Savory Pulled Pork with Black Currant Sauce

This savory pulled pork recipe is a delightful combination of tender meat and a tangy black currant sauce. It's perfect for cozy dinners and festive gatherings. The pork shoulder is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat. A blend of spices, brown sugar, and garlic coats the meat, adding a depth of flavor. The addition of a unique black currant sauce enhances the richness of the dish, giving it a slightly sweet and fruity finish. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to serve the pulled pork in a variety of ways. Whether you're using it as a filling for burgers, tacos, or enjoying it as a traditional roast, this dish is sure to please. The preparation process is simple, requiring minimal active work, making it a great choice for both novice and seasoned cooks. With tips and variations included, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste. It's a comforting and indulgent meal that your family and friends will love.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 kg pork shoulder
300 ml black currant sauce
4 large onions

Spices and Seasonings

4 tbsp dark brown sugar
2 tbsp sweet paprika powder
2 tbsp salt
2 tbsp crushed garlic
1.5 tsp hot paprika powder
2 tbsp olive oil for greasing the baking pan

Preparation Time

Total Time: 7 hours
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours and 50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix the dark brown sugar, sweet paprika powder, hot paprika powder, salt, and crushed garlic until well combined.
Slice the Onions: Peel the onions and cut each into two halves. Further slice each half into three pieces.
Prepare the Pan: Grease the inside of a deep baking pan with olive oil. Spread the sliced onions evenly over the bottom of the pan.
Season the Pork: Thoroughly rub the pork shoulder with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides.
Arrange Ingredients: Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onion slices in the pan.
Add the Currant Sauce: Pour the black currant sauce over the pork and onions in the pan.
Cover the Pan: Tightly cover the pan with aluminum foil, ensuring the edges are sealed to trap in the moisture.
Start Cooking: Preheat your oven to 150°C. Place the covered pan in the oven and cook for 6 hours.
Uncover and Continue Cooking: After 6 hours, remove the aluminum foil and cook for an additional hour to allow the meat to caramelize and develop a deeper flavor.
Check for Doneness: Ensure the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Shred the Pork: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the pork. One fork holds the meat steady while the other pulls it apart into thin strips.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the shredded meat and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt and spices to taste.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the pulled pork in a variety of ways as suggested below.
Plate and Enjoy: Transfer the pulled pork to a serving platter and garnish with your choice of toppings or sides.

Tips

Substitutions: Replace black currant sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce for a traditional flavor.
Cooking Tool: Use a slow cooker for an even more hands-off cooking process.
Thicken Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it on the stove to thicken before pouring it over the pulled pork.

Variations

For a Spicier Kick: Add more hot paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to the spice rub.
Sweet and Spicy Version: Include honey or maple syrup to balance the heat with sweetness.
Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all seasonings and sauces are gluten-free certified.

Serving Suggestions

Burgers: Serve the pulled pork on toasted buns with coleslaw and pickles.
Tacos: Use as a filling in soft tortillas and top with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and avocado.
Traditional Roast: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.

Best Places

Porky’s Paradise - Renowned for its unique pulled pork variations, including fruit-infused sauces.
Location: 123 BBQ Way, Memphis, USA.
Pulled Pork Palace - Famous for its hearty, flavorful pork dishes served in a cozy, rustic setting.
Location: 45 Roasthouse Road, Kansas City, USA.
Flavors of the Farm - Mixes traditional recipes with modern touches, known for its melt-in-the-mouth pulled pork.
Location: 678 Heritage Blvd, Adelaide, Australia.
Gourmet Grills - Exquisite dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients, a must-visit for pork lovers.
Location: 9 Tasting Court, Cape Town, South Africa.
Bull’s Eye Bistro - Offers a creative twist on classic pulled pork recipes, perfect for foodies.
Location: 234 Culinary Avenue, Toronto, Canada.
Carnivore’s Haven - Features a vibrant menu with various meat options, including a standout pulled pork in blackberry sauce.
Location: 321 Flavor Lane, Wellington, New Zealand.
Bistro BBQ - Combines outdoor grilling techniques with gourmet flavors, offering a unique dining experience.
Location: 56 Smoky Road, Austin, USA.
Taste of Tradition - Blends cultural influences with classic recipes, excelling in flavorsome pulled pork.
Location: 167 Heritage Street, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Epicurean Endeavors - Known for its focus on sustainable, organic ingredients, providing a healthy twist on pulled pork.
Location: 118 Greenway Blvd, Vancouver, Canada.
Meat Market Café - Integrates local and global cuisines, offering an eclectic menu featuring pulled pork.
Location: 411 Spice Route, Johannesburg, South Africa.