Canned Pulled Pork Recipe

Hey y’all, today I’m thrilled to share with you a much-requested recipe: homemade canned pulled pork.

There’s something about the rich, smoky flavor of barbecue pulled pork that’s simply irresistible, and today, I’m going to guide you through the process of making your very own batch to enjoy anytime.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!

What so Special About Canned Pulled Pork?

Canned pulled pork offers convenience and versatility while retaining the irresistible flavor and tenderness of slow-cooked barbecue. It provides a shelf-stable option for enjoying this beloved dish anytime, making meal planning and preparation a breeze.

With proper canning techniques, homemade canned pulled pork maintains its quality and freshness for up to a year, allowing you to stock your pantry with a ready-to-eat meal or ingredient for various recipes. It’s a delicious and practical solution for busy households and outdoor adventures alike.

Ingredients for Canned Pulled Pork Recipe

1 small bone-in pork shoulder roast (approximately 3-4 pounds)
1½ cups chopped onion
1½ cups ketchup
½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
½ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons brown mustard
2 tablespoons honey
3 garlic cloves (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment & Tools Required

Large steel pan
Canner
Jar lifter
Funnel
Glass bowl
Paper towels
Tongs
Timer

Preparation Time: Varies
Cooking Time: 75 minutes

Recipe Directions for Canned Pulled Pork

Step-01: In a large steel pan, combine chopped onion, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown mustard, honey, and garlic cloves (if using). Stir well to combine.

Step-02: Cut the bone-in pork shoulder roast into large chunks. Add the pork chunks to the sauce mixture in the pan. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the sauce and pork mixture to a boil. Simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step-03: While the pork and sauce simmer, prepare your canner and jars. Wash the jars in hot, soapy water and keep them warm until ready to use.

Step-04: Using a jar lifter, remove a hot jar from the hot water. Fill the jar with the hot pork and sauce mixture, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top.

Step-05: Use a pokey tool to remove any air bubbles trapped in the jar. Adjust the headspace if necessary by adding more sauce. With a damp paper towel, wipe the rim of the jar to ensure a clean seal.

Step-06: Place a lid on the jar and screw on the ring until fingertip tight. Carefully place the filled jars into the canner, ensuring they are not touching. Process the jars according to your canner’s instructions for your altitude.

Step-07: Once the processing time is complete, turn off the heat and allow the canner to depressurize naturally. Once depressurized, carefully remove the jars from the canner using tongs or a jar lifter.

Step-08: Place the hot jars on a towel-lined countertop to cool. Allow the jars to sit undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours. Check the seals and store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator.

After the jars have cooled and sealed properly, you can store them in your pantry for up to a year. Enjoy your homemade canned pulled pork whenever you crave a delicious barbecue treat!

Watch How To Make

Check 2 other popular pork recipes, called

Creative Serving Ideas for Canned Pulled Pork

These serving and pairing suggestions will assist you in introducing more variety to this dish. Feel free to unleash your creativity with ideas that match your taste and preferences.

1. Classic Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Serve the tender pulled pork on soft buns or rolls with a dollop of coleslaw for a classic barbecue sandwich experience.

2. Pulled Pork Tacos: Pile the pulled pork onto warm tortillas and top with your favorite taco fixings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime.

3. Pulled Pork Sliders: Create adorable sliders by placing small portions of pulled pork on mini slider buns. Add a slice of cheese and a pickle for extra flavor.

4. Pulled Pork Pizza: Use the pulled pork as a pizza topping along with barbecue sauce, red onions, and mozzarella cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden for a delicious twist on pizza night.

5. Loaded Baked Potatoes: Serve the pulled pork over baked potatoes and top with sour cream, chives, and shredded cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal.

6. Pulled Pork Quesadillas: Layer pulled pork between tortillas with shredded cheese and your favorite toppings. Pan-fry until crispy and golden for a tasty quesadilla.

7. Pulled Pork Nachos: Pile tortilla chips high with pulled pork, cheese sauce, black beans, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then top with sour cream and guacamole.

8. Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese: Stir the pulled pork into your favorite macaroni and cheese recipe for a comforting and indulgent dish that’s sure to please.

9. Pulled Pork Salad: Add pulled pork to a bed of mixed greens and top with diced apples, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette for a satisfying salad.

10. Pulled Pork Hash: Saute pulled pork with diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers until crispy and golden. Serve with fried eggs on top for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.

URRecipe Community Tips on Canned Pulled Pork Recipe

Here are some tips to follow when trying this recipe. If you’re attempting it for the first time, these tips will assist you in creating a perfect dish on your initial try.

1. Choose the Right Cut: Opt for a boneless pork shoulder roast or Boston butt cut for the best results. These cuts are well-marbled and perfect for tender, flavorful pulled pork.

2. Prepare Ample Sauce: Ensure you have enough sauce to coat the pork thoroughly. If in doubt, it’s better to prepare a bit more sauce than you think you’ll need to avoid ending up with dry pork.

3. Keep an Eye on the Heat: When simmering the sauce and pork, be vigilant about stirring to prevent scorching, especially due to the sugars in the sauce. A steel pan is preferable over aluminum for this step.

4. Mind Your Headspace: Leave about 1 inch of headspace at the top of each jar to allow for proper sealing during processing. This ensures a safe and effective canning process.

5. Debubble Before Sealing: Use a pokey tool or spatula to remove any air bubbles trapped in the jars before sealing. This helps prevent potential spoilage and ensures a tight seal.

6. Don’t Overfill Jars: Resist the urge to overfill jars with pork and sauce. Stick to the recommended headspace to avoid issues with sealing and potential leaks during processing.

7. Follow Canning Guidelines: Adhere closely to the instructions provided by your canner manufacturer and the USDA for safe canning practices. This includes processing time, pressure, and altitude adjustments.

8. Allow for Proper Cooling: After processing, let the jars cool undisturbed for at least 12 to 24 hours. This allows for proper sealing and helps prevent contamination.

9. Check Seals Before Storage: Once cooled, check the seals on each jar by pressing down on the center of the lid. If it’s firm and doesn’t flex, the jar is sealed properly. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and consumed promptly.

10. Enjoy Responsibly: Homemade canned pulled pork can be stored in your pantry for up to a year, but always inspect jars for signs of spoilage before consuming. Enjoy your delicious pulled pork responsibly, and share the joy with friends and family!

How to Store Canned Pulled Pork

To store canned pulled pork, place sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate any leftovers promptly and consume within a few days.

To reheat, transfer desired amount to a saucepan or microwave-safe dish and heat gently until warmed through. Enjoy your delicious homemade pulled pork!

Common queries on Canned Pulled Pork Recipe

These commonly asked questions and their short answers will give you an better understanding of this Canned Pulled Pork Recipe

1. Is canned pulled pork fully cooked?

Yes, canned pulled pork is fully cooked during the canning process. It’s important to follow proper canning procedures to ensure the pork is safely preserved and ready to eat straight from the jar.

2. What liquid is good for pulled pork?

A combination of flavorful liquids such as ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar is commonly used to create a delicious sauce for pulled pork. This combination adds sweetness, tanginess, and depth of flavor to the dish.

3. Why do you put vinegar in pulled pork?

Vinegar is often added to pulled pork recipes for its acidity, which helps tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor. Additionally, vinegar contributes a tangy taste that balances the sweetness of other ingredients like brown sugar and ketchup in the sauce.

4. What is the difference between pulled pork and shredded pork?

Pulled pork and shredded pork are similar in that they both involve cooking pork until it’s tender and can be easily pulled apart with forks. However, pulled pork typically refers to pork that has been slow-cooked until it’s tender enough to be “pulled” into strands or chunks. Shredded pork, on the other hand, may be cooked using different methods and is usually shredded into smaller pieces using forks or a mixer.

5. How long can canned pulled pork be stored?

When properly canned and stored in a cool, dark place, canned pulled pork can typically be stored for up to one year. It’s important to check the seals on the jars before consuming and discard any jars that show signs of spoilage.

6. Can I freeze canned pulled pork?

While canned pulled pork is already preserved through the canning process, it is possible to freeze it for long-term storage if desired. Transfer the pulled pork to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to several months.

7. Can I adjust the seasoning in the pulled pork sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the pulled pork sauce to suit your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the amount of brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, or other seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking.

8. Can I use boneless pork for canned pulled pork?

Yes, boneless pork shoulder roast or Boston butt is commonly used for making canned pulled pork. However, you can use bone-in pork if preferred, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.

9. Can I reuse the liquid from the canned pulled pork?

The flavorful liquid remaining in the canned pulled pork jars can be used as a delicious sauce or base for soups, stews, or other recipes. Simply strain out any solids and use the liquid as desired.

10. Can I safely pull pork with barbecue sauce?

Yes, you can safely pull pork with barbecue sauce as long as you follow proper canning procedures. It’s important to use tested recipes and ensure that the acidity and thickness of the sauce meat canning guidelines to ensure safe preservation.

There you have it, folks! With just a few simple ingredients and some basic canning equipment, you can enjoy the mouthwatering flavor of homemade barbecue pulled pork anytime you want.

Be sure to let me know how your canned pulled pork turns out in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes and kitchen tips. Until next time, happy canning!

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