Description

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is a simple, flavorful, and tender dish that transforms pork shoulder into juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat with minimal effort. Perfect for casual dinners or parties, this recipe combines a blend of spices, BBQ sauce, and slow cooking to deliver a versatile and comforting meal loved by the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt can be substituted)
1 large onion, sliced
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup BBQ sauce (regular or sugar-free/low-sugar)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Variations and Add-ins

Cayenne pepper or hot sauce (for spicy kick)
1/4 cup pineapple juice or 2 tablespoons honey (for sweet and tangy)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika or a few drops liquid smoke (for smoky flavor)
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme (for herb infusion)

Instructions

Prep the Pork Shoulder: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the spice blend evenly all over the meat to build a flavorful crust during cooking.
Sear the Meat (Optional): Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned for added flavor and caramelization. This step is optional.
Layer the Slow Cooker: Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker as a flavor base. Lay the pork shoulder on top, then pour BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and any additional liquids or variations over the meat gently.
Slow Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook the pork for 8 to 10 hours. This slow cooking breaks down connective tissues to render the meat tender and juicy.
Pull and Mix: After cooking, remove the pork and let it rest for 10 minutes. Shred the meat using two forks, then return the pulled pork to the slow cooker. Mix thoroughly with the cooking juices and sauce to absorb all the flavors.

Notes

Choose pork shoulder or pork butt for best results due to ideal fat content and marbling.
Generously season before cooking to develop a rich crust and flavor.
Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Let the meat rest before shredding to redistribute juices for a juicy texture.
If sauce is too thin, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 350
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, pulled pork recipe, slow cooker pork shoulder, BBQ pulled pork, easy pulled pork, shredded pork