This downsized version of a barbecue favorite brings the soulful flavors of pulled pork into a more intimate setting, perfect for a cozy meal for two. Enjoy the tender, spice-rubbed pork, slow-cooked to perfection and finished with a tangy barbecue sauce.
cups
slices
Brown Sugar, packed
tablespoons
tablespoons
teaspoons
to taste
to taste
Boneless Country-Style Pork Ribs, trimmed
0 lb
Barbecue Sauce
cups
1. Preparation
In the base of a slow cooker, combine the chicken broth and bacon to create a flavorful cooking environment for the pork.
2. Spice Rub
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper to form a rich spice blend. Dry the pork ribs with paper towels and thoroughly rub them with the spice mixture, ensuring an even coat for maximum flavor.
3. Cooking
Place the spice-rubbed pork ribs into the slow cooker, submerging them in the broth and bacon mixture. Cover with the lid. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
4. Shredding
Once cooked, transfer the pork ribs to a cutting board. Allow them to cool down slightly before shredding the meat into bite-size pieces using two forks, discarding any excess fat.
5. Sauce Preparation
Remove and discard the bacon from the slow cooker. Pour the cooking liquid into a fat separator and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Then, whisk together 1/2 cup of the defatted cooking liquid with the barbecue sauce in a serving bowl.
6. Final Touches
Toss the shredded pork with 1/2 cup of the prepared sauce in the now-empty slow cooker, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pulled pork with the option to add more sauce as desired, passing the remaining sauce separately to each diner.
Opt for a well-marbled pork shoulder (Boston butt) for the best results, as it has the ideal fat content for tender, juicy pulled pork.
Cook the pork on low for about 8 hours to gently break down the meat, making it exceptionally tender.
Coat the pork thoroughly with a mix of kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, and let it marinate for several hours or overnight.
The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of about 195°F to 205°F and shreds easily with a fork.
After shredding, mix in some of the cooking juices to keep the pork moist and add extra flavor.
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