This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor! Just toss some pork in the slow cooker with spices and let it cook all day. It’s so easy!
I love how the house smells amazing while it’s cooking. Plus, it makes perfect sandwiches or tacos. You’ll want to make it every week, I promise! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This is the star of the dish; it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use pork loin, but remember it may not be as juicy.
Onion and Garlic: These add depth to the flavor. I recommend yellow onions for their sweetness, but white onions or shallots will work too. In a pinch, garlic powder can substitute fresh garlic at a ratio of 1:1/8.
Broth: Chicken broth adds a nice flavor, but you can easily use vegetable broth for a non-meat option or beef broth for a richer taste. Homemade broth is fantastic if you have it!
Barbecue Sauce: Store-bought is quick, but you can make a basic sauce by combining ketchup, vinegar, and spices. If you’re avoiding sugar, try a sugar-free or low-calorie sauce, or just add a little extra vinegar for tang.
Spices: Smoked paprika and chili powder give a nice kick. You can swap smoked paprika with regular paprika if you prefer a milder flavor. For those avoiding heat, leave out the cayenne pepper.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Shredded Pork?
Shredding the pork is where all that slow-cooked goodness shines! Here are some simple steps to ensure success:
- Use two forks to pull apart the pork. Start from the thicker end and work your way over, shredding in chunks for nice bite-sized pieces.
- Make sure to mix the shredded pork back into the juices; this keeps it moist and flavorful.
- If the pork feels tough, it may need a bit more cooking time. Just let it cook longer until it’s tender and easy to shred.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Pork:
- 4-5 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth or beef broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Buns (for serving)
- Coleslaw (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you around 15 minutes to prep, and you’ll need to let the pork cook for 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high in the slow cooker. So, it’s great for a busy day when you want to come home to a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by putting the chopped onion and minced garlic right at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will give the pork a lovely flavor while it cooks.
2. Mix the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you want a little heat). Mix it well until all the spices are blended together.
3. Season the Pork:
Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to cover all sides. This will make your pulled pork super flavorful!
4. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker. Then, pour the chicken or beef broth over the pork, and drizzle the barbecue sauce on top. This will help keep the meat moist and tasty as it cooks.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you’re cooking on low, let it go for 8-10 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high for 4-6 hours. Either way, the pork is ready when it’s tender and can easily be shredded with a fork.
6. Shred the Pork:
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and put it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. It should come apart easily!
7. Mix with Sauce:
Return the shredded pork back into the slow cooker and stir it into the yummy sauce that formed during cooking. This will ensure every bite is delicious!
8. Serve:
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve the pulled pork on buns and top with coleslaw if you like. Enjoy your savory meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes! If you prefer, you can use pork loin or a pork tenderloin, but keep in mind these cuts are leaner, so they might not shred as easily and could be a bit less juicy. Adjust the cooking time accordingly; loins generally require less time to cook.
How to Store Leftover Pulled Pork?
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it! Just pack it in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It should be good for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! To ramp up the heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the spice rub. Feel free to adjust based on your heat preference!
What Should I Serve with Pulled Pork?
Pulled pork is delicious on its own, but serving it on buns is traditional! Pair it with coleslaw for a crunchy texture or serve alongside baked beans, corn on the cob, or a refreshing salad to round out your meal.
