Description
A gourmet twist on classic pulled pork featuring sweet apple cider, warm spices, and tender slow-cooked pork shoulder. Perfect for fall gatherings and harvest celebrations. Crafted for discerning home chefs seeking restaurant-quality results with easy slow cooker convenience.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
1 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4–6 burger buns, toasted
1 large apple, thinly sliced
Fresh arugula
Optional: barbecue sauce, shredded cheese, coleslaw
Instructions
1. In a slow cooker, combine the pork shoulder, apple cider, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until pork is fork-tender.
3. Once the pork is tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
4. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it into the juices to absorb flavors.
5. Toast burger buns in oven or on grill until lightly browned and crispy.
6. Place generous helping of pulled pork on bottom bun.
7. Layer with fresh apple slices and peppery arugula.
8. Add optional toppings like barbecue sauce or shredded cheese if desired.
9. Top with remaining bun half and serve immediately.
Notes
For maximum flavor, use high-quality pork shoulder and don’t rush the slow-cooking process. The full 8-10 hour cook time ensures tender, flavorful results.
Adjust spices according to your taste preferences. Add more smoked paprika for deeper flavor or a pinch of cinnamon for extra autumn warmth.
Reserve some apple cider sauce to serve alongside the burgers for extra moisture and flavor.
This recipe can be made 1-2 days in advance. Refrigerate pulled pork and reheat gently before serving.
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- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 480
- Category: Entrees
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg