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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Perfect BBQ Sandwiches

A close-up of shredded, saucy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork piled high on a rectangular white serving dish.
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Make tender, flavorful pulled pork with this simple set and forget slow cooker recipe, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup water or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Your favorite BBQ sauce (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Place the pork shoulder into the basin of your slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, and cayenne pepper to create the dry rub.
  3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over all surfaces of the pork shoulder.
  4. Pour the apple cider vinegar and water (or broth) around the pork in the slow cooker.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
  6. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or baking sheet.
  7. Use two forks to shred the meat completely. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  8. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Pour about 1 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker over the meat to keep it moist.
  9. Stir in your favorite BBQ sauce to coat the meat to your preference. Cook on the WARM setting for 30 minutes before serving on buns for BBQ pulled pork sandwiches.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use a pork shoulder with good marbling. This cut breaks down perfectly in the slow cooker.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the pork, then bring the remaining liquid in the slow cooker to a boil on the stovetop and reduce it until it thickens slightly before mixing it back in with the shredded meat.
  • This crockpot pulled pork freezes well. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to three months.

Nutrition

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