Why is my pulled pork not shredding?

Chef's answer
It's undercooked. The meats will only shred when it has sufficiently cooked and the fibers have broken down. I'd be concerned that 4 hours in a crock pot doesn't cook the middle to a safe temperature. You need to let it cook until it's falling apart.
Frequently asked Questions 🎓
Bottom Round does not shred. Different muscle structures, without as much collagen to make everything goey and soft. Bottom round is a roasting cut (or grinding). You can get it to shred, but it involves cooking it for about 10 hours.
It's undercooked. The meats will only shred when it has sufficiently cooked and the fibers have broken down. I'd be concerned that 4 hours in a crock pot doesn't cook the middle to a safe temperature. You need to let it cook until it's falling apart.
Smoked pork holds better whole and the spectacle of breaking it up in front of your guests adds impact. Pulling pork after the butt is cold. Don't. If for some reason you can't pull it while still warm, you will need to slowly reheat it.
The ideal method for achieving a hand pulled look to your shreds is by shredding hot....Benefits to shredding hot:
  • Muscle fibers are easier to shred.
  • Shredding reduces temperature significantly, saving time and energy in the chill cycle.
  • Fine shreds are only possible if you shred hot.
  • It gives you a more hand-pulled look.
The secret to reheating pulled pork without drying it out If you are cooking your pork in advance, keep it in one piece and only shred it after you have reheated it. By keeping your pork butt whole, you retain more of the moisture and avoid the dreaded dry-out commonly associated with reheated meat..
Tips for how to shred chicken breast Shred chicken while it's warm. Warm chicken shreds much easier than cold. If you want to slice your chicken breasts for sandwiches and salads, then cold is the way to go. Stir some of the cooking liquid back into the shredded chicken for moist, flavorful shredded chicken.
Smoked pork holds better whole and the spectacle of breaking it up in front of your guests adds impact. Pulling pork after the butt is cold. Don't. If for some reason you can't pull it while still warm, you will need to slowly reheat it.
A few more cooking questions 📍