There’s just something about the aroma of slow-cooked meals wafting through the house that feels like a warm hug, don’t you think? It’s like the kitchen is giving you a little love note! And let me tell you, this is the best slow cooker pulled pork recipe you’ll ever try. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; the way everyone’s eyes lit up as they took their first bite is a memory I cherish. The tender, juicy pork, slathered in barbecue sauce, was gone in minutes! Trust me, once you get this recipe down, it’ll become your go-to for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive get-together. So, let’s dive into making this mouthwatering dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients for this amazing pulled pork! You’ll need:
- 4 pounds pork shoulder – This is the star of the show! Look for a nice piece with some marbling for maximum flavor.
- 1 tablespoon salt – Just the right amount to enhance all those delicious flavors.
- 1 tablespoon black pepper – Adds a little kick to your spice rub.
- 2 tablespoons paprika – For that beautiful color and smoky flavor.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder – A must-have for that savory goodness.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder – It rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce – Choose your favorite brand or homemade for a personal touch.
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar – This adds a wonderful tanginess to balance the richness.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – Keeps everything moist and flavorful during cooking.
Gather these goodies, and we’ll be ready to create some magic in the kitchen!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making this incredible pulled pork! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to a feast that’ll wow your friends and family.
Prepare the Spice Mixture
First, grab a mixing bowl and combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. I like to really mix them well to ensure every bit of that pork gets coated in flavor. Once it’s all combined, take your pork shoulder and rub that spice mixture all over it. Don’t be shy! Get in there and massage it into the meat for even coverage. This is where the magic starts, so make sure every surface is well-seasoned.
Slow Cook the Pork
Next, it’s time for the slow cooker! Place that beautifully seasoned pork shoulder right in there. In a separate bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth until well blended. Pour this delicious sauce mixture over the pork. Oh, it smells amazing already! Now, cover your slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it work its magic for about 8 hours. You want the pork to be super tender, so resist the urge to peek too often—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Shred and Serve
Once those 8 hours are up, it’s time for the big reveal! Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker—it’ll be so tender it might just fall apart. Use two forks to shred the meat right there in the pot, mixing it with all that luscious sauce. Serve it up on soft buns with a side of coleslaw for that perfect crunch. Trust me, this is going to be a hit at your table—everyone will be coming back for seconds!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is my favorite for its marbling and flavor, you can also use pork butt or even a pork loin. Just keep in mind that pork loin is leaner, so it may not be as tender or flavorful as shoulder or butt. If you go that route, consider adding a bit more liquid to keep it moist.
How do I know when the pork is done?
You’ll know the pork is done when it’s incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. If you give it a little poke and it falls apart effortlessly, you’ve hit the jackpot! The internal temperature should be around 190°F to 205°F (88°C to 96°C) for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make this pulled pork ahead of time! Just store the shredded pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or barbecue sauce to keep it moist and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just a quick spice rub and let the slow cooker do all the hard work!
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of spices and sauce makes every bite a burst of deliciousness.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a big party, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on buns, over rice, or even as a topping for nachos—the possibilities are endless!
- Leftover Friendly: It tastes even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option!
Tips for Success
To ensure your pulled pork turns out perfectly every time, here are my favorite tips! First, don’t skip the spice rub—it’s essential for flavor! Make sure to rub it in well to cover every nook and cranny of the pork. Secondly, if you have time, let the seasoned pork sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This helps the flavors really penetrate the meat. Also, feel free to adjust the barbecue sauce to your taste—some like it sweet, while others prefer a tangy kick! Lastly, remember to let the pork rest for a few minutes after cooking before shredding; this helps lock in those juicy flavors!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious pulled pork is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the shredded pork for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or barbecue sauce to keep it moist and flavorful. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information Section
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. Typically, each serving contains about 350 calories, 20g fat, 30g protein, and 15g carbohydrates. Always feel free to adjust based on your personal preferences!
Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork That Will Delight Your Tastebuds
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This recipe delivers tender, flavorful pulled pork cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Rub the spice mixture over the pork shoulder.
- Place the pork in the slow cooker.
- Combine barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Pour over the pork.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until tender.
- Shred the pork with two forks before serving.
Notes
- Serve with coleslaw and buns.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: best slow cooker pulled pork
