Pulled Pork On Stove Top Recipe Made Easy And Delicious

There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulled pork — its tender, juicy texture and smoky, savory flavors make it a beloved comfort food across the world. But what if you don’t have a smoker or slow cooker?

No worries! This pulled pork on stove top recipe is the perfect solution for making this classic dish right in your kitchen without any fancy equipment.

Using a simple stovetop method, you’ll achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor in just a few hours. Whether you’re preparing a casual family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe provides all the tips and tricks to make your pulled pork flavorful, tender, and absolutely delicious.

Get ready to impress with this easy, foolproof pulled pork recipe that requires minimal hands-on time but delivers maximum taste. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite spices and sauces.

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stove top pulled pork recipe is a game changer for those who love slow-cooked meats but don’t have access to a smoker or slow cooker. You’ll love it because:

• Simple and accessible: No special equipment needed, just your stovetop and a heavy pot or Dutch oven.
• Flavor-packed: The blend of spices and slow simmering infuses the pork with robust, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors.
• Time-efficient: While traditional pulled pork takes all day, this method speeds up the cooking process without sacrificing tenderness.
• Perfectly tender: Slow simmering breaks down the pork’s connective tissue, resulting in juicy, fork-tender meat that pulls apart effortlessly.
• Versatile: Use the pulled pork for sandwiches, tacos, salads, or even as a hearty dinner plate.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – for browning the pork
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar – adds tang and helps tenderize
• 1/4 cup tomato paste – for rich color and depth
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar – balances acidity and adds sweetness
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika – the key smoky flavor
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper – for heat

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with a lid
• Sharp knife for trimming and slicing
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Forks for shredding the pork
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Serving platter or bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the pork shoulder: Trim any large pieces of excess fat from your pork shoulder, but keep some for flavor. Pat the meat dry with paper towels.
2. Mix the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub this spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, pressing it into the meat evenly.
3. Sear the pork: Heat the olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork shoulder and brown it on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and gives the pork a beautiful crust.
4. Sauté the aromatics: Remove the pork and set aside temporarily. Add the sliced onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
5. Deglaze the pot: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. This adds flavor and prevents burning.
6. Return the pork to the pot: Nestle the seared pork shoulder back into the pot with the liquid and onions. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top.
7. Simmer gently: Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with its lid, leaving it slightly ajar to allow some steam to escape. Let it cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, turning the pork every 45 minutes to ensure even cooking and moisture absorption.
8. Check tenderness: After about 2.5 hours, test the pork with a fork. It should be very tender and easily pull apart. If it’s not quite ready, continue cooking and check every 15 minutes.
9. Shred the pork: Carefully remove the pork from the pot and place it on a large cutting board or platter. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded pork to the pot and mix it into the cooking juices.
10. Serve: Your pulled pork is now ready to serve! Spoon it onto buns, tortillas, or alongside your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

For the best flavor, let the cooked pork rest for 10 minutes before shredding.

• Make it spicy: Add extra cayenne or hot sauce to the cooking liquid for a kick.
• Sweet and smoky: Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile.
• Slow cooker option: After browning the pork, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Vegetarian inspiration: Craving plant-based meals? Check out our Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals for flavorful alternatives.
• Use different cuts: Pork shoulder is ideal, but pork butt or even pork picnic roast work well.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Pulled pork is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many sides and dishes. Here are some serving ideas to inspire you:

• Classic BBQ sandwiches: Serve the pulled pork on toasted buns with coleslaw and pickles.
• Tacos or burritos: Add fresh salsa, avocado slices, and shredded lettuce for a Mexican twist.
• Over rice or quinoa: For a hearty meal, spoon the pork over steamed rice and garnish with green onions.
• Salad topping: Use pulled pork on top of a crisp green salad for extra protein; try our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for inspiration.
• With roasted vegetables: Pair the pork with roasted sweet potatoes, corn, or grilled asparagus.

Conclusion

This stove top pulled pork recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy tender, flavorful pulled pork without needing special equipment like a smoker or slow cooker. By using simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll create a dish that’s rich in smoky, savory goodness and perfect for a variety of meals.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe offers flexibility and delicious results every time.

Don’t forget to experiment with the spice rub and serving options to make it your own. And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out more delicious ideas like our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for a flavorful rice dish and the comforting Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.

Happy cooking!

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