Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Pulled Pork Recipe

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Cook Time: 300 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 6 servings.

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (3 1/2 pound) pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 3 pieces
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup whole grain mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 12 slider buns, or as needed
• 3/4 cup pickled red onions, or as needed

Directions

Begin by gathering all the ingredients for a smooth cooking process.

In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, granulated garlic, onion powder, dry mustard, and freshly ground black pepper. Once well combined, rub this spice mixture evenly over the pork pieces.

Place the seasoned pork into an 8-quart slow cooker. In another bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar.

Pour 1 cup of this Dijon mixture over the pork. Cover the remaining mixture and refrigerate it for later use.

Cover the slow cooker and cook the pork on High for 5 to 6 hours or on Low for 8 to 10 hours, flipping the pork halfway through cooking. The pork is ready when it is fork-tender.

Once cooked, transfer the pork to a cutting board and reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Discard the remaining liquid.

Whisk the reserved Dijon mixture into the reserved cooking liquid, creating a flavorful sauce.

Shred the pork using two forks, then stir it into the sauce, ensuring its well coated.

Serve the shredded pork on slider buns, topping with pickled red onions for an added burst of flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 518
• Total Fat: 13g (17% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 4g (19% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 34mg (11% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1870mg (81% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 82g (30% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (14% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 38g
• Protein: 20g (40% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 3mg (3% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 208mg (16% Daily Value)
• Iron: 5mg (27% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 392mg (8% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of Honey Mustard Pulled Pork

Honey mustard pulled pork is a modern adaptation of traditional American pulled pork, which originated in the Southern United States. Pulled pork itself dates back to the early 19th century when slow-cooked, smoked pork shoulder became a staple of Southern barbecue culture. The combination of honey and mustard as a glaze or sauce likely developed later, as American cooks experimented with sweet and tangy flavors to complement the richness of slow-cooked pork. This particular version, designed for the slow cooker, reflects contemporary convenience cooking trends, making it accessible to home cooks while retaining the tender, flavorful qualities of traditional pulled pork.

Regional Variations

Regional barbecue styles influence the flavor of pulled pork, with the South having notable distinctions. In North Carolina, pulled pork is often served with a vinegar-based sauce, while in Memphis, tomato-based sauces dominate. Honey mustard pulled pork leans toward a sweeter, slightly tangy profile, reminiscent of some Midwestern adaptations where mustard-based sauces are popular. Each region brings subtle differences in spice blends and cooking techniques, but the slow cooker honey mustard variant has become a versatile recipe appreciated nationwide for its balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Compared to traditional barbecue pulled pork, which is usually smoked over wood, honey mustard pulled pork emphasizes a slow-cooked method that uses a combination of Dijon and whole grain mustards with honey. This creates a glossy, slightly sticky sauce that clings to the pork, distinguishing it from the tomato-heavy or vinegar-heavy sauces of other variants. Unlike pork roast or ham, which is typically sliced, pulled pork is shredded, making it ideal for sandwiches and sliders. The honey mustard version also provides a distinct flavor profile that balances sweetness with a gentle pungency, making it stand out from classic smoky or spicy pulled pork recipes.

Typical Serving Context

This dish is most commonly served on slider buns or as part of a casual meal, such as a family dinner or a backyard gathering. It pairs well with pickled vegetables, coleslaw, or potato salad. Its versatility allows it to be featured in lunchboxes, picnic spreads, or even catered events. In restaurants, honey mustard pulled pork is often presented as a slider appetizer, sandwich entree, or even as a topping for flatbreads and tacos. Its rich flavor and tender texture make it a crowd-pleaser in both home and commercial settings.

Interesting Facts

• The slow cooker method allows the pork shoulder to become exceptionally tender without the need for constant attention, making it ideal for busy households.
• Honey mustard pulled pork has grown in popularity due to its approachable flavors, appealing to both children and adults.
• Pairing honey with mustard in barbecue sauces is believed to have originated in Pennsylvania and spread to other regions, blending European culinary influences with Southern barbecue traditions.
• This dish demonstrates the versatility of pork shoulder, which is affordable yet flavorful, absorbing sauces and spices effectively during long cooking times.
• Using both Dijon and whole grain mustard adds depth to the sauce, creating a balance between smooth tanginess and a coarse, textured bite.

FAQ about Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Pulled Pork Recipe

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