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slow cooker pulled pork - featured image

Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: Easy Crockpot Recipe

  • Author: abigail_patterson
  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This easy slow cooker pulled pork recipe delivers tender, juicy, fall-apart meat with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, it features a flavorful dry rub and simple ingredients for a versatile comfort food dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt)
  • 1 large Yellow Onion, sliced
  • 4–5 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Paprika (smoked or regular)
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tbsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • ½ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth (low sodium)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Hot Sauce (optional, e.g., Frank’s RedHot)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create the dry rub.
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring an even coating.
  4. Slice the onion into thin strips and mince the garlic.
  5. Place the sliced onions at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  6. Place the seasoned pork on top of the onions.
  7. Pour apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce over the pork.
  8. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-6 hours, until the meat shreds easily with a fork.
  9. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and discard the onions.
  10. Shred the pork using two forks or a hand mixer, removing large pieces of fat.
  11. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and ladle some cooking juices back over the meat to moisten.
  12. Optional: Stir in BBQ sauce to taste if a saucier texture is desired.

Notes

For best results, cook on LOW for the full time to allow connective tissue to break down. If using an Instant Pot, cook on ‘Meat/Stew’ for 60 minutes with a natural release. The flavor improves after sitting in the fridge for a day. Ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free if needed.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 3-4 ou
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 4
  • Carbohydrates: 6
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 22

Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, crockpot recipe, easy dinner, meal prep, comfort food, pork shoulder, set it and forget it

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Find it online: https://purefoodeats.com/best-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-easy-crockpot-recipe/