Pulled pork is a classic Southern barbecue dish that takes time and patience to perfect. While traditionally smoked or roasted over an open flame, you can also use a NESCO slow cooker to make delicious pulled pork right at home. But just how long does it take to cook pulled pork in a NESCO? This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is A NESCO Slow Cooker?
A NESCO slow cooker is an electric appliance with an insulated stoneware insert and lid that distributes heat evenly from the bottom and sides. It allows you to prepare meals by simply adding ingredients to the stoneware, setting the temperature and letting the cooker do the work over an extended period of time.
NESCO slow cookers come in a variety of sizes ranging from 1.5 quarts to 18 quarts. For pulled pork, a 6-7 quart size is ideal for accommodating a 4-7 pound pork shoulder roast.
Benefits Of Using A NESCO For Pulled Pork
There are several advantages to using a NESCO slow cooker for pulled pork:
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Even heating The stoneware insert and tight-fitting lid lock in moisture and provide consistent heat distribution for thorough even cooking.
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Set it and forget it: Once you add your ingredients and turn it on, a slow cooker does the rest of the work for you with no need for monitoring or adjusting temperature.
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Tender and juicy meat: Low, slow cooking breaks down tough collagen fibers in pork shoulder, resulting in tender, fall-apart shredded meat.
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Full flavor development: The long cooking time allows flavors from spices, sauces, etc. to fully permeate the meat.
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Safety: Keeping the pork at a safe bacteria-killing temperature for an extended period eliminates food safety risks.
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Versatility: A NESCO slow cooker isn’t just for pulled pork. It can be used to prepare soups, stews, roasts, desserts and more.
Step-By-Step Guide To Cooking Pulled Pork In A NESCO
Follow these simple steps for foolproof pulled pork every time:
1. Choose Your Pork Roast
Select a boneless or bone-in pork shoulder roast, also called a pork butt, weighing 4-7 pounds. Bone-in roasts impart more flavor. Plan on cooking for 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.
2. Prepare The Meat
Rinse the pork under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Combine a dry rub of spices like brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub it all over the pork, pressing it into the meat.
3. Add To Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned pork roast in the NESCO stoneware insert. Add 1 cup of water, apple cider, beer or other braising liquid. Adding liquid keeps the pork moist and helps create a flavorful cooking liquid.
4. Cook On Low
Put the lid on top and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Cooking times vary based on size of roast and your particular slow cooker. Begin checking at 8 hours by testing with a fork. When done, the pork should be very tender and shred easily.
5. Remove And Shred
Carefully remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board or platter. Let rest 10-15 minutes before “pulling” or shredding the meat into bite-size pieces using two forks.
6. Finish With Sauce
Stir in your favorite barbecue sauce to coat the shredded pork. For extra moisture, add some of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Serve warm on buns for classic pulled pork sandwiches.
NESCO Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tips
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Leaner roasts like pork loin or tenderloin don’t work as well. Choose fattier shoulder roast for moist, tender meat.
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Cut cooking time roughly in half on high vs low setting, but low and slow is best for pulled pork.
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Keep lid on as much as possible for moisture retention. Quickly remove pork then replace lid after checking doneness.
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Let pork rest before shredding so juices redistribute for moister, more flavorful meat.
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Mix in reserved cooking liquid from slow cooker after shredding to add back moisture and flavor.
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Shred pork across the grain for easiest pulling. Use two forks to pull meat into stringy strands.
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Serve pulled pork on buns with coleslaw and dill pickles, make tacos or nachos, use in casseroles, pasta, soup and more!
FAQs About Cooking Pulled Pork In A NESCO
How long should I cook a 5 lb pork roast in a NESCO on low?
For a 5 pound pork shoulder roast, plan on cooking about 8-10 hours on low in a NESCO slow cooker. Exact time can vary.
Can I cook pulled pork on high in a NESCO?
Yes, cooking on high reduces time to 4-5 hours but runs a greater risk of drying out the pork. Use high if you’re pressed for time.
Do I need to add liquid when cooking pulled pork in a slow cooker?
Adding 1 cup of liquid like water, apple juice, beer etc. helps keep the pork moist. The liquid also creates a flavorful sauce after cooking.
What temperature should I cook pulled pork at in a NESCO?
Cook on low, which is around 200°F for 8-10 hours. High is roughly 300°F and reduces cook time to 4-5 hours. Slow and low is best.
Do I need to sear the pork first before putting in the slow cooker?
Searing is optional. It adds flavor and color but the long cook time will still make the pork tender and delicious without searing first.
Can I keep pulled pork warm in a NESCO after cooking?
After cooking, switch to warm setting to hold the pulled pork for serving up to 4 hours. Don’t keep much longer than that for food safety.
The Takeaway On Cooking Pulled Pork In A NESCO
A NESCO slow cooker provides and easy, fuss-free method for making incredibly moist and flavorful pulled pork right at home. Allow 8-10 hours cook time on low for a 4-7 pound pork shoulder roast. Rub with spices, add liquid, and let the slow cooker work its magic! Shred the ultra-tender pork and mix with barbecue sauce for amazing pulled pork sandwiches.