This Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is tender, juicy, and full of flavor! Just toss your pork in with some BBQ sauce, set your slow cooker, and let it do all the hard work.
You can enjoy it on soft buns for a delicious sandwich or with a side of coleslaw. Honestly, I might just eat it straight from the pot! Who can resist? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it’s fatty and gets super tender. If you can’t find pork shoulder, a beef chuck roast can work as a substitution, though it will change the flavor.
Barbecue Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade sauce. Sometimes I mix different sauces for a unique flavor! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try a low-sugar or homemade version.
Chicken Broth: This helps keep the meat moist. If you want a richer flavor, you can use apple juice or even cola instead. Just reduce the sweetness in the sauce if you like!
Spices: This recipe features some key spices, but feel free to adjust them. Some people like a little heat, so adding cayenne pepper can spice things up!
How Do I Get the Perfect Final Shred?
Shredding the pork is a fun step! Let the meat rest a few minutes after it’s cooked. Then, use two forks to pull the meat apart. When you do this, think about pulling apart rather than slicing. The meat will shred easily and mix well with the sauce.
- Always work with cooled meat for easier handling.
- Mix it back into the sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
By taking your time with this step, you’ll ensure every bite is delicious!
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), boneless
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional)
- Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls, for serving
- Coleslaw (optional), for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pulled pork recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, plus anywhere from 4 to 10 hours to cook, depending on whether you choose to cook it on high or low. Keep in mind that the longer it cooks, the more tender it will be!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. This spice blend will add a lovely flavor to your pork.
2. Season the Pork:
Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly. This is where the magic happens—make sure every bit gets covered!
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. They’ll add great flavor to the meat as it cooks.
4. Add the Pork:
Put the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
5. Add the Liquids:
Pour the chicken broth (or water) and barbecue sauce over the pork. This will keep the meat moist during cooking.
6. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The pork should be very tender and easy to shred with a fork.
7. Shred the Pork:
Remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
8. Combine with Sauce:
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it into the juices and sauce. This helps keep it moist and flavorful.
9. Let It Soak:
Let the pulled pork cook for an additional 15-30 minutes so it can absorb even more of those yummy flavors.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the pulled pork on buns, and top it with extra barbecue sauce and coleslaw if you’d like. Enjoy your meal with family and friends!
Dig into your tender, flavorful Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork and enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Pork Shoulder?
Yes, you can use frozen pork shoulder, but make sure to thaw it completely first! Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method in a sealed bag. Cooking from frozen can extend the cooking time significantly, so it’s best to thaw for even results.
Can I Make This Pulled Pork Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make it a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat the pulled pork in the slow cooker or on the stove with a little extra barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the pulled pork in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What Can I Serve with Pulled Pork?
Besides serving on hamburger buns, pulled pork pairs well with coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or a refreshing salad. You can also enjoy it over rice or in tacos for a fun twist!