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Flavorful New Years Appetizers Dinner Bowl with Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

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A smoky, tender pulled pork slow cooker recipe perfect for New Year’s appetizer parties or casual family meals, served in a flavorful dinner bowl with fresh toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • Fresh lime wedges
  • Optional: sour cream or Greek yogurt for topping

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice blend all over the pork shoulder, coating every nook. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour in apple cider vinegar and chicken broth around the pork. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  3. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred using two forks. Discard large chunks of fat. Return shredded pork to slow cooker and stir in barbecue sauce. Cook uncovered on low for another 15-20 minutes.
  4. Cook rice according to package instructions (about 15-20 minutes). Rinse and drain black beans if using. Warm corn kernels briefly in a skillet or microwave.
  5. Assemble dinner bowls by spooning rice into each bowl, topping with black beans, corn, pulled pork, avocado, shredded cheese, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze lime wedges over the top.
  6. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Trim most fat from pork shoulder but keep a little for flavor. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain heat. Use forks to shred pork for best texture. Adjust chili powder for desired heat level. If pork seems dry after shredding, stir in reserved cooking liquid or extra barbecue sauce. Let assembled bowls rest 10 minutes before serving for flavor melding. Use almond flour or gluten-free BBQ sauce to make gluten-free. Swap Greek yogurt for dairy-free coconut yogurt for dairy allergies. Seasonal swaps include roasted butternut squash for corn in winter.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, dinner bowl, New Years appetizers, barbecue, easy recipe, family meal, slow cooker pulled pork

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