This slow cooker pulled pork is a game changer for meat lovers! Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, it cooks slowly to perfection. You’ll love the easy prep with just a few ingredients!
Nothing’s better than coming home to that amazing smell wafting from the kitchen. I like to serve mine on a bun with some slaw—it’s the ultimate comfort food! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it has enough fat to keep it juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, pork loin can work, but it won’t be quite as tender or flavorful. I’ve found that the marbling of pork shoulder makes a big difference!
Broth: Chicken broth is great for a mild flavor, but if you want something richer, try beef broth. If you’re avoiding meat-based broths, vegetable broth is an excellent vegetarian-friendly option that still adds depth to the dish.
BBQ Sauce: A homemade BBQ sauce can elevate your pulled pork even further. If you don’t have any, feel free to use your favorite store-bought sauce. Just be careful about the sweetness; some sauces can be overly sugary. Try to match it to your taste.
Spices: The smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can replace it with regular paprika and a dash of liquid smoke. Cumin and chili powder bring warmth, but feel free to adjust these based on your spice tolerance or preferences.
What’s the Best Way to Sear the Meat for Extra Flavor?
Searing the pork shoulder before slow cooking is a step that adds a lot of flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat until it’s hot. This is key!
- Carefully place the seasoned pork shoulder in the skillet and let it cook, undisturbed, for 4-5 minutes until browned on one side.
- Flip the meat to sear all sides for a nice crust, which locks in moisture.
- Don’t rush this process; a good sear is worth it for flavor!
If you’re short on time, you can skip the searing, but I highly recommend it for that extra taste boost!
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Pork:
- 4-5 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Buns, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This slow cooker pulled pork recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires 8-10 hours of cooking time on low, or 4-6 hours on high. It’s a perfect dish to set in the morning and enjoy for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Start by rubbing your pork shoulder with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Make sure to coat it evenly so the flavors are infused throughout the meat.
2. Sear the Meat:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork shoulder and sear it on all sides until browned, which should take about 4-5 minutes per side. This step is optional but really enhances the flavor!
3. Layer Ingredients:
In the slow cooker, begin by placing the sliced onions at the bottom. Next, add the minced garlic on top, and carefully place the seared pork shoulder above them.
4. Add Liquid:
Pour the chicken or beef broth and apple cider vinegar around the pork in the cooker. Then, drizzle BBQ sauce and sprinkle brown sugar over the top. This will create a super tasty mix!
5. Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 8-10 hours, or high for 4-6 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
6. Shred the Pork:
Once your pork is cooked, take it out of the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. It should come apart effortlessly!
7. Combine with Juices:
Return the shredded pork back to the slow cooker and mix it with those delicious juices. Let it sit for an additional 10-15 minutes to soak up even more flavor.
8. Serve:
Now it’s time to enjoy! Serve your pulled pork on buns with extra BBQ sauce, or savor it on its own. It pairs great with your favorite sides, too!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat for Pulled Pork?
Yes! While pork shoulder or pork butt is the best choice for shredding, you can also use pork loin. Just keep in mind that pork loin is leaner, which means it can dry out more easily. To prevent this, reduce the cooking time slightly and consider adding a bit more liquid during cooking.
How Do I Adjust the Cooking Time for Frozen Pork?
If you’re starting with frozen pork, it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw it in the fridge for 24 hours prior to cooking. If you’re short on time, you can cook it from frozen in the slow cooker, but it will take about 50% longer than the recommended cooking time—approximately 12-15 hours on low.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Searing the Meat?
Absolutely! Searing adds extra depth of flavor but is not necessary for a delicious result. If you skip this step, simply place the pork directly into the slow cooker and proceed with layering the other ingredients. The pulled pork will still be tender and flavorful!
How to Store Leftover Pulled Pork?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the pork in a saucepan with a splash of the cooking juices or some water and heat over low until warmed through. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months—just make sure to use a freezer-safe container!
