is cooked thoroughly and is not pink inside.
How to make Tender Pork Roast in the Crock Pot (Boston Butt)
FAQ
Does pork get more tender the longer you slow cook it?
What happens if you cook pulled pork for too long?
Why is my pulled pork still tough in the slow cooker?
How long do you cook a Boston butt in a slow cooker?
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let the Boston Butt cook slowly for 8-10 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C). The low heat and long cooking time ensure that the meat becomes tender and juicy. Once the Boston Butt is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
Can a slow cooked Boston butt be shredded?
Yes, slow-cooked Boston Butt is perfect for shredding. Once the meat reaches the desired tenderness, simply remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to pull it apart. The result will be pulled pork that can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or any other delicious recipe of your choice.
How long does a Boston butt take to cook?
Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the Boston Butt and the heat settings of your slow cooker. On average, low heat setting typically takes 8-10 hours, while high heat setting can cook it in 4-6 hours. It is crucial to ensure the internal temperature of the meat reaches 190°F (88°C) for tender and juicy results.
Can you eat Boston butt in a slow cooker?
Once shredded, you can serve the Boston Butt as is or toss it in your favorite BBQ sauce for an extra burst of flavor. It pairs perfectly with coleslaw, cornbread, or even as a filling for sandwiches. Remember to save any leftover juices from the slow cooker, as they make a delicious and flavorful base for homemade gravy or sauce.