Pulled pork is a dish with tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork infused with a rich blend of spices and a tangy homemade barbecue sauce, this dish is perfect for family gatherings, backyard barbecues, or a cozy night in. The best part? You can set it and forget it while your slow cooker does all the work!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will adore this pulled pork slow cooker recipe for its incredible flavor and simplicity. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become incredibly tender, while the spices meld together beautifully, creating a mouthwatering experience. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights or meal prep, as you can easily make a large batch that can feed a crowd or provide leftovers for the week. Plus, it can fit various lifestyles, whether you’re a busy parent, a meal prepper, or just someone who loves good comfort food.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for a pork shoulder or pork butt, as these cuts have the right amount of marbling and fat for optimal flavor and tenderness.
- Sear the Meat: For even more depth of flavor, consider searing the pork in a skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Layering Flavors: Add diced onions and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the pork. This will infuse the meat with flavor from the start.
- Adjust Sauce: If you like it spicy, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the barbecue sauce. For a sweeter profile, consider adding brown sugar or honey.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: While the slow cooker is forgiving, overcooking can lead to dry meat. Stick to the recommended cooking times and check for doneness.
- Not Shredding Properly: Use two forks to shred the meat, making sure to break apart any larger chunks for even flavor distribution.
- Skipping the Rest Period: Let the meat rest for about 10-15 minutes after cooking for the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist final product.
Make Ahead Tips
For busy cooks, this recipe is a dream! You can marinate the pork overnight with your spice rub for maximum flavor. Additionally, the barbecue sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Cooked pulled pork can also be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months, making it a great option for meal prep.
Recipe Variations
- BBQ Sauce Swap: Experiment with different barbecue sauces—try mustard-based, vinegar-based, or even homemade versions.
- Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the slow cooker for a spicy kick.
- Different Meats: Swap out pork for chicken or beef brisket for a different take on pulled meat.
How to Serve
Serve your pulled pork on a soft brioche bun for the ultimate sandwich or pile it onto a plate with a side of coleslaw for a classic Southern meal. Drizzle with extra barbecue sauce and top with pickles for added flavor. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Pairing Suggestions
Complement your pulled pork with a cold craft beer or a refreshing iced tea. For sides, consider classic coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. For dessert, a slice of pecan pie or a bowl of peach cobbler would be the perfect sweet ending to your meal.
How to Store
Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the pork in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or barbecue sauce to keep the meat moist.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (alternatively, a Dutch oven can be used for stovetop cooking)
- Sharp knife for shredding
- Mixing bowl for seasoning and sauce
- Tongs for handling the pork
Dietary Adaptations
To make a vegan version, substitute the pork with jackfruit or tempeh and use a plant-based barbecue sauce. For gluten-free diets, ensure your barbecue sauce is gluten-free and serve on gluten-free buns.
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer, pair your pulled pork with fresh, seasonal vegetables like corn on the cob or heirloom tomatoes in a salad. In winter, consider serving it with hearty sides like mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables.
Cost Breakdown
This pulled pork recipe is budget-friendly, with an estimated cost of around $15 for the entire dish, serving about 8 people. To save even more, you can look for sales on pork shoulder or buy in bulk.
Kitchen Hacks
- Quick Garlic Peeling: Smash the garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife to make peeling easier!
- Onion Tears: Chill your onions in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting to reduce tears.
- Shredding Meat: If you have a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment to shred the pork quickly!
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use a different cut of meat? Yes! While pork shoulder is preferred, other cuts like pork loin will work, but may not be as tender.
- How do I know when it’s done? The meat should shred easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of at least 190°F for ideal tenderness.
- Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot; reduce the cooking time to about 60-70 minutes on high pressure.
How To Make pulled pork slow cooker recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Additional Time: 10-15 minutes (resting)
- Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes – 10 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4-5 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Detailed Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mix all over the pork shoulder.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Place the diced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seared pork shoulder on top.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the pork.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
6. Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Shred using two forks and mix in any remaining sauce.
7. Serve on buns with additional barbecue sauce and your favorite toppings.
Final Thoughts
This pulled pork slow cooker recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience—a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and comfort. Whether you’re hosting a party or planning a cozy dinner for yourself, this dish is sure to impress. With minimal effort and maximum taste, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and most importantly, share the deliciousness with your loved ones!
