Pork becomes the star:
So we cooked a lot of chicken dishes. I mean, A LOT. And folks loved them. But we had a few customers (mostly men and wives looking to make their man happy) ask for more beef and pork dishes. We didn’t blame them, eating chicken every night does not a well-rounded diet make, although it can make a well-rounded person. (laughter)
When we catered, we made a pork loin that was super delicious and I will get to posting that in a week or two. We often had the “ugly end” of a pork loin that we needed to use and that had lots of good meat on it, but just wasn’t picture worthy, ya know? All that fattiness that makes for less than pretty chops or loin makes for super tasty meat, though. So we slow cooked it to tenderize it in its own fatty juices, along with a beer and a coke and a healthy dose of spicing. You can use these same spices with a pork butt in the crockpot. Easy and delicious.
This is great as a base for barbecue pork sandwiches with baked beans and potato salad. Or maybe with a brown onion gravy over mashed potatoes, green beans, and hot rolls. Or spiced up with taco seasoning and salsa for nachos with Mexican rice and black beans. I could go on and on, but I’ll just provide the basic recipe and let you run with it.
Pulled (Shredded) Pork
Pork Loin (5-6 lb. is the usual size found in your grocery store) Use the whole thing or cut pork chops out of the pretty end and freeze those for later. Put the rest in the crockpot.
12 oz. beer (pale ale, preferably)
8 oz. Coca Cola (not Dr. Pepper, not Pepsi, not RC Cola – Coca-Cola)
1 Tbs. salt
1/2 Tbs. black pepper
1 Tbs. Rib Rub (or your favorite pork seasoning)
2 cups water (or to cover)
(You can also add a bottle of barbecue sauce if you already know that’s how you’re gonna use it. Or a jar of mild Salsa Verde for nachos or tacos. If you do, reduce your water a little.)
Turn crockpot on low.
Place loin inside.
Pour coke and beer over it.
(And barbecue or salsa if you want)
Add seasonings.
Add water.
Cover and cook for 6-8 hours on low (8-10 for a whole loin)
Shred and eat!