Introduction
Pulled pork is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways, from sandwiches and tacos to salads and bowls. While slow cooking is the traditional method for achieving tender, juicy pulled pork, many home cooks wonder if it’s possible to cook it on high in a crockpot.
This article delves into the intricacies of cooking pulled pork on high in a crockpot, providing insights from expert sources and practical tips to help you achieve delicious results.
Can You Cook Pulled Pork on High in a Crockpot?
The short answer is yes, you can cook pulled pork on high in a crockpot. However, it’s important to understand that cooking on high will require adjustments to the cooking time and may impact the final texture and flavor compared to the traditional low-and-slow method.
Considerations for Cooking Pulled Pork on High
Cooking Time:
- High Setting: Cooking on high will significantly reduce the cooking time compared to the low setting. Expect a 4-pound pork roast to cook in 3-4 hours on high, while a 6-8 pound roast may require 3.5-4.5 hours.
- Internal Temperature: Regardless of the cooking time, the key to perfectly cooked pulled pork is reaching an internal temperature of 195°F to 205°F. Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure accurate temperature readings.
Texture and Flavor:
- High Heat: Cooking on high can result in slightly drier and less tender pulled pork compared to low heat cooking. This is because high heat can cause the fat to render out more quickly, leaving the meat less juicy.
- Flavor Enhancement: To compensate for potential dryness and enhance flavor, consider adding a flavorful liquid to the crockpot, such as broth, apple cider, or even beer. You can also add additional seasonings like garlic, onion, or your favorite BBQ sauce.
Tips for Cooking Pulled Pork on High in a Crockpot
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for a boneless pork shoulder roast, also known as a “Boston butt,” for optimal results. This cut contains a good amount of fat and connective tissue, which break down during cooking, resulting in tender and flavorful pulled pork.
- Seasoning: Season the pork generously with your preferred rub or spices. A simple rub of brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper works well.
- Liquid Addition: Add a small amount of liquid to the crockpot to prevent the pork from drying out. Aim for about 1/4 cup of broth, apple cider, or another flavorful liquid.
- Cooking Time: Follow the recommended cooking times based on the weight of your pork roast and adjust as needed based on the internal temperature.
- Shredding and Serving: Once the pork reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Serve immediately with your favorite BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and other desired toppings.
Conclusion
While cooking pulled pork on high in a crockpot is possible, it’s essential to adjust the cooking time and consider potential impacts on texture and flavor. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can still achieve delicious and satisfying pulled pork, even when time is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I overcook pulled pork in a crockpot?
A: Yes, it’s possible to overcook pulled pork in a crockpot, especially on high heat. Overcooked pork can become dry, tough, and even mushy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 195°F to 205°F, but avoid exceeding this range.
Q: Can I add BBQ sauce to the crockpot while cooking?
A: While adding BBQ sauce during cooking is not necessary, you can do so if you prefer. However, be aware that the sauce may caramelize and become sticky on the bottom of the crockpot, making cleanup more difficult. It’s often recommended to add BBQ sauce after shredding the pork for optimal results.
Q: Can I cook pulled pork in a crockpot overnight?
A: While it’s technically possible to cook pulled pork in a crockpot overnight on low heat, it’s not generally recommended. Leaving food in the “danger zone” of temperatures (40°F to 140°F) for extended periods can increase the risk of bacterial growth. If you must cook overnight, ensure the crockpot is set to low heat and the internal temperature of the pork reaches 195°F to 205°F by morning.
How long to cook bbq pulled pork?
The weight of the roast and the cooking tool you’re using will determine how long you cook it for pulled pork.
Only when the internal temperature of pork reaches 145° is it safe to consume; 160° is the ideal temperature for medium doneness. Pork must be cooked inside to a temperature of 195° to 205° in order to be pulled easily.
A good meat thermometer is a lifesaver. I LOVE my Thermopro from Amazon.
| lbs of Roast | Instant Pot | Crockpot Low | Crockpot High |
| 4lb-6lb | 120 mins | 5-6 hours | 3-4 hours |
| 6lb-8lb | 140 | 5.5-6.5 hours | 3.5-4.5 hours |
The cooking time of pulled pork is estimated in the above chart; the temperature is the real test. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can tell when it’s done when it easily pulls apart when you insert a fork into it.
Don’t be duped, though; occasionally the top layer will be ready to pull, but it will still be difficult to tear apart further toward the center. I detest it when this occurs! To return to the thermometer, if you check the temperature, you can be certain that it’s ready or not.
If it’s still not done, try cooking it for a few more minutes—try another ten in the Instant Pot or thirty more in the Crockpot.
Can you put raw pork in a slow cooker?
Yes, we will cook a raw pork shoulder or “butt” roast in the slow cooker for 5–6 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high for this recipe. At low temperature, a slow cooker typically reaches about 190 degrees, which is hot enough to cook food without contaminating it.
Smoked Pulled Pork in 6 Hours
FAQ
Can you cook pulled pork for 6 hours?
Is 5 hours long enough for pulled pork?
Can you slow cook pulled pork too long?
Is 5 hours enough to slow cook pork?
How long should you cook pulled pork on a high setting?
Although cooking on a high setting can decrease the time, it is best to cook pulled pork for 6-10 hours on a low setting. This time allows the collagen and connective tissue to break down and will give you juicy meat that is flavorful and shreds easily.
Can one eat pork?
A cooked, medium pork cutlet or steak provides 239 calories, 34 grams protein, 10 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 697 milligrams sodium, and 0 grams carbohydrate, if you eat only the lean part of the steak. Pork contains many of the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) found in beef and it is high in protein, but can be lower in fat than beef—depending on cut and preparation. Meat from any kind of mammal, including pork, can cause an allergic reaction (and some people who are allergic to mammalian meat also react to poultry).
Can you cook pulled pork all day?
This BBQ Pulled Pork Loin is a simple, quick dinner to prep and cooks all day without any fuss. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can make tender, flavorful pulled pork using a pork loin. Plus, since it’s mostly hands-off cooking, it’s perfect to let cook all day and come back to delicious barbecue pork.
Can you cook pulled pork in the oven?
Yes of course you can make pulled pork in the oven. You’ll want to use a low oven temp, about 275-300F, season the pork as I recommend for the slow cooker method, and cook it covered in a large Dutch oven in the oven for about 3 hours, or until done.