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Fall calls for cozy comfort, and Apple Cider Pulled Pork delivers with its Tender Slow-Cooked Pork perfection. This juicy pork dish blends sweet apple cider and savory spices, ideal for sandwiches or tacos. With easy prep, Apple Cider Pulled Pork is a must for weeknights or gatherings. Dive into this flavorful delight!

Why You’ll Love Apple Cider Pulled Pork

Set-and-Forget Ease: Pop Apple Cider Pulled Pork in the slow cooker and relax.
Versatile Meals: Transform this fall-apart pork into sandwiches, bowls, or tacos.
Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet-savory Apple Cider Pulled Pork wins over kids and adults.
Meal-Prep Star: Leftovers make weeknight dinners a breeze with Apple Cider Pulled Pork.
Fall Flavors: Apple cider and spices create a cozy, irresistible dish.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this juicy pork dish (serves 6–8):

For the Pork:

2.5 lb (1.1 kg) pork tenderloins (or pork shoulder)
2 tbsp (30ml) avocado oil
1 small yellow onion (100g), diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup (240ml) apple cider

For the Seasoning:

3 tbsp (45g) coconut sugar or brown sugar
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp smoked paprika

Equipment

Instant Pot or slow cooker
Large skillet (if searing)
Tongs
Two forks (for shredding)
Cutting board

Ingredient Tips

Pork: Tenderloin keeps this fall-apart pork lean; shoulder adds richer flavor.
Apple Cider: Fresh cider brings sweetness; apple juice is a fine substitute.
Sugar: Coconut or brown sugar balances the tangy sauce; maple syrup works too.
Paprika: Smoked paprika deepens the flavor; regular paprika is milder.
Oil: Avocado oil is neutral; olive oil is a great alternative.

Directions

Let’s make this Apple Cider Pulled Pork—a perfect Tender Slow-Cooked Pork!

Sear the Pork

I set my Instant Pot to sauté and heat 2 tbsp avocado oil.
I cut 2.5 lb pork tenderloins into 4-inch chunks and sear for 2 minutes per side until golden for Apple Cider Pulled Pork.
I remove and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, I sauté 1 diced onion for 2–3 minutes until soft, then add 3 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute until fragrant, building flavor for Apple Cider Pulled Pork.
I turn off the sauté function.

Cook Under Pressure

I return the pork to the Instant Pot over the aromatics.
I sprinkle with 3 tbsp coconut sugar, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, 2 tsp chili powder, and 2 tsp smoked paprika, then pour in 1 cup apple cider for Apple Cider Pulled Pork.
I secure the lid, seal the valve, and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release to ensure Tender Slow-Cooked Pork.

Shred and Serve

I remove the lid and let the pork rest for 10 minutes.
Using two forks, I shred the meat in the pot, mixing with the juices for moist Spicy Pulled Pork.
I taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes (Instant Pot) or 6–8 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 45–55 minutes (Instant Pot) or 6–8 hours (slow cooker)
Servings: 6–8 (¾–1 cup per serving)
Calories: ~250–300 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 10g carbs, 25g protein, 10g fat, 1g fiber

Variations

Try these twists on this juicy pork dish:

Pork Swap: Use pork shoulder for richer Tender Slow-Cooked Pork.
Spicy Twist: Add ½ tsp cayenne or a diced jalapeño for heat.
Liquid Swap: Replace cider with root beer or broth plus 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar.
Sweet Swap: Use maple syrup instead of sugar, inspired by Layla Cooks’ Sun Dried Tomato and Mushroom Pasta.
Veggie Boost: Stir in ½ cup sautéed bell peppers after shredding Spicy Pulled Pork.

Storage

I store this fall-apart pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; flavors deepen over time. For freezing, I portion into freezer-safe bags with some cooking liquid for up to 3 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of cider, stirring until warm, or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Pile Apple Cider Pulled Pork on brioche buns with coleslaw for stunning flavor.
Garnish: Add pickles or cilantro for a tangy crunch.
Pairing: Serve with sweet potato fries or Layla Cooks’ Coconut Cooler to balance Spicy Pulled Pork.
Portion Size: ¾–1 cup per person for sandwiches or mains.
Occasions: Ideal for fall dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about Spicy Pulled Pork:

What’s the best pork cut for Spicy Pulled Pork?
Tenderloin is lean; shoulder is richer for Tender Slow-Cooked Pork.

Can I use a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on low for 6–8 hours for Spicy Pulled Pork.

What can I use instead of apple cider?
Apple juice or broth with vinegar works for Spicy Pulled Pork.

How do I keep Spicy Pulled Pork moist?
Mix with cooking juices after shredding for juicy results.

Can I make Spicy Pulled Pork spicy?
Add cayenne or jalapeños for a kick in this dish.

More Dinner Recipes

Conclusion

Apple Cider Pulled Pork is a cozy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for fall or any comfort craving. This Tender Slow-Cooked Pork is a must-try. Make Apple Cider Pulled Pork, share with loved ones, and savor the sweet-savory delight!

Apple Cider Pulled Pork

Apple Cider Pulled Pork is a cozy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for fall or any comfort craving. This Tender Slow-Cooked Pork is a must-try. Make Apple Cider Pulled Pork, share with loved ones, and savor the sweet-savory delight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 15

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

For the Pork:

2.5 lb 1.1 kg pork tenderloins (or pork shoulder)
2 tbsp 30ml avocado oil
1 small yellow onion 100g, diced
3 garlic cloves minced
1 cup 240ml apple cider

For the Seasoning:

3 tbsp 45g coconut sugar or brown sugar
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp smoked paprika