Maple Pulled Pork Buns

The recipe Sunday was maple pulled pork buns. A pork shoulder slow-cooked with maple syrup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, garlic. Shredded into the sauce. Piled on toasted Hawaiian rolls. Six buns for the dinner.

The recipe is below.

Maple Pulled Pork Buns

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 3–4 lb pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 soft brioche or potato buns
• Coleslaw, for topping (optional)
• Sliced pickles, for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Season the pork. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
2. Make the maple sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until combined.
3. Slow cook. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the bottom of a slow cooker. Pour the maple sauce over the top. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the pork is fall-apart tender.
4. Shred the pork. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place on a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat or bone. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the cooking juices.
5. Reduce the sauce (optional). For a thicker, more concentrated sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 10–15 minutes until slightly reduced. Pour over the shredded pork before serving.
6. Assemble the buns. Toast the brioche or potato buns lightly if desired. Pile the maple pulled pork generously onto each bun. Top with coleslaw and pickles if using. Serve immediately.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 480 | Protein: 32g | Fat: 16g | Carbs: 48g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 620mg