This Sunday my boyfriend and I will be running in our very first 5k. I’m so scared….like petrified. We moved into a new apartment a couple months ago, which happens to be right next to the beach. When we moved we promised each other and ourselves that we would try our hardest to not take living by the water for granted and that we would make the most of beach living. I guess it has sort of become our suedo “resolution” for the year….so far, so good!
Something we’ve taken up due to the move are beach runs. It’s honestly something I NEVER thought I would be doing. I like a good yoga and spin class a few times a month and have even dabbled in a little barre, but running…noooo thank you. I’ve tried going for runs in the past and it’s always ended up the same…I get dressed, get my ‘pump up’ playlist set up, fill up a bottle of ice water for when I return, then somehow 2 hours later I’m still at home avoiding the run and then it never happens. I’m such a lazy procrastinator sometimes!
Anyway, I have no idea why, but this time around things are different. Maybe it’s because we’re both so committed and we’re doing it together, but it seems to have gotten easier to actually push myself out the door and get my legs moving. It’s totally weird and kind of freaking me out, but I also sort of love it. So back to this Sunday, yep we’re running our first 5k together the morning of Super Bowl and we’re both really excited with a very healthy side of terrified. I know for many people 3.1 miles doesn’t seem like much at all, but I’m totally not one of those people. Not to mention, about a month after the Super Bowl run, my sister and I will be participating in a 10k together up in Santa Barbara (both our alma mater). I’m pretty sure I’m in way over my head, but I’m hoping I’ll survive both runs…although the jury’s still out….like what if I trip on my shoelace and fall over? or what if I somehow get lost? (I know in a sea of 10,000 runners, this might seem difficult…I’m just sayin’) OR the worst… what if I straight up have a meltdown during the middle of the run?! Helpful tips and suggestions from anyone who has participated in this kind of stuff is very, very welcome and appreciated!!
Something that’s keeping me a little more motivated about the run this Sunday and having to get up early, is that fact that I’ll be making these pickled pulled pork sandwiches. Plus the timing couldn’t be better; I’ll be able to set the pork shoulder up in the morning before we head out the door and by the time we’re home and everyone’s ready to eat the shoulder will be totally melt in your mouth soft and ready to shred and serve.
This is actually the only dish I make in a slow cooker. I never grew up eating slow cooker meals, simply because slow cookers are just not something my family used. This though in my opinion is the perfect slow cooker dish because it’s so easy and mindless to throw together with mouthwatering and ‘punch you in the face’ flavorful results….and now I’m thinking I might dabble around with this slow cooker a little more. Maybe tomato braised oxtails?! We shall see. Any tips for this slow cooker novice is also very much appreciated! :) If you’re looking for a super delicious yet easy Super Bowl dish…here you go! Don’t want to make sandwiches?…no problem, turn them into tacos! Enjoy! xx, Jenny
More pork recipes you might like:
Slow Cooker Pickled Pulled Pork Sandwiches
INGREDIENTS
- 1 (5-6 lb.) boneless pork shoulder
- 1 (20 ounce) jar pepperoncini’s with juices
- 1 (16 ounce) jar pickled okra with juices
- 1 (16 ounce) jar pickled mixed vegetables with juices
- 1 (8 ounce) jar pickled banana peppers with juices
- 1 cup pickled jalapenos, optional
- 12 ounces beer/lager of choice
- ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
- 14 to 18 slices thick cut white bread, lightly toasted
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise, divided
INSTRUCTIONS
- Generously season pork shoulder with salt and pepper then place into a slow cooker.
- Pour pickled ingredients into slow cooker followed by beer and top with onions, garlic and thyme. Add another dash of salt and pepper and place lid over contents.
- Set slow cooker to high and cook for 6 to 7 hours, until shoulder is soft and easily falling apart.
- Transfer pork shoulder into a large dish and scoop vegetables over the meat.
- Using two forks, shred meat and vegetables together until completely shredded.
- Spread each slice of toasted bread with some mayonnaise and top half of the slices with a heaping cup of pickled pulled pork. Top each pile of pulled pork with the remaining pieces of toasted bread, gently pressing down. Serve immediately.
NOTES
- *The Cuisinart 3-in-1 Cook Central was gifted to us by Cuisinart. All of our opinions are our own!*
Did you make this recipe? We want to see!
tag @SpoonForkBacon and #SpoonForkBacon on Instagram
Just made the pork, and I am drooling in anticipation to put these on sandwiches once my boyfriend is ready for dinner. Its so tender and fabulous. Thank you!
@Jenny – yum, brisket!
I’m looking to make this recipe but realized that the crock pot that we have is too small for the ~6.5lb pork shoulder we took home today…
The dutch oven, however, is big enough to fit this lovely large piece of meat. I was looking into conversion times and was wondering if you had any advice?
I’m thinking 4-5 hours in the dutch oven, braising on the stove top with medium heat. Thoughts?
Hi Vanessa, that should be fine! I’ve also cooked it in the oven, covered at 325 for about 4 hours. Good luck!…although maybe this was for the Super Bowl? Which in that case, I hope it turned out okay!
I’m definitely making this sometime soon. I use my slow cooker all the time, I love it. But I do have a question regarding your cooking times. Are you sure about the 6 to 8 hours on HIGH? Most of the slow cooker recipes I use call for 6 to 8 hours on LOW.
You can stop at 5-6 hours for this recipe, but going up to 8 hours with only make the pork softer (but not mushy!) and more flavorful :)
This looks great! Might have to rethink my Super Bowl Sunday menu!
I’m no running expert, but I did just complete my first half marathon of the year. I devour all information on running. With a 5k, don’t be scared!! I would recommend pasta or potatoes for dinner the night before. Have a TBS of peanut or almond butter for breakfast (30-45 minutes before the run) and follow it up with a half & half gatorade water mix (8-12 oz max). If you’ve been training, and you are mentally prepared and properly hydrated you will do GREAT. Good luck!
Jenny. you go girl! I give you all the credit in the world. I suck at running. I look like I am dying while also pooping when I try to run, not good! I love all the pickley goodness in this. I have a small slow cooker so I don’t think that big pork shoulder would fit in it. I’m going to try and use a smaller cut and make this for my Super Bowl Party.
Hahaha! I look like I’m dying and pooping at the same time too! Not my best look, but I do appreciate the support!
Also, who needs running when soon you’ll be chasing your little one all over the place!! xx
Love this post! I’m new to your blog, but it’s part of my regular reading now. This recipe looks delicious. I love the pickled vegetables idea. I make Italian Beef this way (with a few differences listed below) with just a jar of pepperoncini, but I think I’ll use giardiniera next time.
Slow Cooker: Get a really hard sear on your meat after seasoning, then throw your onions in the pan and scrape up the burned bits for a few minutes, and deglaze with the pickle liquid before adding it all to the slow cooker to maximize the flavors. This is how I make Italian beef, and I’ve done it without the sear and deglaze method, but it’s so much better with the extra step, which you could do the night before if you want.
5K: Warm up! It’s easy to get swept up in the pre-race action, and forget to really warm up your body. My first race, I lined up for the 5 mile instead of 5K, which I was soo not prepared for. I started way too fast, forgot to warm up, and ended up with a cramp before the first mile. Don’t hesitate to walk if you need to. You can walk most races and still not be last. I’m a super-slow, like turtle in molasses slow, runner, and I wasn’t last. Listen to your body, and you’ll be fine. Also, don’t wear anything new. Pick something you normally run in that makes you feel good to avoid any weird rubbing, bunching, etc. Good luck!
Hooray for taking the racing plunge! There will be so many other runners and volunteers and signs that you won’t get lost, don’t worry :) And trust me, if you have a midrace meltdown, runners are super-supportive people … someone will talk you through it, even if you don’t know them.
This looks so good! Is there anything that can be substituted for the beer/lager though? I don’t drink and hate the taste of alcohol – I can’t even have red wine gravy =].
I would think that ginger beer would be delicious in this
I’d use a broth as a substitute.
This looks delic! I’m married to a Southerner who loves his pulled pork, so we’ll def need to try this recipe. And as a former runner (who has some injuries & can’t run anymore), I will say that races made me SOOO nervous beforehand. Right before the gun went off I would actually feel like I would vomit (never did, cuz it’s just nerves), but then as soon as you take your first step the nerves are completely gone! So I think you’ll be fine once you’re actually running the race :)
I have to show this to Eric. He just made pulled brisket and went bonkers over it. Next up: pulled pork!
My mouth may have salivated A LOT at the mention of pulled brisket. That is all. ;)
that video is adorable! and the recipe looks great. good luck with the 5K!
My wife uses the slow cooker a whole lot more than I do. With two kids keeping her on the run the slow cooker is always a nice change, just load and go! I’m going to put this one on the list of “possible” for the big game night. Mouthwatering. Thanks!
I made a smoky pulled pork over the weekend, this one looks like a great salty/spicy variation! can’t wait to try it!
I love pulled pork sandwiches, and I think this will be in our Super Bowl menu. Thanks for the great recipe!
What a lovely post, Jenny. I’ve had a slow cooker for 2 years an have yet to make anything it despite my printing out at least 20 different recipes that I could make. Your pickled pulled pork sandwiches look DELICIOUS!
An official congratulations in joining the running world! It amazes me sometimes that I’ve been running for over 7 years, but I’ll say it becomes quite addictive. I personally have a love/hate relationship with running – love how it makes me feel, hate that I have to wake up much earlier to fit running in, but it’s a great activity! You’ll do fine in your 5K, I’m sure. I’m guessing you won’t be the first place finished, but also won’t be the last place finisher either. Not sure I have many tips other than enjoy it and take a walk break if you need to. I’m sure you won’t forget how to run when you get out there and i’ll go much better than you think. As far as the 10K, you’ll be in the same camp as me (soon), waking up early or trying to fit in time for training. I am always happiest when I finish a run, a great feeling of accomplishment and all the endorphins to make me happy for the next few hours. Good Luck to you and your boyfriend on the run!