A slow cooker is used to make this amazing pulled pork recipe. The pulled pork sandwich it makes is always a hit!
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Last week, I tried a GREAT new pulled pork recipe. I was looking for a way to make pulled pork sandwiches and came across Ree’s Recipe. I only made a few small changes because of what I had on hand.
**Update (Jan 20, 2017) This is still a family favorite that we make several times a year. Last week I took new photos for the post.
Let me tell you………. You haven’t had Pulled Pork until you’ve had this Amazing Pulled Pork! OMG, it was amazing! I mean, it was SOOO good that we couldn’t stop talking about it while we ate. We ate the leftovers for two more meals, which is something we never do, and each time it got better!
As a BBQ enthusiast, I’m always looking for easy ways to make my favorite smoky tender pulled pork. Using a Nesco roaster is a convenient option that produces delicious results every time. The key is knowing how long to cook the pork and the right techniques to achieve ultimate tenderness.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide tips and recipes to help you make incredible pulled pork in your Nesco, no smoker required. Let’s get cooking!
Factors That Impact Cooking Time
When using a Nesco roaster, there are a few main factors that affect total cook time:
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Size of the pork shoulder/butt – A 5 lb shoulder takes longer than a 3 lb one. Allow 1-2 hours per pound.
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Bone-in or boneless – Boneless roasts cook faster. Bone-in may take up to 18 hours.
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High or low setting – High reduces time to 5-6 hours, low increases to 10-12 hours.
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Internal temp for doneness – Cook to 200°F for shredding
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Time for crisping – 15-20 mins at 400°F makes the outside crispy.
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Resting time – At least 10 mins before pulling pork.
Choosing the Right Pork for Pulled Pork
For best results, choose a Boston butt or pork shoulder roast between 3-5 pounds. Opt for enhanced pork with an injection of broth or salted brine for extra moisture. Bone-in cuts take longer but give amazing flavor.
Look for solid marbling throughout the meat. Avoid cuts with large pockets of fat, which won’t break down well during slow cooking.
Preparing the Pork Shoulder for the Nesco
Proper prep ensures even cooking and maximum flavor:
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Rinse pork under cold water and pat dry completely with paper towels.
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Trim off any excess hard fat.
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Apply a dry rub all over and massage it into the meat. Let sit for 30 mins.
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Use cooking spray or broth in the pan to prevent sticking.
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Add 1⁄2 cup of water or broth to pan to keep pork moist.
Creating a Flavorful Dry Rub
A homemade dry rub adds tons of flavor. Combine:
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne (optional)
Rub it all over pork at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Setting the Nesco Temperature and Time
Use these Nesco settings for perfect pulled pork:
- High heat: 300°F for 4-6 hours
- Low heat: 200°F for 10-12+ hours
The low and slow method breaks down connective tissue for shredded pork.
For boneless roasts under 5 lbs, start checking at 1 hour 15 mins per lb. Insert a fork – meat should twist easily when ready.
Getting a Crispy Bark
During the last 15-20 minutes, increase heat to 400°F to crisp the outside of the pork. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temp reaches 200-205°F when done.
Letting Meat Rest Before Pulling
Let pork rest 10-30 minutes before shredding. This allows juices to reabsorb for moist, tender meat. Keep it wrapped in foil to stay hot.
Use two forks to pull pork into bite-size pieces. Discard any excess fat chunks.
Adding Flavor with Sauces and Liquids
Mix shredded pork with:
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1⁄2 cup apple cider vinegar or other vinegar
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1⁄4 cup BBQ sauce
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1⁄4 cup chicken broth
This adds moisture and balances the flavors. Serve extra sauce on the side.
Serving Ideas for Pulled Pork
Pile smoked pulled pork onto:
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Soft burger buns with extra BBQ sauce
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Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
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Mac and cheese or baked beans
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Nachos or tacos with salsa
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Biscuits for sliders
Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 4 days. Freeze for longer storage.
Tips for Juicy, Tender Pulled Pork
Follow these tips for perfect pulled pork every time:
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Use a 3-5 lb pork shoulder roast with lots of marbling.
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Prep pork with a salty dry rub at least 30 minutes before cooking.
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Cook for 1-2 hours per lb on low Nesco setting (200°F).
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Crisp outside by broiling 15 mins at end.
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Check internal temp – aim for 200-205°F.
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Let pork rest 10-30 mins before pulling.
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Mix with BBQ sauce and vinegar when shredding.
With the right prep and cooking technique, your Nesco roaster can make outstanding pulled pork worthy of any BBQ joint. I hope these tips help you achieve tender, flavorful shredded pork for amazing sandwiches.
How to Prepare Amazing Pulled Pork
You will want a 4 – 7-pound pork butt roast or pork shoulder with the bone in.
You can use a small food processor, but I like to use my Magic Bullet to combine chili powder, brown sugar, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.
Wash your hands and rub the spice mixture all over the roast.
How Long Should I Cook Pulled Pork?
Next, I place the roast in my Nesco Slow Cook Roaster, or you can use a roasting pan or Dutch oven and add 1 1/2 to 2 cups of water. Cover tightly and roast the pork at 300 degrees F° for several hours (one hour per pound or until fork tender), turning once every hour.
Pulled Pork Cooked in a Roaster Oven Less Heat in the Kitchen
FAQ
Can I use my Nesco as a slow cooker?
How many hours should you cook pulled pork?
How long to cook pulled pork at 225?
How long to cook 8 lb pork shoulder at 250 degrees?
How long do you cook a pound of pulled pork?
Cover tightly and roast the pork at 300 degrees F° for several hours (one hour per pound or until fork tender), turning once every hour. When the pulled pork is fork tender, crank up the heat to 400, remove the lid, and roast it, skin side up for 15 minutes. This step makes it nice and crispy! (best part according to my family)
How do you cook a pork roast in a NESCo roaster?
Rub the spices onto the pork roast. It may be easier to pat the spices onto the roast so they stick. Place the pork roast into the roaster. Insert the meat thermometer into the roast. Cook the pork roast for 2 1/2 hours. Check that the internal temperature has reached 170 degrees. Remove the roast from the Nesco roaster.
How long do you cook a pork roast in a slow cooker?
Next, I place the roast in my Nesco Slow Cook Roaster, or you can use a roasting pan or dutch oven and add 1 1/2 to 2 cups of water. Cover tightly and roast the pork at 300 degrees F° for several hours (one hour per pound or until fork tender), turning once every hour.
How do you cook a pulled pork shoulder?
We cook the meat “low and slow” in this pulled pork recipe. Remove the pork shoulder from the brine solution and place in the roasting pan. Pat the skin dry with paper towels so you’ll get a nice, crisp crust. Generously, generously, cover the WHOLE pork shoulder in your dry rub mix. And massage the dry rub mix into the skin really well.