Chinese Braised Pork Shoulder - Recipe by Cooks and Kid (2024)

FAQs

What is a good braising liquid for pulled pork? ›

Liquid smoke – Liquid smoke is used to imitate the flavor created by smoking foods. A little goes a long way. I typically use the Hickory variety, Vegetable broth – Vegetable broth is added to the pork to keep it moist as it braises.

In China, the most loved pork belly dish has to be Hong Shao Rou/红烧肉, known in English as red braised pork belly or red-cooked pork belly. Pork belly chunks are braised with soy sauce, rice wine, sugar and spices to create a complex taste: salty, sweet, aromatic and umami.

Unlike the more lean tenderloin and chops, pork shoulder is an incredibly forgiving cut of meat. It becomes more tender as it cooks and benefits from a lengthy cook time, so even if it stays on the heat a few minutes too long, you won't suddenly end up with something dry or rubbery.

During the braising process that fat melts, keeping the meat moist, unctuous, and flavorful. But pork shoulder also features a thick layer of fat on one exterior side. If the pork shoulder is rind- or skin-on, that fat is located under the skin, otherwise it will be apparent on one side of the cut.

Additionally, spray chicken broth or apple juice on the meat to prevent it from losing more moisture in the crockpot. To add a strong flavor during the process, white wine can also be sprayed. You can shred the pork during smoking or in the crockpot.

It's always best to brown the meat before braising as this makes the meat look more attractive and adds extra flavor, although some say that the meat tastes sweeter not being browned.

Pork shoulder benefits from long, slow cooking that tenderizes the meat and melts the fat. The best cooking methods for pork shoulder are braising or stewing, but it may also be fried, baked, or made into ground pork.

As the meat is cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees F, the collagen breaks down and turns into gelatin, making the meat tender and flavorful. However, if the pork is cooked too long, it may become dry and hard instead of tender.

If they aren't fall apart tender, they usually are undercooked. Temperature is the key. I cook mine from 225°~250°, not by time, but by temp. I leave it sealed up in the kettle for at least the first 2 hours as long as temps are stable, and after 2 hrs., I rotate the butt 180° to make sure it cooks evenly.

To ensure your braise doesn't dry out, make sure you check it throughout its cooking time. After the meat has cooked for 90 minutes, start checking it every 20-30 minutes or so. This is a good way to keep it from overcooking and becoming dry or tough.

Should pork shoulder be cooked in a liquid? ›

A pork shoulder (Boston But or the picnic portion) does not need water. The pork will produce a lot of liquid as it cooks. Just cook it on low. Our tendency is to drown meats in a slow cooker and that's not necessary.

Both pork and beef are high in proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. However, beef tends to have more calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol than pork. Pork may be a better choice, then, if you're trying to manage your blood cholesterol levels.

It can be broth, wine, beer, or any other flavorful liquid. The broth is a good all-purpose liquid, as it is flavorful and adds moisture to the meat. Wine can also be used, and it will add a deep flavor to the braised dish.

You can use just about any liquid you happen to have on hand; white or red wine, vinegar, vermouth, beer, stock, or even water all work. Those little browned bits add an intense depth and richness to the braising liquid, making the finished dish even more flavorful.

Should pulled pork be covered in liquid in a slow cooker? You don't need much liquid to slow cook pork since it releases juices while cooking when using the low setting.

While I highly recommend using apple cider for this pulled pork, if you can't find any you could substitute with apple juice. You could also do half apple juice and half a beer (trust me, it goes well)! Just be sure to use natural – no sugar added – apple juice.