Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork with Gochujang: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork with Gochujang is a unique fusion delight that combines rich, smoky barbecue flavors with the spicy, sweet kick of Korean gochujang. This dish is perfect for gatherings, parties, or any family dinner, ensuring a memorable meal that will leave everyone craving more. The blend of American and Korean cooking creates an unexpected twist that is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates. Whether you’re a long-time fan of pulled pork or new to this culinary gem, this recipe showcases how delicious fusion cuisine can be.
Imagine succulent slices of pork, slow-cooked to perfection, drenched in a luscious sauce that melds together caramelized sweetness and umami-savory flavors. The incorporation of gochujang adds a delightful depth that transforms this classic dish into something extraordinary. As you partake in this flavorful journey, you’ll discover why this is not just a meal but an experience worth celebrating.
If you’re ready to dive into a bold culinary adventure, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore all aspects of creating Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork with Gochujang—from preparation to serving ideas. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that embodies the essence of fusion cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork with Gochujang is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor and culture. Here are several reasons why this recipe will become a fast favorite in your household:
1. Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker handles all the hard work. Just set it and forget it!
2. Unique Flavor Combination: The mix of traditional BBQ with gochujang provides a one-of-a-kind taste experience.
3. Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with various accompaniments to cater to different tastes—think bread rolls, rice, or even lettuce wraps.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is perfect for parties, gatherings, or casual family dinners, guaranteed to impress your guests.
5. Rich in Flavor: The slow cooking method allows the pork to absorb all the spicy, tangy flavors, resulting in a deliciously tender dish.
6. Meal Prep Favorite: The leftover pulled pork can be refrigerated or frozen for easy meals throughout the week.
Understanding these appealing elements certainly highlights why Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork with Gochujang is a hit among home cooks. As you embark on this culinary journey, each bite will tell a story of comfort and boldness—making it a recipe worth trying.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparing Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork with Gochujang is straightforward and efficient. Here’s a breakdown of the time involved:
– Preparation Time: 20 minutes
– Cooking Time: 8 hours (low setting) or 4 hours (high setting)
– Total Time: Approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes, including prep and cooking.
This time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model, but it provides a solid estimate for your culinary planning.

Ingredients

– 3-4 pounds pork shoulder
– 1 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1 tablespoon minced ginger
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Optional: sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

To create this sensational dish, follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare the Pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks.
2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix gochujang, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Place the sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the pork chunks on top.
4. Pour the Sauce: Drizzle the gochujang sauce over the pork and onions, ensuring the pork is nicely coated.
5. Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, adding moisture for cooking.
6. Set the Cooker: Cover and set your slow cooker to “low” for 8 hours or “high” for 4 hours.
7. Check for Doneness: When the cooking time is up, check the pork; it should be tender and easily shred with a fork.
8. Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the cooker to mingle with the sauce.
9. Serve: Prior to serving, mix well to absorb the sauce fully.
These steps outline a straightforward approach to preparing Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork with Gochujang. The process is designed to be effortless, allowing you to enjoy the rich flavors without stress.

How to Serve

To bring out the best in Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork with Gochujang, consider these serving tips:
1. Use Fresh Buns: Serve the pulled pork on toasted brioche or hamburger buns for a satisfying sandwich.
2. Pair with Sides: Offer traditional sides such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans for a complete meal.
3. Create Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to create healthy wraps filled with pulled pork, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
4. Top with Slaw: Add a crunchy slaw on top of the pulled pork for texture and additional flavor.
5. Make Tacos: Transform the pulled pork into delicious tacos with avocado, cilantro, and lime.
6. Garnish: For an extra touch, sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for a burst of flavor and visual appeal.
By thoughtfully considering how you serve this incredible dish, you enhance the entire dining experience for your guests. Enjoy the journey of flavors as you share exquisite bites of Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork with Gochujang, creating lasting memories around the table!

Additional Tips

– Use Quality Meat: Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder for the best flavor and tenderness. The fat helps keep the meat juicy during cooking.
– Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the sesame seeds and green onions when serving. They add a delightful crunch and herbal freshness.
– Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of gochujang based on your spice preference. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount or choose a milder variant.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences! Here are a few variations to try:
1. Sweet and Spicy Option: Mix a bit of honey or maple syrup into the gochujang sauce for a sweeter twist that balances the heat.
2. Alternative Meat: Experiment with chicken thighs or brisket instead of pork shoulder for different textures and flavors.
3. Add Vegetables: Toss in other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots alongside the onion for added nutrition and flavor.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for 3-4 days.
– Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the shredded pork in airtight bags. It can be preserved for up to 3 months. Just remember to defrost in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment

To make your Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork with Gochujang, you’ll need a few essential tools:
– Slow Cooker: This is the star of the show! A 6-quart slow cooker works great.
– Sharp Knife: For trimming the pork and slicing onions.
– Mixing Bowl: To prepare the sauce ingredients together.
– Forks: Useful for shredding the pulled pork once it’s cooked.
– Tongs: Handy for transferring the cooked pork to your serving dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook this on the stove instead of a slow cooker?
While this recipe is designed for a slow cooker, you can adapt it to a stovetop or oven. Cook on low heat in a Dutch oven for roughly 2-3 hours until tender.
Is the pulled pork spicy?
Gochujang adds a moderate heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to adjust the amount or pair it with cooling sides like coleslaw.
What to serve with the pulled pork?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
Can I use a different type of sauce?
Certainly! While the gochujang sauce is what makes this dish unique, you can experiment with other sauces if desired, such as a traditional BBQ sauce or a sweet chili sauce.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork with Gochujang is a culinary masterpiece that brings together the best of American and Korean flavors. Its tenderness, paired with the unique sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, makes it a memorable dish that is sure to earn a place in your recipe rotation. Whether for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish will delight guests and loved ones alike. Enjoy the effortless preparation and the explosion of flavors that await during this delicious adventure!