Apple Cider Pulled Pork (Paleo, Whole30)

Whole30 pulled pork cooked with apple cider in a white dish with 2 forks

4.75 from 8 votes

Apple Cider Pulled Pork (Paleo, Whole30)

Apple Cider Pulled Pork is smoky, tangy and slightly sweet. It's easy to make and can be made ahead of time! Use either a slow-cooker or Instant Pot and it'll make your kitchen smell amazing!

Note: cook time is for the slow-cooker version. The Instant Pot method will take about 90 minutes total, depending on the size of the pork.

Prep Time25

Cook Time8

Total Time8 25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 296kcal

Author: Don Baiocchi

Ingredients

1 tablespoon fine sea salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons black pepper
1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1½ teaspoons ground ginger
½ teaspoon cayenne (or more if you want it spicier)
3-3½ lbs. boneless pork shoulder/butt
1 tablespoon avocado oil or ghee
¾ cup 100% pure apple cider
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 Granny Smith apple (or your favorite apple)

Instructions

Prep the pork:

Mix all the spices together in a small bowl.
Untie (if necessary) and pat dry the pork shoulder with paper towels. There's likely a large fat cap running along one side of the pork. You can leave this on or, if it's very thick, you can trim it off with a large paring knife. You do want some fat to make sure the meat stays moist so try not to trim all of it away.
Coat the pork with the spice mixture. Really rub it in to every nook and cranny and be sure to get every side of the pork, including the ends.

For the slow-cooker:

Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large pan or the slow-cooker insert (if it's stovetop safe).
Sear the meat on both sides until dark brown and caramelized, about 8 minutes per side. If searing in a pan, add the meat to the slow-cooker.
Combine the apple cider and apple cider vinegar and pour around the pork (don't pour it right on top of the pork or it'll wash away all the spices you just rubbed in).
Cook the pork on low for 7 hours.
When it's done, core the apple and cut it into 8 slices. Meaning: cut it in half, cut those halves in half, and now cut those pieces in half. You should end up with 8. (Don't do this before the pork is ready or the apple will brown.)
Add the apple slices around the pork, cover and cook on low for one more hour.
Shred the meat with two forks either in the pot or in a separate bowl. Toss the meat in the sauce to make sure it's all coated and serve with the apples.

For the Instant Pot:

Set the IP to Saute and heat the oil.
If the pork is too big to fit in one piece, pull apart or cut the meat up into 2-3 large pieces. Sear the meat on both sides until dark brown and caramelized, about 8 minutes per side. Hit Keep Warm/Cancel.
Combine the apple cider and apple cider vinegar and pour around the pork (don't pour it right on top of the pork or it'll wash away all the spices you just rubbed in).
Use the Manual function to set your IP to 60-75 minutes, depending on the size of your pork.
When done, hit Keep Warm/Cancel and let the pressure release naturally (about 20 minutes). Try to shred one small part of the pork with two forks. If it's easy to shred, it's done. If it's still tough, add another 5-15 minutes.
When it's done, core the apple and cut it into 8 slices: cut it in half, cut those halves in half, and now cut those pieces in half. You should end up with 8. (Don't do this before the pork is ready or the apple will brown.)
Remove the meat to a bowl. Hit the Sauté button to bring the sauce to a simmer. Add the apple slices and cook, stirring and flipping occasionally, until just slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Hit the Keep Warm/Cancel button.
While the apple cooks, shred the meat with two forks. Toss the meat in the sauce to make sure it's all coated and serve with the apples.

Notes

No apple? If using the slow-cooker, cook the pork on low for 8 hours. If using the IP, you can shred the meat right in the pot or remove it to a bowl/cutting board to shred and add it back to the sauce.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. You'll notice the fat rises to the top of the liquid. You can remove some if you want but be sure to keep some so the meat stays moist.

This apple pulled pork can also be frozen (minus the apple slices) for up to 3 months in an air-tight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheat it for a few minutes in the microwave or over medium heat on the stove.

Nutrition