Juicy slow cooker pulled pork: 10 hour magic

You know, for the longest time, the kitchen felt like just another place to dread after a long day. My life was all about spreadsheets and deadlines, and dinner was usually whatever store-bought thing I could snag on the way home. Cooking felt like a chore I just wasn’t cut out for. But then I discovered the magic of a slow cooker pulled pork. Seriously, this recipe changed everything for me. It’s proof that incredibly satisfying food doesn’t have to be complicated. I remember making it for the first time and being amazed at how easy it was, and the smell that filled my house? Pure joy. It’s this perfect blend of simple ingredients and that amazing, melt-in-your-mouth pork that just makes everything feel a little bit better.

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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Seriously, if you’re looking for a way to get amazing flavor without all the fuss, this is it! My slow cooker pulled pork is truly a set and forget hero. You just toss everything in, and let your easy crockpot do all the hard work. Plus, it’s so versatile!

• Incredibly Easy: Prep is a breeze, and the slow cooker handles the cooking.
• Deep Flavor: That homemade dry rub and savory sauce make it taste like you slaved for hours.
• Super Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads, meal prep, and more!
• Kid-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters usually devour this tender, juicy pork.

The Perfect Dry Rub Pork Shoulder for Any Occasion

You know, the real magic for this pulled pork starts with the rub. I know it sounds simple, but a good dry rub pork shoulder creates this incredible depth of flavor that you just can’t get any other way. It’s like a flavor foundation that makes the pork sing! My favorite part is how it caramelizes a bit in the slow cooker, giving you those amazing savory, slightly sweet notes. It’s more than just spices; it’s the secret handshake for truly delicious pulled pork.

Ingredients for Your Flavorful Dry Rub

Here’s what you’ll need to get that amazing flavor:

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar (packed!)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)

Essential Ingredients for Delicious Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Okay, let’s talk about what you need to make this truly delicious slow cooker pulled pork happen! It’s pretty straightforward, which is exactly why I love it. At the heart of it all is a good cut of pork. I always reach for a boneless pork shoulder, also known as a Boston butt. It’s got just the right amount of fat marbled through it, which is what makes it so incredibly tender and moist when it slow cooks. Don’t be scared of the fat; it melts down and adds SO much flavor! We’ve already covered the dry rub, but the sauce is where the party really gets going. It’s a simple mix that adds that classic BBQ tang and a touch of sweetness.

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Thinking about your pantry, most of this probably looks familiar! It’s all about combining simple things to make something amazing. This recipe truly embraces the philosophy that great food doesn’t have to be complicated, and these ingredients are proof of that. You’ll see why this makes my meal planning so much easier!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

A little note on a few things in here just to make sure you get the best results! For the pork shoulder, like I said, a boneless Boston butt is perfect. If you can only find bone-in, that’s fine too, just give it a little extra cooking time. When it comes to BBQ sauce, seriously, use your favorite! Whether it’s sweet, smoky, or a little spicy, it’ll work. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, a regular white vinegar or even red wine vinegar can work in a pinch, though the cider vinegar adds a really nice subtle sweetness. And soy sauce? It adds this lovely umami depth – a little splash of Worcestershire does something similar, so don’t skip those!

Mastering Your Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get this amazing slow cooker pulled pork party started! It’s honestly so easy, you’ll feel like a kitchen magician. My whole philosophy is about making cooking feel good, not stressful, and this recipe is the perfect example. Trust me, you’ll be making this one again and again. You can learn more about my kitchen journey over on my About page!

Preparing the Pork and Rub

First things first, let’s prep that beautiful pork shoulder. Just trim off any really big, thick chunks of fat – we want some fat for flavor, but not gobs of it. Then, take your amazing dry rub mixture we made earlier and give that pork a really good, generous coating. Get it all over, every single side. This is where all that deliciousness starts!

Creating the Flavorful Sauce

While the pork is getting cozy in the slow cooker, let’s whip up the sauce. It’s just a matter of whisking together all those liquid ingredients – the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire, soy sauce, and honey – in a separate bowl. Give it a good stir until it’s all combined and smells like pure happiness.

The ‘Set and Forget’ Cooking Process

Now for the best part! Pour that glorious sauce right over the seasoned pork in your slow cooker. Pop the lid on tight, and let it do its thing. You can cook it on low for about 8 to 10 hours, or if you’re in a bit more of a hurry, high for 4 to 5 hours works too. The goal is super tender, fork-shredding pork. That’s the beauty of this easy crockpot magic!

Shredding and Finishing Your Pulled Pork

Once the pork is fall-apart tender, carefully take it out and put it on a cutting board or in a big bowl. Grab two forks and shred it all up! It should come apart so easily. Then, just return all that gorgeous shredded pork back into the slow cooker and give it a good stir into all that yummy cooking liquid. This makes sure every single strand of pork is coated in that incredible sauce.

Serving Your Delicious Shredded Pork

Okay, now that you have this amazing batch of shredded pork ready to go, the fun really begins! This stuff is like a blank canvas for flavor. My absolute favorite way to enjoy it is piled high on a soft burger bun, maybe with some crunchy coleslaw. But honestly, it’s so versatile. You can totally transform it into so many yummy meals, like topping a hearty baked potato, tossing it into a casserole (check out this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole for ideas!), or even stuffing it into wraps. It’s the kind of dish that just makes family dinners, or even a quick weeknight meal, feel extra special.

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Ideas for BBQ Sandwiches and Tacos

For classic BBQ sandwiches, just toast up some soft buns, pile on that delicious pulled pork, and add your favorite toppings – maybe some thinly sliced pickles, a dollop of coleslaw, or even some extra BBQ sauce if you like it saucy! If you’re feeling tacos, warm up some corn or flour tortillas, fill them with the pulled pork, and go wild with toppings like pico de gallo, avocado, a squeeze of lime, or some sharp cheddar cheese. So good!

Utilizing Pulled Pork for Meal Prep

This is where this recipe truly shines for meal planning – it’s the ultimate meal prep meat! Once you’ve got your pulled pork done, you can stash it in the fridge for up to four days. I love keeping some on hand for spontaneous lunches or dinners. Beyond sandwiches and tacos, think about stirring it into!chicken and cheese wraps (just swap out the chicken!), topping a baked potato, or even adding it to a big green salad for a hearty lunch. Oh, and it’s an absolute hit when you’re prepping for game day too!

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Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Every Time

You know, I’ve made this pulled pork so many times, I’ve learned a few little tricks to make it absolutely perfect every single time. It’s all about those little details! If you want your pulled pork to have a little bit of that crispy, almost caramelized edge – you know, the best part? – try pulling it out of the slow cooker, shredding it, tossing it with a little bit of the cooking liquid, then spreading it on a baking sheet and popping it under the broiler for just a few minutes. Watch it super closely so it doesn’t burn! It adds this amazing texture. And don’t be afraid to play with the spice level; if you like things hotter like I do, crank up that cayenne. It’s really about making it your own. It reminds me a bit of how I learned to perfect my bread baking; it takes a little practice and understanding the nuances! To learn more about my baking journey, check out my bread baking post.

Storing and Reheating Your Pulled Pork

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This pulled pork holds up beautifully. Just let it cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for about 4 days. When you’re ready to dive back in, the easiest way to reheat it is right back in the slow cooker on low for a bit, or even better, in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or some of that extra cooking sauce. This keeps it nice and moist, just like it was fresh out of the cooker!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Got questions about making your pork shoulder the star of the show? I get it! This recipe is pretty forgiving, but a few pointers can make your shredded pork even more amazing. It’s all about getting that perfect, tender texture and delicious flavor that makes this easy crockpot meal a winner every time. For more general kitchen advice and our policies, you can check out our disclaimer page.

Can I use a different cut of pork?

While a pork shoulder (Boston butt) is truly the best for pulled pork because of its marbling, you can try pork loin if that’s what you have. Just be aware that it’s leaner and might not get quite as tender or moist, so keep a close eye on it to avoid drying it out.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker, more clinging sauce, just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Then, stir this slurry into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It should thicken up beautifully!

Can this be made in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You can totally adapt this to an Instant Pot. Just sear the pork first, then add your rub and sauce ingredients. Cook on high pressure for about 60-75 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes. It’s a bit faster, but still gives you that tender, shreddable pork!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, you know these numbers are estimates and can totally change based on your ingredients and how much sauce you use! But generally, a 6-ounce serving of this delicious pulled pork is around 450 calories, with about 18g of carbs and a whopping 35g of protein. It’s honestly a hearty and satisfying, balanced meal!

Share Your Pure Cooking Joy!

I just love hearing from you all! Have you tried this amazing pulled pork recipe? Let me know in the comments below, or share your own creations on social media, especially if you tag us! It makes my day to see what you’re cooking up. And if you want to know more about my kitchen journey, you can always read about it on my About page. You can also find us on Facebook!

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

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Make juicy, tender pulled pork in your slow cooker with this easy recipe. Perfect for BBQ sandwiches, tacos, or meal prep.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 min
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 lb boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt)
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Hamburger buns or taco shells for serving

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Instructions

1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder.
2. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). This is your dry rub.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
4. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in your slow cooker.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and honey.
6. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
7. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
8. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a large bowl.
9. Using two forks, shred the pork.
10. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it into the cooking liquid.
11. Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns for sandwiches or in taco shells.

Notes

• For a crispier texture, you can broil the shredded pork for a few minutes after removing it from the slow cooker.
• This pulled pork is excellent for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
• Consider this a great base for your meal planning needs.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 oz
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 120mg