Tangy Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork Delight
This Tangy Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork Delight is a crowd-pleaser that combines tender, succulent pork loin with a mouthwatering homemade barbecue sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot, this dish is rich in flavor and boasts the perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness. Each bite offers juicy, fall-apart pork enveloped in a zesty sauce that's perfect for sandwiches or served on its own. Ideal for gatherings, game days, or simply a comforting family dinner, this recipe leverages the convenience of the crock pot, making it easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
8
Servings
438
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Pork Loin
2 lbs (Trimmed of excess fat)
Garlic Powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (Divided)
Black Pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (Divided)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Onion
1/2 medium (Thinly sliced)
Ketchup
1 1/2 cups (None)
Tomato Sauce
8 ounces (None)
Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons (None)
Honey
1 tablespoon (None)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon (None)
Smoky-style Barbecue Sauce
2 tablespoons (None)
Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon (None)
Cayenne Pepper
1 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming excess fat from the boneless pork loin, ensuring it remains moist during cooking.
2
Place the pork loin in the crock pot with the fat side facing up to allow natural flavors to infuse the meat.
3
Evenly sprinkle the mixture of garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes over the pork loin, ensuring it is covered well.
4
Layer the thinly sliced onions on top of the seasoned pork for added flavor.
5
Cook the pork on high for 45 to 60 minutes, then reduce the setting to low and continue cooking for approximately 4 and a half hours.
6
While the pork is cooking, combine ketchup, tomato sauce, additional garlic powder, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoky-style barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a separate bowl to create the barbecue sauce.
7
Once the pork is tender, carefully separate it into large chunks, ensuring not to lose the flavorful juices in the pot.
8
Pour the prepared barbecue sauce over the separated pork in the crock pot, stirring gently to combine everything well.
9
Allow the mixture to cook on low for an additional hour, then shred the pork using two forks for perfect pulled pork texture.
10
For enhanced flavor, let the barbecue mixture simmer on low for an additional 2 hours or switch to the 'keep warm' setting until ready to serve.
11
Serve the delicious pulled pork on toasted buns and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
28g
Carbs
31g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork Delight?
It is a tender and succulent pork loin dish slow-cooked in a crock pot with a homemade barbecue sauce that balances sweetness and spiciness.
What cut of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of boneless pork loin, trimmed of excess fat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains 438 calories, 19g of fat, 28g of carbohydrates, and 31g of protein.
How long does the pork cook in the crock pot?
The pork cooks on high for 45 to 60 minutes, followed by 4 and a half hours on low, plus additional time for simmering with the sauce.
Should the pork fat be removed?
Yes, you should trim excess fat from the boneless pork loin before cooking to ensure it remains moist without being overly greasy.
How should the pork be placed in the slow cooker?
Place the pork loin in the crock pot with the fat side facing up to allow natural flavors to infuse the meat during the cooking process.
What spices are used to season the pork?
The meat is seasoned with a mixture of garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.
When should I add the onions?
Thinly sliced onions should be layered on top of the seasoned pork before you start the initial cooking phase.
What ingredients are in the homemade barbecue sauce?
The sauce includes ketchup, tomato sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoky-style barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
What provides the sweetness in the sauce?
The sweetness comes from a combination of brown sugar and honey.
What gives the dish its tangy flavor?
The tanginess is provided by the apple cider vinegar and the ketchup-based sauce components.
What makes the pulled pork spicy?
The heat comes from red pepper flakes used in the initial seasoning and cayenne pepper added to the barbecue sauce.
How do I shred the pork?
Once the pork is tender and cooked through, you should shred it using two forks for the perfect pulled texture.
When do I add the prepared barbecue sauce?
The sauce is poured over the pork after the initial 4.5-hour cook time, once the pork has been separated into large chunks.
How long should the pork simmer after adding the sauce?
Cook on low for one hour before shredding, then optionally simmer for an additional 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
Can I use the 'keep warm' setting?
Yes, once the pork is shredded and flavored, you can switch to the 'keep warm' setting until you are ready to serve.
How is this dish best served?
It is delicious when served on toasted buns as sandwiches or enjoyed on its own.
What kind of barbecue sauce is used in the mix?
The recipe specifies using a smoky-style barbecue sauce as part of the sauce mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for gatherings?
Yes, it is an ideal dish for gatherings, game days, or comforting family dinners.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 14 ingredients used in this recipe.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
How much garlic powder is needed?
A total of 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic powder is used, divided between the meat seasoning and the sauce.
Is tomato sauce different from the ketchup in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses both 1 1/2 cups of ketchup and an 8-ounce container of tomato sauce.
How much cayenne pepper is included?
The sauce contains 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a significant spicy kick.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What is the first step of preparation?
The first step is to trim the excess fat from the boneless pork loin.
Can I substitute the pork loin with another cut?
While the recipe specifies pork loin, similar results can often be achieved with pork shoulder, though the fat content and cook time may vary.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is considered an easy dinner option because it leverages the convenience of a crock pot.
What is the texture of the finished pork?
The pork should be juicy, tender, and fall-apart with a perfect pulled texture.