This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is juicy and full of flavor! Just throw some pork and spices into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you do… well, anything else!
There’s nothing like the smell of cooking pork filling the house. I love serving it with soft buns and coleslaw—perfect for family dinners or game day snacking!
I appreciate how easy it is to prepare. Just set it, forget it, and later enjoy tender, shredded goodness. It’s a tasty treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking. It’s well-marbled, making it juicy and easy to shred. If you can’t find pork shoulder, you could use a pork loin, but it may be less tender. Try to stick with cuts that are meant for low and slow cooking.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for added flavor. I love a sweet variety, but you can also go for tangy or spicy based on your taste. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider making your own to control the sugar levels.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds great acidity to balance the sweetness of the sauce. If you’re out, white wine vinegar works in a pinch, or try lemon juice for a fresh twist.
Onions and Garlic: These two are foundational for flavor. If you’re not keen on onions, leeks can be a mild alternative, and garlic powder can replace fresh garlic if you run short.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Shredded Pork?
The key to shredding the pork perfectly is cooking it long enough so that the connective tissues break down. Here’s how to make it easy:
- Once the cooking time is over (8-10 hours on low), check if the meat pulls apart easily with a fork. If it doesn’t, give it more time.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding. This helps the juices redistribute.
- Using two forks, pull the meat apart in opposite directions. It should come apart easily!
For added flavor, mix the shredded pork back into the sauce after shredding. This ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful!
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 2 onions, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice, preferably a sweet or tangy variety)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 8 burger buns
- Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll let your slow cooker do the work for 8-10 hours. Perfect for a hearty meal any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Shoulder:
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder. Then, bring out the flavors by generously seasoning all sides of the meat with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. This is where the magic begins!
2. Layer the Slow Cooker:
Take your slow cooker and place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom. This will create a delicious base for your pork to sit on while it cooks.
3. Add the Pork:
Next, carefully place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker. It’s like a cozy bed for your meat!
4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything together until it’s fully blended and smooth. This sauce is what brings the dish to life!
5. Pour the Sauce Over the Pork:
Now, gently pour the sauce mixture over the pork shoulder, making sure the meat is well coated. This will add fantastic flavor as it cooks.
6. Set It and Forget It:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat is tender and can be pulled apart easily with a fork. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
7. Shred the Pork:
Once it’s cooked, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or platter. Let it rest for a few minutes. Then, using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. It should pull apart beautifully!
8. Mix and Serve:
If you’d like, skim off any extra fat from the sauce left in the slow cooker and then return the shredded pork to the sauce. Mix it all together to coat the meat in that delicious sauce.
9. Enjoy Your Pulled Pork:
Serve the warm pulled pork on burger buns. If you want, top it off with coleslaw for some extra crunch and flavor. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder (or pork butt) is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and tenderness, you can also use pork loin or even pork ribs. However, adjust the cooking time for lean cuts like pork loin, as they cook faster and can dry out. Aim for about 6-8 hours on low for those alternatives.
What Type of Barbecue Sauce Works Best?
A sweet or tangy barbecue sauce is recommended for this recipe, as it complements the richness of the pork well. You can use store-bought sauces or make your own! Experiment with different flavors like honey, mustard-based, or even spicy options to match your taste preferences.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Sure! If you like it spicy, you can add the cayenne pepper as noted in the recipe or incorporate other ingredients like diced jalapeños, chipotle in adobo, or your favorite hot sauce. Just adjust according to your heat level preference for a delicious kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. For reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of water or extra barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
