Easy Gluten free pulled pork
Pulled pork is a classic comfort food, loved for its deep flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Or, imagine eating this scrumptious dish without the gluten guilt? Thanks to this Gluten-Free Pulled Pork recipe, you can enjoy tender, juicy, pulled pork made in a slow cooker, without sacrificing flavor or your dietary needs. So whether you’re cooking for a gluten-sensitive family member or an individual who just wants to eat healthier, this is a great recipe for everyone.
In this article, we’ll take you through the Gluten-Free Pulled Pork step by step, covering all the details you will need to cook this dish. We leave nothing in the dark on this amazing meal; from ingredients to nutrition breakdown, our guide ensures that when you make this beauty, it will be excellent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gluten-Free Delight: Indulge in flavorful pulled pork without the worry of gluten-added ingredients.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tenderness: The slow-cooking method guarantees pork that is tender and juicy.
- It’s versatile: Shred it for tacos or sandwiches, or serve it as a main dish alongside sides, like coleslaw or salad.
- Restaurant-Style at Home: Put down the takeout menu and make tender pulled pork in your own kitchen.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and use leftovers for quick meals during week.
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious gluten-free pulled pork:
The Pork:
- 4–5 lbs pork shoulder (or Boston butt) – Choose a cut with some fat to keep the meat moist and tender.
The Dry Rub:
- 2 tbsp paprika (smoked for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
The Sauce:
- 1 cup gluten-free barbecue sauce – Ensure it’s labeled gluten-free. Some brands include gluten-containing additives.
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (use a gluten-free variant)
- 1/4 cup water, for thinning the sauce to your desired consistency (optional)
Required Equipment
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- A slow cooker or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowls for the dry rub and sauce
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Tongs, for handling meat
- A fork or pair of meat shredders for pulling the pork
- A cutting board
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
- Remove excess fat from your pork shoulder, but leave some intact for flavor and moisture.
- Dry the pork well with paper towels.
Step 2: Create the Dry Rub
- Mix all the dry rub ingredients in a bowl.
- Thoroughly cover the pork with the rub, rubbing it into every crevice.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Pork
For the Slow Cooker:
- Put the seasoned pork shoulder in slow cooker.
- Include a cup of water or stock to avoid any sticking.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for about 6 hours.
For the Dutch Oven:
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Place the pork inside the Dutch oven, add some liquid (water or stock), and seal tightly.
- Cook for about 6-8 hours, checking every so often.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar in a bowl, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Once cooked, strain out any excess liquid (but reserve about half a cup), as well as the pork, from the slow cooker.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the pork, or into the serving dish. Stir in the reserved juices for more taste.
Step 5: Shred the Pork
- Tear pull with two forks, or meat shredders, the pork into tender shreds. If there are large chunks of fat, discard, and mix well with the sauce.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve your gluten-free pulled pork on gluten-free buns, tacos, wraps or the usual coleslaw, corn on the cob, roasted veggies or anything you love.
Notes
How to Serve Gluten-Free Pulled Pork
- Sliders: Serve on toasted gluten free buns for a classic pulled pork sandwich.
- Tacos: Serve with tortillas, shredded cabbage and a squeeze of lime.
- On a Salad: Spoon over a fresh green salad with avocado and cherry tomatoes.
- Over Rice: Serve the dish over rice and alongside grilled veggies for a filling meal.
Get creative, pulled pork is so versatile and makes sense in so many applications!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Here’s the comprehensive breakdown:
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron (trace amounts depending on barbecue sauce used).
Please note, nutritional values may vary depending on specific products and brands.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! Pulled pork stores well. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
2. How to reheat pulled pork without drying it out?
To reheat it, place it in a skillet on low heat, along with a splash of water or more barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
3. What is the best cut for pulled pork?
The best cut for this is pork shoulder (or Boston butt) because of the amount of fat it contains and its ability to break down into tender, juicy meat.
4. How do I know if my barbecue sauce is gluten free?
Check the label! Avoid sauces that have soy sauce (unless gluten-free), or malt vinegar, as both of these can be gluten containing.
5. Can I cook this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely, Select the pressure cooker setting; choose high and set time for 75 minutes. Shred as usual.
6. Does pulled pork taste different when gluten free?
Not at all! This recipe has all of the same smoky, savory flavor you adore — just sans gluten-based ingredients.
Easy Gluten-free Recipe that Everyone Loves
Anyway, this gluten-free pulled pork recipe is proof you don’t need to gluten-ify to make something rich and flavourful. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or prepping meals for the week, or just treating yourself, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Give it a whirl and revel in the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness you’ve been missing. And if gluten-free cooking feels new to you, why not save this recipe for the next time you host a group? Bon appétit!