Family Friendly Fun for Everyone
Slow Cooked, Sweet, Savoury, and Smoky
I remember my first taste of sweet, smoky pulled pork. One of my favourite memories is visiting my grandpa's and smelling the hickory sitting in the cold Northern Alberta air. I loved the smell of that slow cooked tender protein, the sweet sauce, and the crispiness of the bread- a recipe straight out of a chef's dream. The dinners with plates full of sandwiches, laughing and enjoying the summer- those are the best moments I can remember. It makes me hungry to even think about! I can't wait any longer, so let's get into which cut will give you the most delicious result!
Which Pork Cut Is Best
My grandpa taught me that before getting started we need to determine which pork cut we want to start with. Pulled pork is most commonly made using the pork shoulder, which he always called a picnic roast; he always taught me to leave the bone in for added flavour. I grew up on a farm, and cost is always of primary concern. Luckily, pork shoulder is cheap! It allows you to master the craft before moving on to pricier choices. Compared to more expensive options like brisket, I've found it to be far more forgiving while providing excellent results for a family friendly meal. Next, we'll discuss some of the other methods that may be used!
Brine a Picnic Roast
People think pulling and shredding are the same, but the end result will tell you otherwise. It's not just about the pork cut that you choose! After thousands of pounds of pork, I've noticed that pulling or shredding are nothing alike. When I find that my protein is a little dry, I shred and add coleslaw, or more sauce. When I get the chance to brine before starting and have succulent, juicy pork to work with, I leave larger pieces that burst with flavour. Preparing in advance with a proper brine not only introduces taste and juiciness, but it also helps to reduce the need for sauce, giving a healthier option - as we will discuss next.
Nature's Favourite Protein
History says pulled pork isn’t a traditionally "healthy" family friendly alternative. My grandpa would whole-heartedly disagree. When prepared intentionally, I've found many small changes that can be made that contribute to a healthy diet. I always pay close attention to the breads and sauces I choose, and then I try to remember to skip that delicious pile of crispy fries (don't worry - all the time spent preparing that picnic roast makes it better). Being extremely high in protein, I've found very few options that provide such a delicious and filling meal at such a low price - let's talk about that.
Pulled Pork, Worth More Than It Costs
In my experience, pork is usually the most cost-effective option possible. In order to provide a healthy but affordable option for my family, I wanted to make sure to save every penny. I researched and discovered that for over 60 years pork has been one of the most affordable sources of protein that is available. According to the USDA, the price of pork is less than half of beef! My friends who raise pigs on their farm have mentioned that the pigs will eat anything they can get their snouts on, and turn it into delicious pork. Since they're so cheap to feed, pigs can be raised in large volume, and the sandwiches can be made quickly, it is often cheaper for businesses all throughout the supply chain.
