BBQ Pulled Pork Skewers with Pickled Red Onions

Imagine yourself at a backyard barbecue on a warm summer evening, surrounded by friends and family, the smell of smoky BBQ filling the air. In the center of it all is a platter of BBQ pulled pork skewers with pickled red onions, a delicious and unique twist on a classic dish.

History and Origins

BBQ pulled pork skewers with pickled red onions have their roots in traditional Southern barbecue cuisine. Pulled pork is a staple in Southern cooking, with its origins dating back to the early days of American history. The addition of pickled red onions adds a tangy and refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the pork.

Reasons to Make BBQ Pulled Pork Skewers with Pickled Red Onions

1. Impress your guests with a unique and flavorful dish
2. Experience the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors
3. Enjoy a fun and interactive way to eat BBQ pulled pork

What Makes This Dish Different and Unique

What sets BBQ pulled pork skewers with pickled red onions apart from traditional pulled pork sandwiches is the presentation and flavor profile. Serving the pork on skewers makes it easy to eat and adds a fun twist to the dish. The pickled red onions provide a burst of tangy flavor that complements the rich and smoky pork perfectly.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into cubes – The main ingredient for the dish, pork shoulder is perfect for slow cooking and shredding.
• 1 cup BBQ sauce – Adds a sweet and smoky flavor to the pork.
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced – The pickled red onions add a tangy kick to the dish.
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar – Used to pickle the red onions.
• 1/4 cup sugar – Balances out the acidity of the vinegar.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Enhances the flavors of the dish.

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure to trim and cut the pork shoulder into cubes. Thinly slice the red onion for pickling and gather all the other ingredients you will need.

Cutting Techniques

When cutting the pork shoulder, make sure to trim off any excess fat and cut it into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking. For the red onion, slice it thinly to allow the pickling liquid to penetrate evenly.

Kitchen Tools Required

To make BBQ pulled pork skewers with pickled red onions, you will need a slow cooker or Instant Pot for cooking the pork, skewers for assembling the skewers, a grill or oven for finishing the skewers, and basic kitchen utensils like knives and cutting boards.

Temperature and Timing Guide

Cook the pork shoulder in the slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours or in the Instant Pot on high pressure for 60 minutes. Once the pork is cooked, assemble the skewers and grill or bake them at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the pork is caramelized and tender.

Common Issues and Solutions

• If the pork is tough, it may need to cook longer in the slow cooker or Instant Pot.
• If the pickled red onions are too tangy, you can add a bit more sugar to balance out the flavors.

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Instructions

1. Cook the pork: Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker or Instant Pot with BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook until tender and easily shredded.
2. Pickle the red onions: In a small bowl, combine sliced red onions, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Assemble the skewers: Thread the cooked pork onto skewers, alternating with pickled red onions.
4. Grill or bake the skewers: Cook the skewers on a grill or in the oven until the pork is caramelized and the onions are slightly charred.
5. Serve and enjoy: Serve the BBQ pulled pork skewers with pickled red onions hot off the grill for a delicious and unique twist on a classic dish.

Prep and Cooking Time

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 8-10 hours (slow cooker) or 60 minutes (Instant Pot) + 10-15 minutes (grilling/baking)

Nutritional Value

Each serving of BBQ pulled pork skewers with pickled red onions contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal option.

Tips for Restaurant Quality Results

• Use high-quality BBQ sauce for the best flavor.
• Don’t skimp on the pickled red onions – they add a unique and tangy kick to the dish.
• Make sure to cook the pork until it is tender and easily shredded for the best texture.

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Alternative Ways to Change the Recipe

If you’re looking to change up the recipe, you can try using different cuts of pork, such as pork tenderloin or ribs, for a different flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different types of BBQ sauce or pickling liquids to customize the dish to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

BBQ pulled pork skewers with pickled red onions are a delicious and unique twist on a classic dish that is sure to impress your guests. With the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for any backyard barbecue or summer gathering. So fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and enjoy this flavorful and fun dish together!