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Steps
### How to Make a Delicious 4th of July Pulled Pork: A Step-by-Step Guide
#### Introduction
Pulled pork is a classic dish that's perfect for celebrating Independence Day. The slow-cooked meat becomes tender and juicy as it simmers in a flavorful marinade, making it the centerpiece of any patriotic barbecue gathering. Follow these detailed steps to prepare your 4th of July pulled pork.
#### Ingredients
- 1 whole pork shoulder (about 5 pounds)
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
#### Equipment
- Large slow cooker or Dutch oven
- Aluminum foil
- Large bowl
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing spoon
- Meat thermometer
### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Marinade**
- In a large bowl, mix together apple cider, apple juice, Worcestershire sauce, honey, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. **Marinate the Pork**
- Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Pour the marinade over it, ensuring that the meat is fully submerged.
- Cover with a lid if using a slow cooker, or loosely cover the pot if cooking on the stove.
3. **Cooking Time and Temperature**
- If using a slow cooker, set it to low heat for 8-10 hours or until the pork is fork-tender.
- For stove-top cooking, bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook, covered, for about 2-3 hours.
4. **Check Temperature**
- Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork shoulder. The internal temperature should reach at least 190°F (88°C). This ensures that the meat is cooked through and safe to eat.
5. **Shred the Pork**
- Once done, remove the pork from the cooking vessel. Let it rest for about 20-30 minutes so the juices redistribute.
- Using two forks, shred the pork into smaller pieces until it resembles pulled pork.
6. **Serve**
- Serve the pulled pork hot with your choice of side dishes such as coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob. It also pairs well with traditional barbecue buns for sandwiches.
### Tips and Variations
- For extra flavor, consider adding a few cloves of garlic or some fresh herbs like thyme to the marinade.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the amount of honey in your recipe.
- To enhance the smoky flavor, add a few pieces of smoked paprika or even a chipotle pepper for an added kick.
### Conclusion
By following these detailed steps, you can create a mouth-watering 4th of July pulled pork that will be the star of any patriotic barbecue. Enjoy your cooking and have a happy and safe holiday!
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