There’s something truly comforting about pulling apart a piece of slow-cooked pork, the tender, juicy meat practically falling apart at the seams. This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is not just any ordinary dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures, perfect for those laid-back weekends or to impress a crowd. The rich aroma wafting through your kitchen as it simmers is an invitation for everyone; the moment they catch a whiff, they’ll know something delicious is on the horizon.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

When I first ventured into making pulled pork, I was astonished at how effortlessly the slow cooker transformed a simple pork shoulder into a dish bursting with flavor. Honestly, it’s hard to beat that blend of savory spices and tangy barbecue sauce mingling together over several hours. Plus, the beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and sure to be a hit whether it’s a family dinner or a backyard gathering. You’ll find yourself coming back for seconds… and maybe even thirds! Trust me, you’re going to want to give this a try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 15 minutes, and then the slow cooker does the hard work for you!
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite is a harmony of sweet, smoky barbecue with a hint of tanginess.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, picnics, or family gatherings—you’ll have everyone asking for your secret!
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it on buns, over rice, or even on its own. It fits any occasion.
Leftover Friendly: Perfect for meal prep; the flavors deepen as it stores!

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 pounds boneless pork shoulder: This cut is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes tender and juicy with long, slow heat.
2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning: A blend that enhances the pork’s flavor, adding depth. You can substitute with a homemade mix of dried herbs if preferred.
1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Use your favorite variety here! This sauce adds that classic, sweet, smoky flavor. Store-bought is easy, or make your own for a unique twist.
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: This brings a delightful tanginess to balance the richness of the pork. For a milder flavor, you could swap with white vinegar.
1/4 cup chicken broth: It helps create a flavorful cooking environment, keeping the pork moist.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

Rub the Pork: Start by taking your 3-pound boneless pork shoulder and generously rub it with the 2 tablespoons of herb and garlic seasoning. This will coat the meat with aromatic flavors, so make sure to cover all sides evenly.

Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup chicken broth. Stir until well mixed. This blend will infuse the pork with that comforting, tangy flavor as it cooks.

Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it. Make sure the pork is well coated. It’s important because this will keep the meat juicy and flavorful.

Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 205 degrees Fahrenheit for the meat to be perfectly tender.

Shred the Pork: Once cooked, carefully remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker. It will be very hot, so use tongs for easier handling. Shred the pork using two forks—it should break apart with minimal effort.

Mix In Juices: Once shredded, return about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the cooking juices to the pork and toss to combine. Discard any remaining juices unless you want to make a dipping sauce. For additional taste, you can stir in more BBQ sauce at this point if you like it saucy!

Storing & Reheating

To store your pulled pork, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you have leftovers, you can freeze them for up to three months—just be sure to let the pork cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or in a pot on the stove over low heat until heated through; you may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep the meat moist. Remember, the texture might change slightly after freezing, but it will still taste great!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to over-season the pork before cooking; the BBQ sauce adds a lot of flavors.
For best results, let your pork come to room temperature before throwing it in the slow cooker—it helps it cook evenly.
Confirm the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure that it’s fully cooked.
Serve with a side of coleslaw or pickles for a great crunchy contrast!
Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces. Sweet, spicy, or smoky—try what excites your palate!

The beauty of Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is its ability to adapt to your taste and occasion. Whether you enjoy it as is or pile it high on a bun, there’s no wrong way to savor this dish. This recipe isn’t just about making dinner; it’s about creating moments around the table, celebrating food with family and friends.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use another cut of meat?

Absolutely! While pork shoulder is the traditional choice for pulled pork, you can also use pork butt or even beef chuck roast if you prefer. Just keep the cooking times in mind, as they may vary.

How do I know when the pork is done cooking?

The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 205 degrees Fahrenheit, at which point it should shred easily. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it’s cooked perfectly.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the pulled pork in advance and store it in the fridge for up to four days or freeze it for up to three months. Reheating is just as easy, allowing for quick meals later on.

What are some good side dishes to serve with pulled pork?

Classic sides include coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad. You can also serve it with cornbread or on a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Whatever suits your style!

More Main Dishes Recipes

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 255 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: 101|Main Dishes
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork features juicy, tender meat infused with zesty BBQ flavor. Prep is a breeze with just a few key ingredients, making it a fantastic option for hassle-free dinners and delightful sandwiches.

Ingredients

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3 pound boneless pork shoulder
2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning
1/2 cup bbq sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

Rub the pork shoulder with herb and garlic seasoning and place it in the slow cooker.
In a bowl, blend the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth, then pour this mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 205 degrees.
Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
Return about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the cooking juices to the shredded pork and discard the remaining juices.
If desired, add more BBQ sauce to taste.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the pork shoulder overnight with the seasoning.
Serve on buns with coleslaw for a delicious sandwich pairing.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.