Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is the definition of comfort food. Picture this: tender, flavorful pork drenched in a tangy barbecue sauce, nestled between a soft, toasted bun. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the melding of flavors that occurs when you let the slow cooker work its magic. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, game days, or just a cozy night in when you want a comforting meal without much fuss.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

I first whipped up this recipe when I was on the hunt for an easy yet crowd-pleasing meal to serve at a backyard barbecue. I can still remember the happiness on my friends’ faces as they took their first bites, delighted by the tender shreds of pork and robust flavors. It’s one of those recipes that not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart. Plus, there’s something magical about the aroma that fills your home while it cooks—trust me, you’re in for a treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 15 minutes of prep time and the slow cooker does the rest.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of smoky barbecue sauce, tangy apple cider vinegar, and savory pork creates a taste that’s hard to beat.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve it in soft buns, topped with coleslaw, and watch your friends’ eyes light up!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for casual meals, parties, or any gathering.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust with gluten-free barbecue sauce for a gluten-free meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 pound boneless pork shoulder: This cut has the perfect amount of fat, which helps keep the meat juicy as it cooks. If you can’t find pork shoulder, a pork butt is a great alternative.
2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning: This adds a lovely aromatic flavor. If you’re short on this, a blend of dried Italian herbs and garlic powder can work wonders too.
1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade version! The key ingredient for that unmistakable barbecue flavor.
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: This acidity balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. White vinegar can also be a good substitute if necessary.
1/4 cup chicken broth: This keeps the pork moist during cooking. For a richer flavor, you could use low-sodium chicken broth.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

Season the Pork: Begin by rubbing the 3 pound boneless pork shoulder with 2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning. Make sure to cover all sides thoroughly to infuse the flavor into the meat. This step sets the stage for a delicious meal.

Combine the Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup chicken broth. This mixture will not only enhance the taste but also keep your pork extra moist during the cooking process.

Cook Low and Slow: Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker, and pour the sauce mixture over it. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 205 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll know it’s done when the meat shreds easily with a fork—a sign of its tenderness!

Shred the Pork: Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker, and using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Oh, the heavenly aroma!

Moisten and Serve: Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the cooking juices back into the shredded pork. It’s optional, but it keeps it moist and flavorful. Feel free to add more BBQ sauce at this stage if you prefer an extra kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two hours. After that, it’s best to refrigerate it, where it will stay fresh for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for a maximum of three months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until warmed through. Keep in mind, the texture might change slightly after freezing, so adding a splash of BBQ sauce can help refresh that delicious flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the pork; while it should be tender, it can become mushy if left too long.
For better flavor, let the pork sit in the rub for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
Ensure the meat is at room temperature before starting to help it cook more evenly.
If you want a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ mixture!
You can easily double this recipe for larger gatherings. Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough!

Savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures with this easy recipe, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Whether it’s classic coleslaw or pickles, the possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to make this dish your own.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat for pulled pork?

Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and tenderness, you can use pork butt or even a leaner cut like pork loin. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts may not be as juicy.

How do I know when the pork is done cooking?

The magic number for tender pulled pork is an internal temperature of 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. When you can easily shred the pork with a fork, it’s ready to be pulled!

Can I make pulled pork ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pulled pork in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to reheat gently to maintain its tenderness.

What toppings go well with pulled pork sandwiches?

Classic options include coleslaw, pickles, or extra BBQ sauce. You can also try jalapeños for some heat, or even avocado for a creamy touch. Experiment with your favorites!

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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 255 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: 107 | Instant Pot
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy tender shredded pork with irresistible BBQ flavor made effortlessly in a slow cooker. This easy recipe features a few key ingredients that create a mouthwatering dish perfect for sandwiches or family dinners.

Ingredients

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3 pound boneless pork shoulder
2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning
1/2 cup bbq sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

Rub pork shoulder with herb and garlic seasoning and place it in the slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth; pour over the pork in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 205 degrees.
Remove the pork from the cooker and shred using two forks.
Return shredded pork to the cooker and mix with about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the cooking juices; discard the remaining juices.
Stir in additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

For a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
Serve on toasted buns with coleslaw for added texture and flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.