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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is a tender, flavorful dish made by slow cooking pork shoulder to melt-in-your-mouth perfection with minimal effort. Perfect for meal prep or entertaining, this versatile recipe infuses smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors into juicy pork, ideal for sandwiches, tacos, and more.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt)
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, or spicy)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Prep the Pork Shoulder: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder if needed, leaving some fat to keep the meat juicy. Rub the meat thoroughly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder for robust flavor.
  2. Sear the Meat (Optional but Recommended): Quickly sear the pork shoulder in a hot pan on all sides until browned to create a caramelized crust that enhances taste.
  3. Add Aromatics and Flavorings: Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the seasoned pork shoulder on top, then pour in apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce if using. This mixture infuses flavor throughout cooking.
  4. Slow Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, or until the meat falls apart effortlessly, allowing collagen to break down for tender, juicy pork.
  5. Shred and Mix: Remove the pork from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, return it to the sauce, and stir well to coat every shred. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

  • Use a fatty cut such as pork shoulder or butt to keep meat moist.
  • Do not rush cooking; slow and low heat yields the best tenderness.
  • Searing the meat first boosts flavor through caramelization.
  • Start with less BBQ sauce and add more after shredding if desired.
  • Keep the slow cooker lid closed during cooking to avoid heat loss.
  • Let the meat rest briefly after cooking to redistribute juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, BBQ, pork shoulder, easy dinner, meal prep, shredded pork

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/slow-cooker-pulled-pork/