Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

Pulled pork is an easy and delicious meal that takes very little effort, thanks to your slow cooker. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even over rice, this recipe allows you to set it up in the morning and come home to a tender, flavorful dinner.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt or Boston butt)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water

Optional Toppings:

• Additional BBQ sauce for serving
• Coleslaw
• Pickles
• Buns or rolls for sandwiches

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork Shoulder:

   • Start by trimming off any excess fat from the pork shoulder. You’ll want to leave a little for flavor, but remove large fatty sections.

2. Season the Pork:

   • In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
   • Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides.

3. Prepare the Slow Cooker:

   • In the bottom of the slow cooker, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. These will serve as a flavor base for the pork as it cooks.

4. Add Liquid:

   • Pour the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and chicken broth (or water) over the onions and garlic, then stir lightly to combine.

5. Place Pork in Slow Cooker:

   • Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onion mixture in the slow cooker. Spoon some of the BBQ sauce mixture over the top of the pork to coat it.

6. Cook:

   • Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on Low for 8-10 hours or on High for 4-5 hours.
   • The pork is ready when it’s tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.

7. Shred the Pork:

   • Once the pork is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board.
   • Use two forks to shred the pork, discarding any large pieces of fat. If you prefer, you can return the shredded pork to the slow cooker to absorb more of the juices.

8. Serve:

   • Serve the pulled pork with additional BBQ sauce, on buns for sandwiches, in tacos, or even over rice. You can top with coleslaw or pickles for extra flavor.

Pro Tips:

• Make it ahead: Pulled pork can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Add some heat: If you like it spicy, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice rub or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
• Mix it up: Try different BBQ sauces—sweet, smoky, or spicy—to switch up the flavor.

Enjoy your delicious, tender pulled pork! This recipe is perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to stand over the stove but still want a hearty, satisfying meal.