Sometimes, less is more, and this 2-Ingredient Pulled Pork is a perfect example of that! With just two ingredients, you’ll have melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork ready to serve in just a few hours. It’s a great go-to for busy days when you want a hassle-free yet delicious meal.

Personal Story & Background:

Let me tell you, I used to think making pulled pork required hours of marinating, multiple ingredients, and a ton of fuss. That was until I discovered this simple two-ingredient recipe. It’s one of those magical dishes that almost feels too easy to be true, but trust me—it works, and it’s incredible.

I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was looking for a way to make pulled pork on a busy weekend. I had a pork shoulder in the freezer but didn’t want to spend all day cooking. So, I decided to try something simpler, and this was the result: tender, flavorful pulled pork with minimal effort. It became a staple in my house because it’s quick, fuss-free, and perfect for everything from sandwiches to tacos to topping a salad.

The best part? You can make it with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a meal to prep for the week, this pulled pork will be your new best friend.

Ingredient Notes:

Pork Shoulder (or Pork Butt) – This cut of meat is perfect for slow cooking because it’s full of connective tissue that breaks down into tender, juicy meat. It’s also a more affordable cut, which makes it great for feeding a crowd.
BBQ Sauce – While you can use any BBQ sauce you like, I recommend one that has a nice balance of sweetness and tang. If you prefer a smoky or spicy flavor, go for a more robust sauce.

Substitutions and Alternatives:

Seasoning the pork: Some people like to add a dry rub (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.) for a little extra flavor, but this recipe is all about simplicity. If you want more flavor without additional ingredients, go ahead and season the pork with whatever spices you like before cooking.
Sauce variations: If BBQ isn’t your thing, you can substitute the BBQ sauce with a different sauce, like a tangy mustard-based sauce or even a sweet and spicy sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the pork.

Place your pork shoulder (or butt) in a slow cooker. You don’t need to do anything to it except remove any packaging. If you want, you can trim off excess fat, but it’s not necessary. This cut of meat benefits from the fat, as it helps keep the pork moist during cooking.

Step 2: Add the BBQ sauce.

Pour your BBQ sauce over the pork. You want to cover the meat as evenly as possible, but don’t worry too much if it’s not perfect. The sauce will mingle with the juices from the pork as it cooks, creating a flavorful braising liquid.

Step 3: Cook it low and slow.

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Let the pork cook for 6-8 hours. The meat will become fork-tender and easily shredable. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours, but low and slow is always best for maximum tenderness.

Step 4: Shred the pork.

Once the pork is done cooking, take two forks and shred the meat directly in the slow cooker. It should pull apart with little effort. Stir the shredded pork in the sauce to coat every bit in that flavorful BBQ goodness.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

Use a pork shoulder or butt: These cuts are perfect for slow cooking because of the amount of fat and connective tissue. They become incredibly tender after hours of cooking.
Let the meat rest: After you shred the pork, let it sit in the sauce for a bit. This allows the meat to absorb even more of the flavor and stay juicy.
Cook it low and slow: Don’t rush the cooking process. The longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful the pork will be. If you’re using a pressure cooker, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking pork.

Serving Suggestions:

This 2-Ingredient Pulled Pork is so versatile! Here are some ideas for how to enjoy it:

Pulled pork sandwiches: Serve on soft buns with a dollop of coleslaw and pickles for a classic BBQ sandwich.
Tacos: Load it onto tortillas with some cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime for a quick and tasty taco.
Salads: Use it as a topping for a hearty salad, adding some fresh greens and your favorite dressing.
Pizza: Spread it over pizza dough, add some mozzarella, and bake for a BBQ pulled pork pizza.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Fridge: Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze the pulled pork for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra BBQ sauce or water to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this in the oven instead of a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and cook the pork covered in a roasting pan or Dutch oven for about 4-5 hours. The pork will be just as tender and juicy.

Can I use a different kind of sauce? Absolutely! While BBQ sauce is traditional, you can use a different sauce of your choice, such as a vinegar-based sauce or even a sweet chili sauce. Feel free to experiment with flavors!

Can I make this without BBQ sauce? Yes! If you prefer a more neutral flavor or want to go in a different direction, try using a simple broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable) along with some seasonings like garlic and onion powder. It’ll still be delicious!

Conclusion:

This 2-Ingredient Pulled Pork is the ultimate time-saver without sacrificing flavor. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re serving it on a sandwich, tacos, or even on its own, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try next time you’re looking for a simple yet tasty dinner that requires minimal effort!