Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork has become a beloved staple in American kitchens. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—a generous hunk of pork shoulder slowly transforms into tender, flavorful shreds that practically melt in your mouth. Picture a warm sandwich piled high with luscious pulled pork, dripping with barbecue sauce and topped with crunchy slaw, a combination that hits all the right notes.
Table of Contents
I first tried making Slow Cooker Pulled Pork during a busy week when dinner needed to be both delicious and hassle-free. Once I tasted that first bite, I was hooked! It’s incredible how just a few simple ingredients can come together to create such a satisfying meal that leaves everyone at the table asking for seconds (and maybe thirds). Whether it’s for game day, casual gatherings, or just a cozy family dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Plus, the best part? The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you enjoy your day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and the slow cooker doing the hard work, you’ll have a meal ready without any stress.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of herbed seasoning, tangy apple cider vinegar, and sweet barbecue sauce creates layers of flavor that are delicious.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a satisfying family meal—everyone loves a good pulled pork sandwich!
- Easy Clean-up: With just one pot to clean, you can enjoy your meal without worrying about a mountain of dishes afterward.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on toasted buns, with rice, or even over a baked potato—there are endless ways to enjoy this dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder: This cut is ideal for slow cooking as it becomes tender and juicy with long cooking times, perfect for shredding.
- 2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning: This blend enhances the pork’s natural flavors. Any herb mix will do, but I love a combination that includes rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
- ½ cup barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make a homemade version for a personal touch. This adds the sweet and smoky depth to the flavor profile.
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar: The acidity balances the richness of the pork and adds a nice tang. You can substitute it with white vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Keeping the pork moist while cooking is essential, and the broth adds a savory depth. If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches
Rub the Seasoning: Begin by rubbing the 3 pounds of boneless pork shoulder with 2 tablespoons of herb and garlic seasoning. Make sure to coat it evenly, massaging the seasoning into the meat for maximum flavor. This is where the flavor journey begins!
Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together ½ cup of barbecue sauce, ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, and ¼ cup of chicken broth. Stir well to combine, and you’ll see how it all comes together to create a delicious marinade.
Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker and pour the prepared sauce mixture over the top. This step ensures that every inch of that pork is infused with the rich flavors as it cooks.
Cook the Pork: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 205 degrees. You’ll know it’s close when the kitchen is filled with the fragrant aroma of cooking meat!
Shred the Pork: Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, allowing it to soak up those heavenly juices.
Mix the Juices: Before serving, add about ¼ to ½ cup of the cooking juices back to the shredded pork to retain moisture and flavor. Discard any remaining juices or save them for another dish if desired. If you like your sandwiches extra saucy, feel free to mix in additional BBQ sauce to taste.
Storing & Reheating
To store, let the leftover pulled pork cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. In the fridge, it can stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Keep in mind that textures may alter slightly upon reheating, so a little moisture is key!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Dry Pork: Make sure to monitor the cooking time closely. Overcooked pork can lead to dryness. If your slow cooker runs hot, check for doneness earlier.
- Room Temperature: For more even cooking, take the pork shoulder out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking, allowing it to come to room temperature.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra flavor kick, mix in some smoked paprika or a touch of cayenne pepper to your herb seasoning for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Use for Leftovers: Any leftover pulled pork makes fantastic toppings for nachos, tacos, or even a savory breakfast burrito.
- Make Ahead: Consider making a big batch and storing individual portions for quick meals throughout the week.
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe lies in its ability to bring comforting flavors to your table without the fuss. With each bite, you get tender, juicy pork bursting with a delicious barbecue flavor. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your servings, whether on a soft bun, atop a salad, or served with your favorite sides. The possibilities are endless!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Absolutely! While boneless pork shoulder is recommended for its tenderness, you can use pork butt, pork loin, or even chicken thighs for shredded meat. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly.
How about seasoning alternatives?
If you don’t have herb and garlic seasoning on hand, other seasoning blends like taco seasoning or even a simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder can work beautifully. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination!
Can I cook pulled pork on high heat?
Yes, you can certainly cook the pork shoulder on high heat for 4-5 hours. Just keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook, as cooking times can vary based on the slow cooker model.
What can I serve with pulled pork?
Pulled pork is incredibly versatile! Pair it with coleslaw and pickles for a classic sandwich or serve with cornbread, baked beans, or a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete meal. Don’t forget the extra BBQ sauce for drizzling!
Now that you’ve got this recipe in your back pocket, gather your ingredients and get ready for an unforgettable meal. There’s nothing quite like homemade Slow Cooker Pulled Pork to bring comfort and joy to your table. Happy cooking!
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📖 Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 255 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: 101|Main Dishes
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork offers irresistibly tender shredded pork infused with rich flavors from BBQ sauce and spices. A perfect solution for quick dinners and gatherings, this dish is a must-try for anyone wanting a homemade meal without fuss!
Ingredients
- 3 pound boneless pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning
- 1/2 cup bbq sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Rub the pork shoulder with herb and garlic seasoning and place it in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth before adding to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork's internal temperature reaches 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the pork from the cooker and shred it using forks.
- Return about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the cooking juices back to the shredded pork and discard the remaining liquids.
- If desired, add more BBQ sauce to taste.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the BBQ sauce amount to suit your taste preferences.
Use the leftover shredded pork in sandwiches, tacos, or on a salad for additional meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 117mg
