A Sweet and Tangy Delight
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of slow-cooked pork filling your kitchen. With the perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy mustard, this slow cooker honey mustard pulled pork is a game-changer. It’s tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, meal prepping, or just craving a hearty dish, this pulled pork recipe will be a new favorite in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with juicy, fork-tender pork.
- Bold, Balanced Flavor: A combination of honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar creates a perfect sweet-savory harmony.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it in sandwiches, tacos, over rice, or even as a protein-packed salad topping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pork:
- 4 to 5-pound pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ¾ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup whole grain mustard
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Pork
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and season it with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Place it in the slow cooker.
2. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic until well combined.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection
Pour about two-thirds of the honey mustard mixture over the pork, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for later. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
4. Shred the Pork
Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the cooking juices.
5. Finish and Serve
Stir in the reserved honey mustard sauce to add a final boost of flavor. Serve warm on sandwiches, tacos, or alongside your favorite side dishes.
Tips for the Best Pulled Pork
- Choose the Right Cut: Pork shoulder (pork butt) is ideal for pulled pork because of its fat content, which ensures tenderness.
- Don’t Skip the Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar helps balance the sweetness and tenderize the meat.
- Let It Rest: After slow cooking, allow the pork to sit for a few minutes before shredding to lock in moisture.
- Make It Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Serving Ideas
Pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Classic Sandwich: Pile it onto a brioche bun with coleslaw for a delicious pulled pork sandwich.
- Taco Night: Fill soft tortillas with pulled pork, pickled onions, and fresh cilantro.
- Rice Bowl: Serve over steamed rice with roasted veggies and extra honey mustard sauce.
- Loaded Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, cheese, jalapeños, and a drizzle of sour cream.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker honey mustard pulled pork is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s a stress-free recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort!
