Canning is a time-honored method of preserving food, and there's nothing quite as delectable as homemade pulled pork packed in a jar. This versatile dish not only brings the taste of southern barbecue to your pantry, but it also offers convenience for quick meals. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let’s dive into how to can pulled pork, with helpful tips and techniques to ensure delicious results every time.
What Is Pulled Pork?
Pulled pork is a slow-cooked dish made from pork shoulder or butt, seasoned with a blend of spices, and usually cooked until it’s tender enough to be shredded. The beauty of pulled pork lies in its flavor, versatility, and the various sauces that can enhance its taste. This makes it ideal for sandwiches, tacos, or just served on its own.
The Benefits of Canning Pulled Pork
Before we get started, let’s talk about why you should consider canning pulled pork:
- Convenience: Having jars of pulled pork ready to go means you can whip up a meal in minutes.
- Long Shelf Life: Canned pulled pork can last up to a year in your pantry.
- Custom Flavors: You can experiment with different seasonings and sauces to suit your tastes.
What You'll Need: Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
- 5-6 pounds of pork shoulder or butt
- Salt and pepper
- Your favorite BBQ rub (homemade or store-bought)
- BBQ sauce (optional)
- Water or broth
Equipment:
- Pressure canner (essential for meat preservation)
- Canning jars (pint or quart, depending on your needs)
- Canning lids and bands
- Jar lifter and funnel
- Large pot for cooking
Step-by-Step Guide to Canning Pulled Pork
1. Prepare the Pork
Start by trimming excess fat from the pork shoulder. While some fat is necessary for flavor, too much can result in greasy canned pork. Cut the pork into manageable chunks for easier cooking.
2. Season Generously
Rub the pork with salt, pepper, and your chosen BBQ rub. Let it marinate for at least an hour; overnight in the fridge enhances the flavor even further.
3. Cook the Pork
In a large pot, sear the pork over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor. Once browned, add a little water or broth to help it steam, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 4-6 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
4. Shred the Meat
After cooking, remove the pork from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat using two forks. If you want to mix in BBQ sauce, this is the time to do it!
5. Prepare the Canning Jars
While you’re shredding the meat, prepare your canning jars by washing them in hot soapy water, or run them through the dishwasher. Set your pressure canner to preheat according to manufacturer instructions.
6. Fill the Jars
Using a funnel, pack the shredded pork into the jars, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top. If desired, add a little BBQ sauce or liquid (water/broth) to ensure the pork is moist. Clean the rim of the jar with a clean cloth to ensure a proper seal.
7. Seal the Jars
Place the canning lids on the jars and screw the bands on until they are fingertip-tight. Do not overtighten, as gas needs to escape during processing.
8. Process the Jars
Place the jars in the pressure canner and process according to your canner's instructions. Generally, pint jars need about 75 minutes and quarts around 90 minutes at 10-15 pounds of pressure, depending on your altitude. Always refer to the specific guidelines based on the type of meat and the elevation of your location.
9. Cool and Store
Once processing is complete, turn off the heat and let the pressure canner cool down naturally. Once it’s safe to open, remove the jars using a jar lifter. Place them on a clean towel to cool completely. Ensure that the jars have sealed properly (the lid should not pop when pressed).
10. Enjoy Your Canned Pulled Pork!
Label your jars with the date and store them in a cool, dark place. When you're ready to enjoy, simply open a jar, heat, and serve it with your favorite sides or sauces.
Fun Fact: A Bit of Barbecue History
Did you know that pulled pork is deeply rooted in Southern culinary tradition? The dish was popularized during the 18th and 19th centuries as a celebratory food. Barbecue parties often involved slow-cooking pork, bringing together families and communities in a festival of flavors.
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Pulled Pork Meals
Once you have your canned pulled pork ready, here are some serving ideas to get your taste buds dancing:
- Classic Sandwich: Pile pulled pork on a bun with coleslaw and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
- Taco Night: Serve pulled pork in corn tortillas topped with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- Pulled Pork Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, cheese, jalapeños, and your favorite toppings for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Conclusion: Start Canning Today!
Canning pulled pork is not just a way to preserve food; it’s a celebration of flavor and tradition. With these steps, you can create delicious, ready-to-eat meals that capture the essence of southern barbecue right in your pantry. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and techniques along the way. Happy canning!
