Only 3 ingredients are needed for this easy crock pot pork loin BBQ. Make it shredded in the slow cooker with your favorite sauce. Pork loin makes amazing pulled pork so let me show you how!.
If you’re short on time during the week or on Sunday, the easiest dinner you can make is pulled pork in the crock pot. Make sure the pork loin is defrosted and ready to cook at least 4 hours before dinner. Put this BBQ pulled pork in the crock pot. It’s low carb and keto friendly. For a full meal, serve it with keto mashed potatoes.
Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that is loved for its tender, fall-apart texture and smoky, savory flavor. While pork shoulder is traditionally used for pulled pork, many wonder if pork loin can be substituted. So can you use pork loin to make pulled pork? Let’s find out.
An Overview of Pork Loin and Pulled Pork
Pork loin is a lean, tender cut that comes from the back of the pig. It has little marbling or fat running through it. Pork shoulder on the other hand comes from the front legs and shoulders of the pig. It contains more fat, collagen, and connective tissue.
Pulled pork is made by cooking pork low and slow until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. The long cooking time breaks down the collagen and fat, making the meat succulent and easy to pull apart into shreds. Pork shoulder is ideal for this cooking method.
Yes, You Can Use Pork Loin for Pulled Pork
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely make pulled pork with pork loin. However, since it is so lean, extra steps must be taken to keep it from drying out and to boost flavor. With the right preparation and cooking techniques, tasty pulled pork can be made from pork loin.
Challenges of Using Pork Loin for Pulled Pork
There are a few hurdles to overcome when using pork loin for pulled pork:
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Lack of fat: With little marbling or external fat, pork loin can easily dry out during the long cooking time required to make pulled pork.
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Less collagen Pork shoulder contains more collagen that breaks down into gelatin during cooking, This lubricates the meat fibers and keeps it moist Pork loin has less of this connective tissue
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Less flavor: The fat in pork shoulder imparts richness of flavor. With less fat, pork loin can result in blander pulled pork.
Tips for Making Tender, Juicy Pulled Pork from Pork Loin
Follow these useful tips to help prevent pork loin from drying out and boost its flavor when making pulled pork:
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Choose the right size: Go for a pork loin between 4-6 lbs. Larger cuts hold up better to long cooking times.
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Brown the exterior: Searing the outside of the pork loin will add flavor and a nice crust.
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Use a cooking thermometer: Cook to an internal temperature of 195-205°F for tender, shreddable meat.
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Add moisture: Use a slow cooker or oven with liquid like broth, juice, or water. Baste and mop the pork loin as it cooks.
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Inject flavor: Injecting a marinade deep into the loin gives a flavor boost from within.
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Season generously: Coat with a flavorful dry rub and let it penetrate the meat overnight.
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Wrap in bacon: Wrap pork loin in bacon to provide moisture and fat that will baste the meat.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Pulled Pork from Pork Loin
Follow these simple steps for juicy, flavorful pulled pork using pork loin:
Prep the Pork Loin
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Choose a 4-6 lb boneless pork loin roast. Rinse and pat dry.
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Generously coat all sides with a dry rub. Refrigerate overnight.
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Optional: Inject pork loin with apple juice, broth, or marinade for extra moisture.
Brown the Exterior
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Brown pork loin on all sides to form a nice crust.
Cook Low and Slow
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Place pork loin in a slow cooker or oven with 1 cup broth, juice, or water.
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Cook for 6-8 hours on low heat in a slow cooker or 275°F oven until fork tender.
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Baste and turn pork every 1-2 hours, adding more liquid as needed.
Finish and Pull
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Pork should reach 195-205°F. Remove from heat and let rest 10 minutes.
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Using two forks or bear claws, shred and pull meat apart into bite-size pieces.
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Toss with barbecue sauce and serve!
Alternate Cooking Methods for Pulled Pork Loin
Beyond standard oven or slow cooker pulled pork, consider these alternate cooking methods:
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On the grill: Use indirect heat and smoke with wood chips for added flavor.
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In the Instant Pot: Pressure cook on manual high pressure for 45-60 minutes plus natural pressure release.
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Sous vide: Cook at 165°F for 24-36 hours for ultra-tender pulled pork.
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Smoker: Keep temperature low, 225-250°F and smoke for 6-12 hours. Spritz with apple juice every hour.
Final Tips for Juicy, Tender Pulled Pork Loin
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Let meat rest before pulling to allow juices to redistribute.
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Keep pulled pork moist by storing leftovers in broth or sauce.
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Add reserved defatted pan juices to moisten.
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Mix in some cooked pork shoulder to boost richness.
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Garnish pulled pork with crispy bacon pieces and pickled veggies.
So while it requires a little extra attention, you can absolutely use pork loin to make delicious pulled pork at home. With the right preparation and cooking techniques, pork loin can become moist, succulent, and full of smoky barbecue flavor. Give it a try!
How to make pork loin pulled pork in the slow cooker
The hardest part of this crock pot pork loin recipe is lugging out your slow cooker. There is BBQ rub on top of the pork loin, and we rub it all over with our hands. Then flip it over and cover the other side and rub it in.
Set the timer for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. Then put the lid on top.
The meat will literally fall apart when it is finished. To keep this crock pot pork loin extra moist, I like to shred the meat right in the pot with the juices.
Since most pork loins weigh about 5 pounds, I like to make pulled pork and freeze half of it for later use. You can freeze it for up to 6 months in a freezer safe container.
After the crock pot pork loin is all shredded, top it with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Then you can serve it however you like. For me, it’s best with some crunchy keto coleslaw. So good!.
Can you use pork loin for pulled pork?
Yes! I think this is the easiest way to make pulled pork. especially with the slow cooker. Slow cooking the pork loin helps it stay moist and it is so tender. A pork loin is also better because it has less fat than a pork butt, which is what is usually used for pulled pork.
Thanks to the easy BBQ rib rub I shared a few months ago, this crock pot pork loin tastes great. You could also use a store bought rub to make this even easier!.
Most rubs have sugar in them, which is why I make my own. If you are on a low-carb or keto diet, make your own!
I love using my crock pot to make an easy BBQ pulled pork. No need to fire up the grill or the smoker!.
I also love using pork loin because it is so affordable!
Crock Pot Pork Loin – BBQ Pulled Pork
FAQ
Is pork loin good for pulled pork?
Can I substitute pork loin for pork shoulder for pulled pork?
Does pork loin get more tender the longer you cook it?
Can you make pulled pork with a pork loin?
Yes! You can absolutely make pulled pork with a pork loin. (Keep in mind we aren’t talking about pork tenderloin. These cuts of pork need different cooking times and are not interchangeable, read about the differences here .) Of course, it’s also very popular to use a pork shoulder roast or pork butt for pulled pork.
Can one eat pork?
A cooked, medium pork cutlet or steak provides 239 calories, 34 grams protein, 10 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 697 milligrams sodium, and 0 grams carbohydrate, if you eat only the lean part of the steak. Pork contains many of the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) found in beef and it is high in protein, but can be lower in fat than beef—depending on cut and preparation. Meat from any kind of mammal, including pork, can cause an allergic reaction (and some people who are allergic to mammalian meat also react to poultry).
Is pork loin a good substitute for pulled pork?
In the absence of pork shoulder, or if you desired it substituted, then pork loin still is a good alternative to use for pulled pork. Pork loin is yummy and slender, making it a good substitute for pulled pork. When it comes to pulled pork, there are a number of parts of meat that you can choose from.
Can you add additional ingredients to pulled pork?
Absolutely! Adding additional ingredients can enhance the flavor of the pulled pork. You can add vegetables like onions, garlic, and bell peppers for added taste and texture. Some recipes also call for the addition of a liquid, such as broth, apple cider, or barbecue sauce, to help keep the meat moist.