📖 Instructions

1. First things first, let’s get that pork shoulder prepped. Give it a good rinse under cold water, then pat it completely dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. Trust me on this one.
2. Now for the rub! In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, if you like things spicy!), and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix well.
3. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. You wanna make sure that pork is singing with flavor, alright?
4. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in your slow cooker. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth (or water), ensuring the bottom of the cooker is covered. It's not swimming in liquid, but just enough moisture for the pork to braise in.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender. It should literally shred apart with minimal effort. If it needs a bit more time, don't hesitate to add it. Better to have perfectly cooked pork than rushed pork!
6. Once the pork is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute making it even more tender.
7. While the pork rests, use two forks to shred the meat. I love this part! So satisfying to see that tender pork break down.
8. Meanwhile, let's tackle the ramen broth. In a large pot, combine 6 cups of chicken broth, 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin (a Japanese sweet rice wine–it adds great depth to the flavor!), 2 tablespoons grated ginger, and 4 cloves of minced garlic. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
9. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, for a richer, more complex flavor. If you use store-bought broth, you can just heat it up and add the flavorings listed above, reducing for less time.
10. Once the broth is simmered, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add a bit more soy sauce if it needs to be saltier, or a touch of brown sugar if it needs a bit more sweetness. It's all about balance, my friend.
11. Now that you've made that incredible broth, prepare your ramen noodles according to the package directions. Use a colander to drain any excess water.
12. Divide the noodles among four bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, then top with the shredded pulled pork. I like to add some extra toppings, like thinly sliced scallions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and even a drizzle of chili oil, for extra fun!
13. Enjoy your amazing, homemade Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Ramen! Share your masterpiece with your friends or family. Let me know what toppings you experiment with! I'm always hungry for new ideas.