Making Juicy Pulled Pork from Pork Loin

Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that usually starts with a fatty cut of pork like shoulder or butt. But did you know you can also use leaner pork loin to make delicious pulled pork? With the right cooking techniques, pork loin can become moist, fall-apart tender and perfect for sliders, tacos and beyond.

While less common, using pork loin to make pulled pork has some advantages. It’s a healthier option with less fat. Pork loin is also easier to find and often more budget-friendly. With a few easy steps, you can make pulled pork from this lean cut that tastes just as good as the real thing.

Why Use Pork Loin for Pulled Pork?

Here are some of the benefits of using pork loin for pulled pork

• Lower in fat and calories – Pork shoulder and butt are fatty cuts. Loin is much leaner making it a lighter option.

• Accessible to more people: unlike specialty cuts, pork loin is simple to find at any grocery store.

• Better value: On average, loin costs less per pound than shoulder or butt. Great for those on a budget.

• Cooks faster – The leaner pork loin cooks more quickly compared to fattier cuts

• Versatile flavoring – With less fat, loin soaks up marinades and rubs nicely.

• Healthier nutrition profile – Less saturated fat and calories compared to traditional pulled pork.

For those looking for a leaner take on pulled pork, using pork loin is definitely worth considering.

Choosing the Right Pork Loin

Not all loin is created equal when it comes to pulled pork. Here are some tips for selecting the best pork loin:

• Boneless – Boneless loin roasts are easiest for shredding pulled pork.

• Weight – Choose a 2-3 pound pork loin roast. Larger roasts won’t fit in slow cookers.

• Thickness – Pick a roast that’s at least 2-inches thick for best results. Thinner cuts can dry out.

• Marbling – Look for some marbling or fat running through the loin for flavor and moisture.

• Color – Opt for roasts with pink or red hues rather than pale meat. This indicates higher myoglobin content.

With the right cut of pork loin, you’re primed for moist, fork-tender pulled pork.

Seasoning and Marinating Pork Loin

One key step is to properly season or marinate the pork loin before cooking. This adds lots of flavor and helps keep the lean meat moist.

• Dry rub – Coat all sides with a dry spice rub. Go bold with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and brown sugar.

• Wet marinade – Soak loin overnight in a zip-top bag with a marinade of apple cider vinegar, broth, Worcestershire and herbs.

• Brine – Submerge pork in a saltwater brine for 1-2 hours before cooking to boost juiciness.

• Barbecue sauce – Slather pork loin with bold, sticky barbecue sauce for classic pulled pork flavor.

Take your time layering on intense flavors that will permeate the pork as it cooks.

How to Cook Pork Loin for Pulled Pork

Cooking the pork loin low and slow is the key to tender, pull-apart meat. Two easy methods are slow cooking or smoking/grilling.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Loin

• Prep seasoned pork loin and place in a slow cooker. Add chopped onions, garlic, broth and barbecue sauce.

• Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours until fork tender.

• Remove pork, shred with two forks, and toss with cooking liquid to moisten.

The slow cooker breaks down the pork’s fibers into succulent pulled pork.

Smoked Pulled Pork Loin

• Season pork loin and smoke at 225°F for 5-6 hours in a smoker like a Traeger.

• Wrap in foil with apple juice, broth and barbecue sauce. Return to smoker for 2-3 hours until 205°F internal temperature.

• Rest wrapped pork for 30 minutes then shred and moisten with cooking juices.

The extended smoking time leaves meat fall-apart tender.

Tips for Moist Pork Loin Pulled Pork

Since pork loin is so lean, special care must be taken to keep it from drying out. Here are some moisture-boosting tips:

• Inject pork loin with a salty phosphate brine before cooking using an injector needle.

• Spritz with apple juice or broth every hour while smoking to replenish moisture.

• Wrap in foil or butcher paper halfway through smoking to power through the stall.

• Chop an onion and add it to the slow cooker or smoker to provide extra moisture.

• Mix in defatted pan juices after shredding to reintroduce moisture and flavor.

With the right techniques, pork loin pulled pork can be just as juicy as traditional versions.

Serving Ideas for Pork Loin Pulled Pork

Pulled pork made from pork loin is incredibly versatile. Pile it onto sandwiches, tacos, nachos and more:

• Pulled Pork Sandwiches – The classic! Pile smoked pulled pork onto brioche buns with bbq sauce and coleslaw.

• Pulled Pork Tacos – Stuff warm corn tortillas with shredded pork, pico de gallo, queso fresco and lime wedges.

• Pulled Pork Pizza – Top pizza crust with pulled pork, mozzarella, red onion and barbecue drizzle.

• Pulled Pork Nachos – Layer pork over tortilla chips with melted cheese, beans, guacamole and sour cream.

• Pulled Pork Omelet – Fill an omelet with shredded pork, peppers, onions and cheddar cheese for a hearty breakfast.

Let your imagination run wild with all the ways to use juicy pulled pork loin in meals and snacks!

FAQs About Making Pulled Pork with Pork Loin

Can you smoke a pork loin like a pork butt?

Yes! Follow similar low and slow smoking methods as you would for a pork butt. Smoke until it reaches an internal temp of 200-205°F.

What barbecue rubs go best with pork loin?

Savory rubs with chili powder, brown sugar, garlic, paprika and cumin are great flavors for pork loin.

Is brining required for pulled pork loin?

It’s not required but highly recommended. Brining keeps the lean meat extra moist and seasoned throughout.

What BBQ sauce tastes best with pulled pork loin?

Sweet, sticky tomato-based sauces pair nicely. Or try flavors like peach, bourbon or coffee.

Can you make pulled pork loin in a crockpot?

Yes! Cook on low for 8-10 hours until fall-apart tender. Shred and mix with cooking liquid.

The Takeaway on Pulled Pork Loin

While less common than shoulder or butt, pork loin can make deliciously tender and flavorsome pulled pork when cooked properly. The leaner meat does require special care to prevent drying out. But with the right prep and cooking methods, juicy fork-tender pulled pork loin can be achieved. Stuff it in sandwiches and tacos for a healthy twist on a barbecue classic.