Pulled pork is a classic BBQ staple that’s loved for its ultra-tender and flavorful shredded meat. While it’s often made in a slow cooker or smoker, you can get amazing results right in your oven with an oven bag. Cooking the pork in a sealed oven bag locks in moisture and infuses it with flavor.
Follow this simple guide for foolproof oven-baked pulled pork every time,
Benefits of Cooking Pulled Pork in an Oven Bag
Using an oven roasting bag to cook pulled pork has some great advantages
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Seals in moisture – The airtight bag surrounds the pork in steam as it cooks, keeping it incredibly moist and juicy. No more dry, stringy pulled pork!
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Infuses flavor – The pork essentially cooks in its own juices and seasonings, allowing the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
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Minimal mess – The bag contains any juices or drippings, keeping your oven clean.
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Easy shredding – The pork stays so tender that it pulls apart effortlessly once cooked.
Ingredients Needed
- 3-4 lb pork shoulder roast
- 1⁄4 cup flour
- 1 cup water
- Garlic salt
- Onion powder
- Ground mustard
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Reynolds Oven Bag
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for pulled pork success:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F. This low, slow temperature gives the collagen in the pork time to break down into mouthwatering tenderness.
2. Prepare the Pork and Bag
Rinse the pork shoulder and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the oven bag into a 13×9 inch baking pan to keep it upright. Shake some flour into the bottom of the bag.
3. Add Seasonings
In a small bowl, combine the garlic salt, onion powder, ground mustard, pepper, and paprika. Season the pork roast generously all over with the spice mix.
4. Add Pork and Liquids to Bag
Place the seasoned pork into the oven bag. Pour 1 cup of water into the bag. The water mixes with the pork juices and flour to create a flavorful cooking liquid.
5. Seal the Bag
Remove as much air as possible and tie the oven bag shut tightly with a nylon tie. Make 6 evenly-spaced 1/2 inch slits in the top of the bag to allow steam to vent.
6. Cook the Pork
Place the closed bag in the preheated oven. Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until fork tender.
7. Shred the Pork
Carefully remove the oven bag from the oven. Open it (steam will release) and transfer the pork to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
The ultra-moist pork is ready eat! Use it for sandwiches, tacos, salads, nachos, and more. Refrigerate leftovers up to 5 days. Freeze shredded pork in freezer bags for later.
Cooking pulled pork in an oven bag makes this BBQ classic totally foolproof. The meat turns out incredibly juicy, tender, and infused with flavor every time. Ditch the slow cooker and use this easy oven method for your next pulled pork meal!
The Magic of Oven Bags
Oven bags are a true game-changer when it comes to cooking pork shoulder. These heat-resistant bags seal the food inside, keeping the flavors inside and making them stronger. This way, every bite is bursting with deliciousness. Using an oven bag also helps to keep the moisture in, which makes for a tender and juicy pork shoulder that will make your family and friends beg for more.
Before you dive into the cooking process, there are a few important preparation steps to follow:
- Start by preheating your oven to the desired temperature. 325°F (163°C) is a good temperature to cook pork shoulder by.
- Take your pork shoulder and use paper towels to dry it. This step is very important for making sure the outside of the finished dish is crispy.
- Sprinkle a lot of your favorite spices on the pork shoulder. You can use salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or any other flavor that strikes your fancy. Massage the seasonings into the meat, ensuring even coverage.
- Finally, it’s time to put your pork shoulder in the oven bag. The meat should fit comfortably in the bag, and there should be enough room for it to cook right.
Now that the pork shoulder is completely ready and inside the oven bag, it’s time to start cooking:
- Close the oven bag tightly with the tie that comes with it or a twist tie. Make sure to leave a small opening so that steam can escape.
- Put the pork shoulder in a sealed oven bag and put it in a roasting pan. Make sure the pork shoulder is well supported.
- Set the pan in an oven that is already hot and wait for the magic to happen. The amount of time it takes to cook will depend on how big your pork shoulder is, but as a general rule, allow 30 minutes per pound.
- Turn the bag and pan over gently halfway through the cooking time to make sure they cook evenly.
When the pork shoulder reaches the right temperature inside (around 180°F or 82°C), carefully take the oven bag off the pan to let the delicious smells out that were trapped inside. Allow the meat to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing, which will help ensure maximum juiciness.
Now it’s time to enjoy your hard work! Cut the pork shoulder into pieces of any thickness you like and serve them with your favorite sides. Whether it’s roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, the choice is entirely up to you.
You will impress your family, friends, and even yourself if you learn how to cook pork shoulder in an oven bag. When flavors are sealed and moisture is kept in, your taste buds will go on a delicious journey they won’t soon forget. Do not forget to prepare your oven bags and favorite spices. Now it’s time to start cooking the tasty pork shoulder! Share your experience and talk about tips, tricks, and recipes with other home cooks in the
Unleash the Flavors: Cooking Pork Shoulder in an Oven Bag
Welcome to our food lover’s guide on how to cook a mouthwatering pork shoulder in an oven bag. There is no need to be a skilled chef to use this method. The meat will be tender and juicy, and the flavors will make your taste buds sing. So, let’s dive in and elevate your pork shoulder game to a whole new level!.
Pork shoulder cooked in oven bag, a plastic bag used for the roasting of meat
Should you cover pulled pork when making it in the oven?
You should cover pulled pork when making it in the oven. If the lid has a vent hole, cover it with a piece of aluminum foil. Place it in an oven preheated to 300° (F) for 3 hours. After the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the pot from the oven and remove the lid.
How long do you cook pulled pork in the oven?
Bake until internal temperature reaches 200 degrees F, approximately 5 to 6 hours. Uncover, pour off excess liquid, and shred meat with two forks or meat claws. The best cut of meat to make oven roasted pulled pork is a pork butt. In all reality, “pork butt” actually comes from the pork shoulder.
Does oven pulled pork need a lid?
Our oven pulled pork needs to cook in an oven-proof large cooking pan with a lid or a Dutch oven. The lid is important because we’ll be using a liquid to achieve a lot of our flavor profile and juiciness. All the magic will happen in this same vessel: the stovetop searing of the meat, and then the roasting in the oven.
What is the best way to make pulled pork?
There are many, many ways to make pulled pork (the oven! a smoker! slow cooker!), and this is, by far, the absolute best way I have ever found to make it. The pulled pork turns out incredibly tender, falls right apart, and is packed to the brim with a sweet and spicy flavor. Let’s discuss! What Type of Meat is Best for Pulled Pork?