Apple Jack Pulled Pork Buns

Apple Jack Pulled Pork Buns

We're using apple juice and whiskey to produce one of my favorite versions of pulled pork. Which, by the way, we're not pulling it, it's more like smashing. Speaking of smash, the name comes from the fact that this was originally made with Jack Daniels®, but you can use any whiskey you want, like I did, or not at all. This is served with a very mustardy and acidic slaw specifically made to pair with the sweet pork.

Preparation Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
2 hr
Total Time
2 hr 20 mins
Calories
530 Calories

Recipe Instructions

Step 1
Cut pork shoulder into 2-inch chunks. Transfer to a stew pot. Add onion, garlic, kosher salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Pour in bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar, and apple juice. Stir to combine.
Step 2
Place over high heat and bring to a simmer; stir and reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer until meat is fork-tender, about 2 hours.
Step 3
Use a spider strainer to transfer meat mixture to a bowl and set aside.
Step 4
Turn heat back to medium-high and reduce cooking liquid to about 75%, skimming the fat off of the top if desired.
Step 5
Reduce heat to low, stir in reserved pork, and use a potato masher to break pork into smaller pieces. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, to heat through and make sure pork absorbs sauce, 2 to 4 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6
For best results, refrigerate for 8 hours, or overnight.
Step 7
Meanwhile, combine cabbage, peppers, green onions, mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne for slaw in a large bowl. Mix very well. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours.
Step 8
Reheat pork the next day over medium heat, stirring often. Stir in chopped chives.
Step 9
Mix mustard slaw well and drain off any excess moisture. Serve pork with mustard slaw on sesame seed buns.

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cups apple juice
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ⅓ cup bourbon whiskey
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 ½ pounds pork shoulder roast
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, or to taste
  • 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
  • 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard, or to taste
  • 8 sesame seed burger buns
  • 4 cups finely shredded Savoy cabbage
  • ⅔ cup thinly sliced green bell pepper

Categories

Similar Recipes You May Like

Roasted Apples and Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Apples and Brussels Sprouts

Pork Chop and Cabbage Casserole

Pork Chop and Cabbage Casserole

Pineapple Sunrise

Pineapple Sunrise

Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Slow Cooker Pork Loin Roast with Brown Sugar and Sweet Potatoes

Slow Cooker Pork Loin Roast with Brown Sugar and Sweet Potatoes

Tender and Juicy Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Tender and Juicy Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Pozole Rojo (Mexican Pork and Hominy Stew)

Pozole Rojo (Mexican Pork and Hominy Stew)

Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Apples

Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Apples