Jamie Oliver's Pulled Pork: A Delicious Oven-Baked Recipe

Jamie Oliver's recipes are renowned for their fresh ingredients and approachable techniques. This guide focuses specifically on achieving tender, flavorful pulled pork using his style – adapted for oven cooking for ease and convenience. We'll explore the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your pulled pork is a resounding success.

Ingredients for Jamie Oliver Inspired Pulled Pork (Oven Baked)

While a precise Jamie Oliver pulled pork oven recipe might not exist publicly, we can create one inspired by his cooking philosophy, emphasizing fresh, quality ingredients:

• 3-4 lb Pork Shoulder (Butt): This cut is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Look for a well-marbled piece.
• 1 Large Onion, Chopped: Provides sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 Carrots, Roughly Chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and color.
• 2 Celery Stalks, Roughly Chopped: Adds another layer of savory flavor and texture.
• 4 cloves Garlic, Crushed: Essential for aromatic richness.
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
• 2 tbsp Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth, characteristic of pulled pork.
• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar: Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin: A warming spice that complements the pork.
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano: Adds an earthy, herbaceous note.
• 1 tsp Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• ½ tsp Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
• 1 cup Chicken Stock (or Apple Cider Vinegar for a tangier flavor): Keeps the pork moist during cooking.
• Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: For serving (Jamie Oliver often uses simple, homemade sauces).

Step-by-Step Instructions: Oven Baked Pulled Pork

1. Prepare the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps it brown properly.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Season the Pork: Season the pork shoulder generously with smoked paprika, brown sugar, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning into the pork thoroughly.

4. Sear the Pork: Add the seasoned pork shoulder to the pot and sear it on all sides until nicely browned. This step adds depth of flavor.

5. Add Liquid and Braise: Pour in the chicken stock (or apple cider vinegar). Bring to a simmer, then cover the pot tightly.

6. Bake: Transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Cook for 4-5 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 190-195°F (88-91°C).

7. Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the pot and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.

8. Reduce the Sauce (Optional): Remove the excess fat from the braising liquid. Simmer the liquid uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce.

9. Combine and Serve: Add the shredded pork back to the pot with the reduced sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Serve on buns with your favorite coleslaw and BBQ sauce.

Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork

• Low and Slow: The key to tender pulled pork is low and slow cooking. Don't rush the process.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures the pork is cooked through to a safe internal temperature.
• Don't Overcrowd the Pot: Give the pork enough space to brown properly.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
• Get Creative with BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite.

This recipe offers a delicious and accessible approach to making pulled pork, inspired by Jamie Oliver's emphasis on fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques. Enjoy!