Pulled Pork Too Fatty: Reasons Why & How To Fix

When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a batch of pulled pork!

Moist, juicy, and full of flavour, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and my personal favourite way to serve it is piled high in a soft bread bun, with some crunchy pickles and coleslaw.

But why is your pulled pork too fatty, and what can you do to fix it?

Let’s take a look at what you need to know to rectify the problem, and prevent it from happening again in the future…

Identifying Fatty Pulled Pork

When working with pulled pork, it is essential to understand the different factors contributing to its fat content and texture.

By considering these aspects, you can select the best cuts of meat and prepare them in a way that reduces excessive fattiness and improves the overall eating experience.

Fat Content and Texture

Pulled pork is typically made from pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt.

This cut of meat has a significant amount of fat, both within the muscle tissues and as an outer layer.

The fat within the muscle, known as marbling, helps to keep the meat moist and tender during the slow cooking process.

While some fat is necessary to give the pulled pork its distinct flavour and texture, too much can leave the dish feeling greasy.

There are several ways to assess the fat content and texture of your pulled pork.

One method is to visually inspect the cooked meat, paying attention to the presence of visible fat layers and the distribution of marbling throughout the meat.

Additionally, you can determine the texture by tasting a small portion. If the meat feels excessively greasy or heavy, it may be an indication that the pork is too fatty.

Marbled Pork Cuts

When selecting a pork cut for your pulled pork, it is important to consider the level of marbling.

A well-marbled cut will have thin veins of fat running throughout the muscle, providing optimal flavour and texture once cooked.

A cut with excessive marbling, on the other hand, may result in overly fatty pulled pork that is difficult to correct during the cooking process.

When choosing your pork shoulder, inspect the meat for signs of marbling.

Look for a balance between visible fat and lean muscle, without excessive marbling dominating the cut.

This balance will help to ensure you can enjoy tender, deliciously flavoured pulled pork without the undesirable greasy texture.

Prevention and Cooking Techniques

Having pulled pork that’s too fatty can be a disappointment, but by using the right prevention and cooking techniques, it’s possible to achieve tender, flavourful, and less fatty meat.

The following sub-sections will provide helpful tips and methods on how to prevent fatty pulled pork.

Selecting the Right Cut of Meat

Begin by choosing pork cuts with a good balance of meat and fat, such as the pork butt or pork shoulder. Avoid the pork tenderloin or picnic shoulder, as these cuts tend to have more fat content.

When selecting your cut, look for a well-marbled piece with visible muscle fibres and a decent fat cap for added flavour.

Proper Cooking Temperature

Low and slow cooking is essential for achieving tender and juicy pulled pork without too much fat.

Aim for a temperature of 225°F (107°C) to 250°F (121°C), as this range allows the connective tissue and collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in tender meat that’s easy to shred.

Cooking at too high of a temperature can cause the fat to render unevenly and leave your pulled pork overly fatty.

Cooking Time and Process

The recommended cooking time for pulled pork is about 1.5 hours per pound of meat, but it’s important to remember that the exact time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the cut.

Regularly monitoring the internal temperature of the meat is key; it should reach 195°F (91°C) to 203°F (95°C) before being removed from the heat.

When it comes to the cooking process, there are a few options to consider. For example, using a smoker or grill can infuse the meat with additional flavours from the smoke.

Alternatively, an oven or instant pot can be used for a more controlled cooking environment. Regardless of the method you choose, always sear the meat first to develop a flavourful bark, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before shredding.

As for seasoning, using a rub containing a mix of spices, such as chili powder, cumin, and kosher salt, can impart great flavour to the meat without adding extra fat.

Consider incorporating a barbecue sauce with less sugar and fat as an additional layer of flavour.

Removing Excess Fat and Maintaining Moisture

During the resting phase, you can remove any excess fat by skimming it off the top of the cooking juices.

To ensure your pulled pork remains moist, you can add reduced-sodium chicken stock, apple juice, or another liquid to the meat after shredding.

This helps absorb some of the fat while keeping the meat moist, ensuring a tastier and less fatty final product.

By following these prevention and cooking techniques, it’s possible to create pulled pork with less fat while still retaining its delicious flavour and tenderness.

Fixing Fatty Pulled Pork

When it comes to making pulled pork, there is a balance between flavour and fat content. Too much fat can make the dish greasy and unhealthy. In this section, we will discuss how to fix fatty pulled pork for a delicious, mouth-watering dish.

Removing Excess Fat

Before cooking your pork shoulder or pork butt, take the time to trim off any visible excess fat. This can help reduce the fattiness of the final dish.

Additionally, once the pulled pork has been cooked and shredded, use a fork or shredding claws to remove any leftover pieces of fat or gristle.

To further reduce the fat in your pulled pork, you can de-fat the cooking juices. After the cooking process, separate the juices and chill them in the refrigerator. Skim off the solidified fat layer and discard or save for another use.

Adding Juices and Vinegar

One way to cut through fatty pulled pork is by incorporating acidic juices and vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar and apple juice are popular choices for adding tanginess and enhancing the flavour. Try using these elements in the braising liquid or as a finishing touch for your cooked pulled pork.

When cooking pulled pork in a slow cooker, Dutch oven, or crock pot, make sure to monitor the cooking liquid’s levels.

Keeping the pork moist throughout the cooking process helps tenderize the meat and reduce the overall fat content.

Using Additional Flavours and Spices

Adding flavourful rubs and spices to your pulled pork can balance the fatty taste.

A good blend of seasonings, such as kosher salt, onion powder, and brown sugar, can create a delicious flavour profile.

Experimenting with barbecue sauce or other savoury ingredients can also enhance the dish without adding excessive fat.

For best results, consider applying the rub or seasoning to the meat prior to cooking. This can help ensure the flavours meld properly and create a delicious, well-balanced end product.

By incorporating these methods, you can give your pulled pork a mouth-watering taste while effectively keeping the fat content in check.

Happy cooking!

Repurposing Leftover Pulled Pork

Leftover pulled pork can be an amazing base for creating delicious and flavourful meals.

In this section, we will discuss ways to transform your fatty pulled pork into something palatable and enjoyable, including pulled pork sandwiches, tacos and other recipe ideas, as well as freezing and storing tips.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

One of the most popular ways to serve leftover pulled pork is in a pulled pork sandwich.

To achieve tender and flavoursome pulled pork sandwiches, mix the meat with a tangy barbecue sauce and layer it over crusty bread. A

dding coleslaw will provide both crunch and freshness.

Should you still find the meat a bit fatty, you may opt to remove the excess fat by heating the pulled pork in a skillet and allowing the fat to render out before mixing with the sauce.

Tacos and Other Recipes

Transform your leftover pulled pork into tasty tacos by following a simple recipe such as these you can find here.

You can also spice up your dish by adding black pepper, garlic powder, and chilli.

Other dishes you can create using leftover pulled pork include soups, fajitas, and even Asian-inspired plates like cauliflower fried rice.

Take a look at how to serve pulled pork without bread.

Freezing and Storing Tips

To keep your leftover pulled pork usable for a longer time, store it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, along with its juices or a bit of chicken stock to maintain moisture.

If freezing, portion the pulled pork into smaller servings for easier defrosting and use.

When defrosting, do so by placing the container in the fridge overnight, and reheat the pulled pork on the stovetop, oven or even a microwave. To enhance the flavours and mask any residual fattiness, adjust seasoning and add extra sauces to taste

If you’re a keen pulled pork lover, you might want to check out more of my guides to fixing common problems…