Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is a fantastic dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and tastes amazing. The combination of tender pork, flavorful spices, and your favorite barbecue sauce makes it a favorite for family gatherings, game days, or casual dinners. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing you more time to relax while your meal cooks to perfection.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Making Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is simple and requires minimal effort. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions
- Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together the garlic, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub this mixture over the pork shoulder, then place it in the slow cooker on top of the onions.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and then return it to the cooker to combine with the juices.
- Serve on buns or with your favorite sides.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is very versatile. You can serve it on soft buns for sandwiches, with coleslaw on the side, or as a main dish with your favorite sides like corn, baked beans, or mac and cheese. Adding extra barbecue sauce can enhance the flavor and make it even more enjoyable.
How to Store Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
If you have any leftovers, storing Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is easy. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to separate it into portions for easy reheating later.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Let the pork rest for a few minutes after cooking before shredding for easier handling.
- Adjust the spices and barbecue sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- For extra flavor, marinate the pork shoulder overnight with the spice mixture before cooking.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with different barbecue sauces or add some chopped peppers or jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can also serve it with different toppings like pickles or sliced onions for added taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, you can use pork loin or pork butt, but they may cook differently. Pork shoulder is recommended for its tenderness.
2. Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop instead?
While the slow cooker is ideal, you can cook the pork on the stovetop in a large pot. Just ensure you maintain a low heat and cover it, cooking for about 3-4 hours.
3. Is it safe to eat the leftover pulled pork after a few days?
Yes, as long as it is stored properly in the refrigerator. Just make sure to reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F before eating.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
A fantastic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, featuring tender pork and flavorful spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together the garlic, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub this mixture over the pork shoulder, then place it in the slow cooker on top of the onions.
- Cover and cook on low for 480-600 minutes or on high for 240-360 minutes, until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and then return it to the cooker to combine with the juices.
- Serve on buns or with your favorite sides.
Notes
Choose well-marbled pork shoulder for the best flavor. For extra flavor, marinate the pork shoulder overnight with the spice mixture before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
