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Making a big batch of pulled pork is always a good idea. Whether you are hosting a party and need something delicious to feed many mouths or if you are just meal prepping for the week and want a protein that is versatile to put into tons of different recipes. This Apple Cider Vinegar Pulled Pork is my absolute favorite, so simple yet absolutely delicious. I love the subtle tang that the apple cider vinegar gives it, too!
If you are doing the Whole30, try this Apple Cider Vinegar Pulled Pork on top of a salad filled with avocado, onions, tomatoes, and sliced radishes. You can make these Enchilada Stuffed Poblano Peppers. Or, try serving it over cauliflower rice and make a burrito bowl-like situation. Yum.
If you aren’t Whole30– this recipe is great in tacos, enchiladas, stuffed bell peppers, you name it!
Hope you all enjoy my favorite pulled pork!
- 4.5-5lb. Bone-in Pork Shoulder Roast
- kosher salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- ground cumin, (about 1-2 tsp.)
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 yellow or white onion, sliced
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Season all sides of the pork shoulder generously with kosher salt and black pepper, you want to be sure it has plenty of season on it since it is such a large cut of meat. Then, season all over with cumin. Use at least 1 tsp of cumin, but I used a little more than that so that the roast was seasoned evenly with the cumin.
- In a large dutch oven (or use a large skillet now if you are using a crockpot), heat 2 tbsp. of olive oil over medium-high heat. When hot, but not smoking, sear the pork on all sides until golden brown (about 4 minutes per side).
- When all sides are browned, remove the pork from the dutch oven or skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Turn the heat down to low, and toss in the sliced onion, the garlic cloves seasoned with a little salt and pepper and saute for about 2 minutes.
- *if you are using a crockpot, place the sauteed onions and garlic in the bottom of the crockpot, and placed the browned pork over. Pour in apple cider vinegar and chicken in around the pork. Cover and cook until the pork is fork tender, about 6 to 8 hours on high or 8 to 10 hours on low.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar and the chicken broth.
- Return the pork to the pot. Cover, place in the oven and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fork tender (mine only took 3 hours and it was a 4.5 lb. shoulder)
- When cooking time is complete and the pork is fork tender, remove the pork from the pot and onto a large cutting board or baking sheet. Using two forks, shred the meat--discarding the bones and any unnecessarily large hunks of fat.
- Place shredded meat back into the apple cider sauce, toss around until is soaks the sauce all back up.
- Serve and enjoy!
Would this be good over mashed potatoes?
Can you make ahead and freeze?
Yes, this recipe definitely freezes well!
Hello Alex, wondering if this could be made with a tenderloin? Thanks!
yes, the cook time may just be a bit less! 🙂
Hello! Can this be made in the instant pot?
Hi Alex! I am planning to make this over the weekend but am going to be pressed for time. I’m wondering if it’s necessary to sear the meat before putting it in the crockpot or if I can just dump everything in and let it cook low and slow? Thank you! 🙂
searing adds more flavor, but it’s not 100% necessary.
Hi Alex!
I accidentally picked up pork shoulder steaks instead of pork shoulder roast- would those still work with this recipe?
Hi, would this work well with chicken breast in a crock pot?
it won’t be as flavorful with chicken but im sure i’d still be good!
Hi! Can you do boneless?
yes!
Hi Alex!
I was planning on using this recipe but I only have a pork tenderloin. Do you think cooking time would be the same?
You can definitely do the recipe with pork tenderloin, it does have the potential to dry out more easily but I don’t think it will with this recipe. If you are cooking it in a crockpot- the cook time will be close to the same (i’d opt for low heat for 6 hours). For oven, same temperature but I bet it only takes 2-3 hours.
Hello! I want to make this for my family this upcoming weekend but I have a 8lb pork roast. I assume just to double the recipe. But what about cooking time. I intend to put this in the crockpot so times and suggestions for that would be great! I love following your insta stories and enjoy your blog!
Yes, double the recipe and I would cook on High the entire time in the crockpot. Check it at 4 hours, then again at 6 hours… I bet it will take closer to 6 (no longer than 8) but just keep checking it until it is fork tender/very easy to shred!