Traditionally, pulled pork is roasted over a low fire for hours to create a tender and succulent meat. But sometimes you can’t cook over an open flame for hours on end, and you may be looking for ways to make pulled pork in a roaster.
The good news is that cooking pork roast in a roaster is easier than cooking it over an open flame. You can even use an electric roaster to make the tender, juicy pull-apart meat you want.
For tasty pulled pork, cook the pork in a roaster at 300 to 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 hours, or until it is so soft that it falls apart.
Pulled pork is truly one of America’s most beloved comfort foods. When done right, it yields incredibly moist, fall-apart tender meat infused with smoky flavors. While slow cooking on the grill or smoker may be traditional, using an electric roaster overnight is an easy alternative that produces amazing results.
Cooking pulled pork in an electric roaster while you sleep allows you to wake up to a ready-to-eat feast. The steady, even heat gently braises the pork to perfect tenderness. Read on for tips and guidance on how to make foolproof electric roaster pulled pork overnight.
Benefits of Overnight Pulled Pork
Cooking pulled pork in an electric roaster overnight offers several advantages:
-
Convenience – Load it up before bed and wake up to ready pork. No need to monitor it.
-
Moist, tender meat – The long cooking time gently breaks down collagen for succulent, pull-apart texture
-
Deep flavor – Seasonings deeply penetrate the meat during the overnight cook
-
Aromatic house – As it cooks, the pork infuses the whole house with its smoky, savory aroma.
-
Energy efficient – Using an electric roaster overnight utilizes cheaper off-peak electricity rates.
With minimal hands-on effort, overnight electric roaster pulled pork delivers delicious results easily.
Choosing the Right Pork
Selecting the right cut of pork is key for optimal pulled pork. Opt for a Boston butt or pork shoulder, which have more fat and connective tissue. Avoid leaner cuts like pork loin, as they’ll dry out.
For an 8-10 hour overnight cook, choose a 4-6 lb pork shoulder. Larger cuts may need a longer cook time. Have the butcher trim off excess fat and skin, but leave about 1⁄4 inch.
Prepare the Pork
Take a few simple steps to prep the pork before its overnight roasting:
- Rinse and pat the pork dry with paper towels
- Generously coat all sides with your favorite dry rub or seasoning
- Optional: Inject pork with apple juice, broth or marinade for added moisture
- Place pork in the electric roaster and let sit for 30 minutes to absorb flavors
Pro tip: Mix up a spice rub with salt, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder and cumin. The sugars will caramelize beautifully overnight.
Add Braising Liquid
The braising liquid provides moisture and flavor as the pork cooks low and slow overnight. Options include:
- Apple juice or cider – Provides subtle sweetness and tenderizes meat
- Broth – Use chicken or pork broth for savory flavor
- Beer or cola – Impart bold, complex flavors
Pour liquid around the pork until it reaches about 1-2 inches up the sides. Resist overfilling or the liquids may overflow while cooking unattended.
Roasting Overnight
With your seasoned and juicy pork set in the roaster, you’re ready for the overnight magic:
- Set temperature to 225-250 ̊F
- Cover roaster securely with lid
- Let pork cook for 8-10 hours undisturbed while you sleep
- The pork is done when it shreds easily with a fork
The low, steady heat will gently break down the collagen and fats to yield incredibly moist and tender meat.
Rest and Shred
In the morning, carefully remove the cooked pork from the electric roaster. Let rest 30-60 minutes so juices can redistribute.
Use forks or bear claws to shred into bite-size pieces. Discard excess fat or bones.
At last, douse the hot pulled pork in your favorite barbecue sauce. Serve on buns or enjoy however you like!
Overnight Roaster Tips
Follow these tips for pulled pork success:
-
Add a disposable foil roasting pan inside the roaster to simplify cleanup
-
Use an oven-safe meat thermometer to monitor internal temp without opening the lid
-
Let any leftovers cool completely before refrigerating in shallow containers
-
Reheat gently in the microwave with splash of broth to restore moisture
With minimal hands-on time, you’ll be rewarded with the ultimate comfort food – juicy, fall-apart tender pulled pork!
Savory Pulled Pork Recipes
Beyond classic sandwiches, get creative with your electric roaster pulled pork:
-
Tacos – Top soft tortillas with shredded pork, pineapple salsa, queso fresco
-
Nachos – Pile pulled pork over chips with shredded cheese, guacamole, jalapeños
-
Baked potatoes – Mix pulled pork into loaded baked potatoes
-
Quiche – Add pulled pork to a cheesy egg custard in a pie crust
-
Salad – Toss shredded pork with mixed greens, barbeque ranch dressing
-
Soup – Fold tender pulled pork into hearty bean or vegetable soups
The possibilities are endless for enjoying this versatile slow-cooked meat.
Cooking pulled pork overnight in an electric roaster is an easy, mess-free way to enjoy delicious homemade barbecue. Allow ample cook time for the pork to become fork-tender after absorbing the flavors of seasonings and braising liquid all night.
Wake up to mouthwatering aromas and meat so succulent it falls right off the bone. Just shred, sauce and devour! With minimal effort, you’ll master the art of electric roaster pulled pork.
It’s All in the Cut
Pulled pork is always a winning meal, whether youre making it in your barbecue pit or roaster. The tender, flavorful shredded meat can be served by itself or stuffed into a bun. The spices and sauces you use to make pulled pork affect how good it tastes and how tender the meat is, but the cut of pork that is usually used is what makes the dish stand out.
Commonly referred to as the Boston butt, the meat that fills your pulled pork sandwiches comes from the shoulder of the pig. The shoulder is a heavily worked muscle, which generally means a tough cut of meat that needs to be cooked slowly to help break up the tough muscle fibers.
Boston butt is the best cut of meat for your pulled pork in roaster recipe, and it’s not just because of how it’s cooked. The piece of meat is marbled with connective tissue and fat that melts when you roast it slowly. This makes the flavor and juices even stronger.
Pulled Pork in Roaster
The way you prepare the meat may be the same whether you’re cooking the pork in the oven in a roasting pan or in an electric roaster. The cut of meat, the spice rub, and the final sauce are all important parts of making a tasty pulled pork.
Consider this pulled-pork recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 5 to 7-pound pork roast (preferably Boston butt)
- Your favorite barbecue sauce recipe or bottled sauce
Directions:
- Put paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and Kosher salt in a small bowl. Mix them together. Cover the pork roast with the mixture and let it sit for at least one hour or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spoon the pork roast with the marinade into a roasting pan. Cook for 6 hours, or until the meat is so soft it falls apart.
- Take the meat out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Shred your meat with two forks.
- Put the barbecue sauce and shredded pork in a bowl and mix them together.
To find out what temperature and time to use when cooking with this tool, look at the user guide for a pork roast in electric roaster oven recipe.
The cooking time may give a general idea of when your roast will be tender and juicy. But, whether its pulled pork in roasting pan or pulled pork in roaster, the USDA recommends you cook the pork until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pulled Pork Cooked in a Roaster Oven Less Heat in the Kitchen
FAQ
How do you keep pulled pork moist in a roaster?
Can you cook pulled pork in an electric roaster?
Can you cook pulled pork overnight?
Can pulled pork be cooked night before?
How do you cook pulled pork in an electric roaster?
Add about 1-1/2 cups of water or chicken broth to the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist while it cooks. 4. Cook at Low Temperature: Set the electric roaster to 300°F and cook for 4-6 hours (1 hour per pound), turning the roast every hour. The low temperature will help the meat cook slowly and evenly, resulting in tender, juicy pulled pork.
Can you cook pulled pork in a roaster?
Traditionally, pulled pork is roasted over a low fire for hours to create a tender and succulent meat. But cooking for hours over an open flame isn’t always an option, and you may be searching for ways to prepare your pulled pork in roaster.
How do you cook a pork roast in an electric roaster?
Place the roast in the electric roaster and cook at 300°F for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender. 2. Wet Rub Method: Similar to the dry rub method, this method involves rubbing a mixture of spices and liquid onto the pork roast before cooking it in the electric roaster. The liquid helps to keep the meat moist and tender while it cooks.
Can you cook pulled pork in a crockpot?
Although a Crockpot or slow cooker can be used, an electric roaster oven is our preferred choice for the perfect pulled pork. Once the pork shoulder is cooked to perfection, the possibilities are endless. Serve it as a classic pulled pork sandwich, adding a touch of coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.