Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is one of those quintessential comfort foods that speaks to the heart of American cuisine. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way it’s transformed by low, slow cooking into a tender and juicy masterpiece. With just the right balance of spice and sweetness from the BBQ sauce, every bite feels like a warm hug on a plate, making it a perfect family meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings.
Table of Contents
When I first discovered how easy it was to prepare pulled pork in a slow cooker, I felt like I had stumbled upon a culinary treasure. The aroma that fills the kitchen as it cooks is intoxicating, promising a feast that’s worth the wait. Whether it’s game day or a Sunday family dinner, this Ultimate Slow Cooker Pulled Pork will undoubtedly become your new go-to recipe. So grab your apron; let’s create something delicious that you, your family, and friends will absolutely love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prepping takes just 15 minutes, and the slow cooker does all the hard work, making this an ideal weeknight dinner.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices and tangy apple cider vinegar creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that you won’t forget.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Shredded pork can be served in a variety of ways, from sandwiches to salads, making it a fun centerpiece for any meal.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it on game days, at BBQs, or even for casual family gatherings—there’s never a bad time for pulled pork!
- Diet-Friendly Options: This recipe can easily adapt for gluten-free diets by choosing gluten-free BBQ sauce—flavor remains intact!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 5.5 lb bone-in pork shoulder (pork butt): The star of the show, providing rich flavor and tenderness. Opt for bone-in to enhance the flavor further, but boneless works too.
- 1 large yellow onion, thick-sliced: Adds sweetness and depth. You can substitute with a sweet onion or omit if you prefer a simpler flavor profile.
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed: Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness. Fresh garlic is best, though garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar: This is the acidity that balances the flavors and tenderizes the meat. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice can serve as substitutes, though the taste will vary slightly.
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed: Adds a hint of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking. You can replace it with honey or maple syrup if needed.
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika: Gives an amazing smoky flavor that elevates the dish. Regular paprika can be a substitute, but the flavor will shift.
- 1 tbsp kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the pork evenly. Regular table salt will work, but reduce the quantity slightly.
- 1 tbsp black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and enhances overall flavors. You can use white pepper for a subtler taste.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Ideal for an extra garlicky kick without the need for more fresh garlic.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Provides a depth of onion flavor without extra texture.
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper: Just enough for a gentle heat; adjust based on your heat preference.
- 1.5 cups BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand for the best flavor. If you’re adventurous, homemade BBQ sauce can take this pulled pork to another level.
- ½ cup reserved cooking liquid (strained): Infuses extra moisture and flavor back into the pulled pork after shredding.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Pat the Pork Dry: Start by patting the pork shoulder completely dry using paper towels. This crucial step will help the dry rub adhere better to the meat.
Prepare the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup packed brown sugar, 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp cayenne pepper to create a flavorful dry rub.
Massage the Rub: Take your mixture and massage it lovingly into every crevice of the pork shoulder. Ensure it has a thick, even coating to maximize flavor development while cooking.
Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the thick-sliced yellow onion and smashed garlic cloves at the bottom of the slow cooker. This will create a flavor base and prevent the meat from sticking. Pour ½ cup apple cider vinegar around the onions—carefully avoiding the meat—before placing the seasoned pork shoulder on top, fat-side up.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover your slow cooker and set it to Low for 8-9 hours. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 205°F and shreds effortlessly with a fork—a truly satisfying moment!
Broil for Texture: Once fully cooked, preheat your oven’s broiler. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large baking sheet. Shred the meat using two forks, discarding any large pieces of unrendered fat. Strain the leftover liquid from the slow cooker to reserve for later use.
Finish with BBQ Sauce: Drizzle ½ cup of the reserved cooking liquid and 1.5 cups of your chosen BBQ sauce over the freshly shredded pork. Broil for 3-5 minutes until the edges are crispy and caramelized.
Storing & Reheating
After enjoying your homemade pulled pork, let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months—just be sure to label your container. When reheating, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or reserved cooking liquid for moisture, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for an even heat. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but a little BBQ sauce will help refresh its flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- When massaging the dry rub, don’t skimp on the flavoring; a good coat ensures a delicious taste throughout.
- Always check the internal temperature; it’s the best way to ensure your pork is perfectly cooked.
- For easier shredding, let the pork rest for a few minutes after cooking; this allows the juices to redistribute.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauces for unique flavor combinations—that way, you can have pulled pork night every week without it feeling repetitive!
- If you want a smoky flavor without smoked paprika, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the cooking liquid.
Using the Ultimate Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe, you’ll not only create an incredibly delicious dish but also experience the joy that comes with sharing hearty, home-cooked meals. The combination of inviting aromas and mouthwatering flavors will make you want to savor every bite.
Whether you’re serving it piled high on a bun with slaw or as is with sides like mashed potatoes and greens, this pulled pork will surely become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—play with spices, sauces, and sides.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder (or pork butt) is ideal for pulled pork due to its fat content and flavor, you can also use pork loin. However, it may not be as juicy since it has less fat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free! Just ensure you choose a gluten-free BBQ sauce and check that the other ingredients, such as seasonings, are also free from gluten.
Can I cook this on high heat instead of low heat?
Yes, if you are short on time, you can set the slow cooker to High for about 5-6 hours instead of cooking it on Low for 8-9 hours. Just be aware that cooking on low allows the flavors to meld more fully and tenderizes the meat better.
How can I add spice to the pulled pork?
To kick up the heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the rub, or mix in your favorite hot sauce during the cooking process. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sliced jalapeños or chipotle peppers for a smoky heat.
PrintMore Main Dishes Recipes
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📖 Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 495 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy the mouthwatering taste of Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, made easy with simple prep and flavorful ingredients. Perfect for quick dinners and gatherings!
Ingredients
- 5.5 lb bone-in pork shoulder (pork butt)
- 1 large yellow onion, thick-sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar
- 0.25 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1.5 cups bbq sauce
- 0.5 cup reserved cooking liquid (strained)
Instructions
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne for the dry rub.
- Massage the rub into every crevice of the pork shoulder for an even coating.
- Place sliced onions and smashed garlic in the slow cooker bottom.
- Pour apple cider vinegar around the onions but avoid pouring it on the meat.
- Put the seasoned pork on top, fat-side up.
- Cover and cook on Low for 8–9 hours until meat reaches 205°F and shreds easily.
- Once cooked, preheat the oven broiler.
- Remove the pork and shred it on a large baking sheet, removing large fat pieces.
- Strain the liquid from the slow cooker and drizzle 0.5 cup of it and 1.5 cups of BBQ sauce over the shredded meat.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes until edges are crispy.
Notes
Ensure the pork is dry before applying the rub for better adhesion.
Adjust the level of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
The reserved cooking liquid adds moisture and flavor back to the pulled pork.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 930mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 123mg
