Slow Cooker Balsamic and Honey Pulled Pork Sandwiches

INTRODUCTION

Slow Cooker Balsamic and Honey Pulled Pork Sandwiches are a delicious and comforting dish. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a tender and flavorful pork that makes the perfect filling for sandwiches. The balance of the balsamic vinegar and honey gives the pork a sweet and tangy sauce that everyone will love. It’s ideal for busy days because you can prepare it in the morning and let it cook all day. By evening, you will have a warm, tasty meal ready to serve.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons why Slow Cooker Balsamic and Honey Pulled Pork Sandwiches could become a family favorite. First, they are easy to make. With just a few steps and minimal prep time, you can have a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Second, the flavors build slowly as the pork cooks, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish. The combination of balsamic vinegar and honey makes the sauce sweet, tangy, and really enjoyable. Lastly, these sandwiches are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, they are sure to please everyone.

HOW TO MAKE Slow Cooker Balsamic and Honey Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Making these pulled pork sandwiches is simple. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you:

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Slow cooker
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Serving platter

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 1/2 – 3 lb boneless pork shoulder roast
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped (1 cup)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Hamburger buns
• Coleslaw (optional)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Trim and Prepare the Pork: Start by trimming off any excess fat from the pork roast. This helps to reduce the greasiness in your pulled pork.

2. Place in Slow Cooker: Put the trimmed pork roast in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the top. This broth will keep the pork moist while it cooks.

3. Add Onions and Herbs: Add the chopped onions, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the slow cooker. Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper over these ingredients.

4. Cook the Pork: Cover the slow cooker. Set it to cook on LOW for 8 – 9 hours or HIGH for 4 1/2 hours. The longer you cook it on LOW, the more tender it will be.

5. Make the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, it’s time to prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together balsamic vinegar, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and 1/2 tsp of pepper. Season with salt to taste.

6. Cook the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, reduce it to a simmer. Stir occasionally and let it cook for about 20 – 25 minutes until it thickens a little bit. This will create a rich, flavorful sauce.

7. Shred the Pork: Once the cooking time is done, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the meat, removing any larger pieces of fat.

8. Combine Everything: Discard the onions and broth from the slow cooker. Put the shredded pork back into the slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to ‘warm.’ Pour the balsamic sauce over the shredded pork and mix it well to coat the meat.

9. Serve: When ready, spoon the pulled pork onto hamburger buns. You can also add coleslaw on top for extra texture and flavor if you like.

HOW TO SERVE Slow Cooker Balsamic and Honey Pulled Pork Sandwiches

These delicious pulled pork sandwiches are best served immediately. You can top your sandwich with coleslaw for a crunchy contrast to the tender pork. You can also offer pickles or hot sauce on the side for those who like a little extra kick. Provide plenty of napkins, as these sandwiches can be a bit messy, but that’s all part of the fun!

STORAGE & FREEZING: Slow Cooker Balsamic and Honey Pulled Pork Sandwiches

If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The pork will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, just warm it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pulled pork. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

To make the meal even more filling, consider serving these sandwiches with sides like:

• Potato chips or fries
• A fresh garden salad
• Baked beans
• Macaroni and cheese
• Sweet corn

These sides balance the flavors of the pulled pork perfectly.

VARIATIONS

Feel free to modify this recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:

• Different Meats: You can try using beef brisket or chicken instead of pork. Each type of meat will bring its own flavor to the dish.

• Add Spice: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy mustard instead of Dijon.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free buns to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Sweetness Level: You can adjust the honey and brown sugar depending on your sweetness preference. Less honey will produce a less sweet sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I cook the pork on HIGH or should I always use LOW?

You can cook the pork on either setting, but cooking on LOW usually gives you more tender meat. If you’re short on time, HIGH is fine.

2. Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of balsamic?

Yes, you can but balsamic vinegar gives it a unique flavor. If you use another type, like apple cider vinegar, the taste may change slightly.

3. How do I know when the pork is done?

The pork is done when it easily pulls apart with forks. A meat thermometer can also help; the internal temperature should reach 195°F for ideal shredding.

4. Is it safe to freeze pulled pork with the sauce?

Yes, it is safe to freeze pulled pork with the sauce. It will retain moisture and flavors better this way!

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Slow Cooker Balsamic and Honey Pulled Pork Sandwiches

For those looking to save time during busy days, you can prepare components of this dish ahead of time:

• Prep the Pork: Trim and season the pork roast a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

• Make the Sauce Early: You can also prepare the balsamic sauce the night before. Just reheat it when you are ready to mix it with the pulled pork.

With these tips, you will have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort on the day you plan to serve it. Enjoy crafting these Slow Cooker Balsamic and Honey Pulled Pork Sandwiches and treat your family or friends to a delightful meal!

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