Can You Season Pulled Pork After It’s Pulled? The Pros and Cons

Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish beloved by many. The tender juicy pork shoulder is smoked or roasted low and slow until fall-apart tender. Then it’s pulled or shredded into bite-sized pieces and sauced or seasoned to add even more flavor. But when’s the best time to add seasoning – before, during, or after pulling the pork? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of seasoning pulled pork after it’s pulled.

Why Season Pulled Pork After Pulling?

There are a few potential benefits to seasoning pulled pork after shredding:

1. Distributes seasoning evenly

When you season pulled pork after shredding, you can mix the seasoning directly into the pulled meat to distribute it evenly throughout. If you only season before cooking, the flavor can be uneven, with some bites bursting with flavor and others a bit bland.

2. Allows using different seasonings

Pulled pork is versatile, so seasoning after pulling lets you change up flavors easily. One batch of pork can become multiple dishes just by using different seasonings like barbecue rub, salsa, citrus, herbs, etc.

3. Maximizes smoke flavor

For smoked pulled pork, seasoning after pulling allows the subtle smoke flavor to shine through rather than compete with other dominant spices and flavors.

4. Prevents burnt seasoning

If spices are added before cooking, the sugars and salts can sometimes burn or crystallize on the exterior. Post-pull seasoning prevents this.

5. Allows adjusting seasoning to taste

You can add seasoning gradually after pulling and taste as you go until the flavor is just right.

Why Season Pulled Pork Before Cooking?

However, there are also some advantages to seasoning pulled pork before cooking rather than after:

1. Flavor permeates the meat

When seasoning is added before cooking, the salt, spices, and herbs get a chance to deeply penetrate the meat. This can lead to more evenly distributed and integrated flavor.

2. Forms flavorful bark or crust

Seasoning before cooking helps form a flavorful, spiced bark on the exterior of the pork as it cooks. This adds textural contrast and layers of flavor.

3. Locks in natural juices

Salt and spices applied before cooking can help draw moisture out of the pork and then lock it in, keeping the finished pulled pork succulent.

4. Caramelization and browning

The sugars and proteins in rubs and seasonings can undergo complex, appetizing reactions like the Maillard reaction when cooked onto the meat.

5. Adds visual appeal

Seasoning and spicing the pork before smoking or roasting gives it an appetizing, seasoned crust.

Tips for Seasoning Pulled Pork

The best technique depends on your preferences and the specific recipe. Here are some seasoning tips for fantastic pulled pork:

• For evenly distributed seasoning, coat chunks of pork with a dry rub before cooking but also sprinkle on more after shredding. The post-pull seasoning adheres nicely to the moist meat and juices.

• To highlight smoky flavor, only use a basic salt and pepper rub before cooking and add other seasonings after.

• For maximum bark and crust, pat on a spice-heavy dry rub before cooking.

• Brining the pork first helps it retain moisture and take on seasoning.

• For convenience, use an injection to deeply infuse the pork with flavors before cooking.

• Mix the shredded pork with flavorful finishing sauces like barbecue sauce, mojo, or chimichurri.

• For versatility, divide the pulled pork and use different spice blends like Tex-Mex, Jamaican jerk, cajun, etc.

• Stir in fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives after pulling for brightness.

• Toss with tangy vinegars like apple cider vinegar to cut through the richness.

• For meal prep, keep seasoning separate from plain pulled pork until ready to serve.

The beauty of pulled pork is that it’s open to customization. While seasoning before and after both have pros and cons, there’s no single right answer. As long as you start with tender, smoky, well-cooked pork, when and how you add seasoning comes down to personal preference. Get creative, try different techniques, and find your pulled pork flavor sweet spot.

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