Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Have you ever found yourself craving mouthwatering, tender pulled pork but thought it took too long to make? The time it usually takes to shred a perfect BBQ pulled pork — around 90 minutes — can feel daunting, especially with our busy lives. However, what if I told you that with a slow cooker, you could whip up a delicious Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor?

This recipe not only caters to your meat cravings; it also allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the meal with your loved ones. This blog post will take you step-by-step through creating delectable pulled pork that is sure to impress—let’s get started!

Ingredients List

To create the most flavorful Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) – This cut is ideal due to its marbling of fat, ensuring tenderness and flavor.
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika – Adds a rich smoky flavor.
• 1 cup BBQ sauce – Use your favorite brand or homemade.
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar – For a tangy zing that balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Deepens the flavor profile.
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar – For additional sweetness.
• Buns and coleslaw for serving – To complete your sandwich presentation.

Substitution Suggestions: Swap out pork shoulder for chicken thighs or brisket for alternative meat options. For a healthier twist, use a sugar-free BBQ sauce.

Timing

Preparation for this tender Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork takes about 15 minutes, while cooking requires around 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. Altogether, you can have this meal ready in approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes, which is 20% less time than most traditional recipes requiring oven cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Pork

Begin by patting the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick better. Then, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.

2. Season the Pork

Generously rub the seasoning mix all over the pork, making sure it gets into all the crevices. Pro tip: Let the seasoned pork sit for about 15-30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.

3. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce over the top, ensuring everything is well-coated.

4. Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set to low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Avoid lifting the lid to keep the heat contained.

5. Shred the Meat

Once the cooking time is over, remove the pork from the slow cooker, allowing it to rest for a few minutes. Then use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining juices.

Nutritional Information

A typical serving of Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork (about 1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately:

• Calories: 280-300
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g

Using leaner cuts and sugar-free substitutes can further reduce caloric content without sacrificing flavor.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Use lean meats such as turkey or chicken to reduce fat content.
• Opt for sugar-free BBQ sauce or homemade varieties using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
• Integrate more vegetables by mixing shredded carrots or bell peppers into the dish or the coleslaw you serve with it for added nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

For a successful meal, serve your Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork on toasted buns with a side of coleslaw. You can also serve it over:

• Rice or quinoa – For a hearty, nutritious base.
• Stuffed sweet potatoes – Combine flavors in a delightful, healthy package.
• Tacos – Use corn tortillas for a fun twist, topped with fresh avocado and cilantro.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not seasoning enough – Proper seasoning is crucial for exceptional flavor.
2. Overcooking – While it’s hard to overcook in a slow cooker, be cautious with very lean cuts that can dry out.
3. Neglecting to rest the meat – Resting is essential to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist pulled pork.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat using the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of BBQ sauce to keep the meat moist.

Conclusion

Creating Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is simple, satisfying, and perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping for the week. By following this step-by-step recipe, you can easily impress your loved ones with a flavorful dish. Don’t hesitate to try out this recipe and share your feedback or any unique twists you incorporate!

FAQs

Can I use other meats?
Yes! Chicken thighs or beef brisket work well as substitutes.

How do I make a gluten-free version?
Simply ensure that all sauces and seasonings are gluten-free, including BBQ sauce.

Can I cook this dish overnight?
It’s not advised to leave a slow cooker on overnight without supervision. Opt for cooking during the day instead.

Feel free to dive in, get your hands messy, and enjoy your culinary journey with this delicious recipe! And don’t forget to check out our other blog posts for more cooking ideas!

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

A tender and flavorful Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork that's simple to prepare and perfect for gatherings or meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients

  

Pork and Seasoning

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) This cut is ideal due to its marbling of fat, ensuring tenderness and flavor.
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika Adds a rich smoky flavor.

Sauces and Additional Flavors

• 1 cup BBQ sauce Use your favorite brand or homemade.
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar For a tangy zing that balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Deepens the flavor profile.
• 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar Optional, for additional sweetness.

For Serving

• Buns and coleslaw To complete your sandwich presentation.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Begin by patting the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
• Mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.

Seasoning

• Generously rub the seasoning mix all over the pork.
• Let the seasoned pork sit for about 15-30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.

Cooking

• Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
• Pour the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce over the top.
• Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set to low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
• Avoid lifting the lid to keep the heat contained.

Finishing Touch

• Once the cooking time is over, remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes.
• Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
• Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining juices.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat using the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of BBQ sauce to keep the meat moist.

Keyword BBQ, Comfort Food, Pork Recipe, Pulled Pork, Slow Cooker

Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest