Slow Cook Your Summer With Pulled Pork

DES MOINES, Iowa, July 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In the summer months, getting a delicious dinner on the table is still a priority -- but spending hours over a hot stove definitely isn't.  Home cooks seeking flavorful meals that require minimal effort and time in the kitchen should look no further than pulled pork, the ultimate summer meal solution. And with the help of another kitchen ally, the slow cooker, pulled pork is a surprisingly easy preparation that cooks can simply walk away from, with the confidence that a delicious meal will be as good as ready when they return.

"Pulled pork's irresistible flavor is reason enough to add it to the shopping list, but it's also a great time-saver in the kitchen. One batch of pulled pork provides delicious leftovers that can be served up in creative ways throughout the week. You won't find a more versatile ingredient that you can cook once and enjoy so many times," says Traci Rodemeyer, Director of Pork Information for the National Pork Board. "As an added bonus, slow cookers keep kitchen temperatures down, and give cooks the freedom to enjoy the summertime with their families and friends."

Pulled pork has seen a recent surge in popularity, as home cooks and chefs alike discover new ways to prepare and serve this savory favorite. Quick-service restaurants like Subway[1], Quiznos[2] and, most recently, Burger King[3] have added BBQ pulled pork sandwiches to their menus in the last year and, according to Google Insights, pulled pork recipe searches have more than doubled in the past four years.[4] Slow cookers have always been a favorite cooking method, but pulled pork preparation is as versatile as its flavor possibilities, running the gamut from the grill to the stovetop to the oven. And it can be enjoyed in countless ways beyond the bun, like in tacos and stir-fries, or on salads, pizzas and more.

Versatile Family-Friendly Menus

Hungry for new favorites? Satisfy your craving with Latin-inspired Pulled Pork Tostadas with Slaw and Chipotle Cream, a bold combination of chili-rubbed pulled pork, bright cabbage slaw and chipotle-spiced sour cream. Throughout the week, the leftover pork adds a kick of inspiration to family meals. For example:

• Soft Tacos: Turn leftover night into a fiesta with a do-it-yourself taco spread. Fill warm tortillas with pulled pork and the toppings of your choice, like fresh veggies, guacamole, salsa, cheese and more
• Fried Rice: In this quick, flavorful stir-fry, classic Americana meets Asia with a combination of leftover white or brown rice, pulled pork, diced veggies and a lightly beaten egg.
• Baked Potato: Elevate a standby side to a starring entree with the addition of flavorful pulled pork. Garnish with cheese and sour cream.

Let's Count the Ways...

To inspire new favorites and showcase the nearly endless ways food lovers enjoy their pulled pork, the National Pork Board is hosting a Facebook contest, "1,001 Plates of Pulled Pork." Pulled pork fans across the country are encouraged to share their creative spins on this summer staple, for the chance to win $3,000 and to show off their passion for pulled pork.  Entering is easy: Between July 16 and August 10, "like" the National Pork Board on Facebook and share your favorite plate of pulled pork – whether it's in your favorite sandwich, as a topping on fried rice or as a filling for DIY tacos – on the Contest tab at www.Facebook.com/PorkBeInspired. Full recipes aren't required, but photos are encouraged to bring the tasty creations to life. One grand prize winner and two first prize winners will be selected and showcased at the end of the contest. Read up on the official rules at www.Facebook.com/PorkBeInspired.

For more delicious inspiration, including mouthwatering pulled pork recipes, tips and more, visit www.PorkBeInspired.com. "Like" the National Pork Board on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PorkBeinspired, follow us on Twitter @allaboutpork and on Pinterest at www.Pinterest.com/PorkBeInspired. 

About the National Pork Board

The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold. Importers of pork products contribute a like amount, based on a formula. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, technology, swine health, pork safety and environmental management. For information on Checkoff-funded programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675 or check the Internet at www.pork.org.

[1] http://www.pork.org/News/1268/SUBWAYShowcasesBBQPulledPork.aspx

[2] http://www.quiznos.com/Menu/Signature-Subs/southern-bbq-pulled-pork-sandwich.aspx

[3] http://www.bk.com/en/us/company-info/news-press/detail/the-grill-is-on-rain-or-shine-day-or-night-burger-king-is-the-place-to-bbq-this-2862.html

[4] Google Insights, Web search Interest: pulled pork recipe; 2004 – present.

SOURCE The National Pork Board