Juicy and tender pulled pork made effortlessly in your crock pot – the perfect meal for any occasion! Enjoy tender, juicy pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, and more.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy and mouth-watering easy slow cooker pulled pork recipe!
Making pulled pork in the crock pot is a simple and stress-free process that yields amazing results thanks to just a few minutes of prep.
To make this easy recipe, you’ll need a boneless pork shoulder, your favorite BBQ sauce, brown sugar, onion, garlic, and a few other key ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Let your crock pot do all the work as it slowly cooks the pork to perfection. After several hours, the meat will be so tender that it falls apart with a fork – the ultimate sign of success!
Pulled pork is a popular choice for BBQs, picnics, and family gatherings. It’s also a huge hit for game day parties, potlucks, and even as a family favorite weeknight dinner option on busy days.
Flavorful BBQ pork is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve it on a bun with coleslaw for a classic sandwich, or pair it with cornbread and baked beans for a hearty meal. You can also use it as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes, or even in tacos or quesadillas. The possibilities are endless!
Why Slow Cooking Pulled Pork is the Best Way
Slow cooking is one of the best cooking methods to cook pulled pork because it allows the meat to cook at a low temperature for a long period of time, which makes the meat tender and flavorful.
The slow cooking process also allows the meat to absorb the flavors of any spices or seasonings that are used, resulting in a delicious and succulent final product.
Additionally, slow cooking in a crock pot is convenient and requires minimal attention, allowing you to go about your day while the pork cooks to perfection.
Ready to make some mouth-watering pulled pork? Grab your crock pot and give this recipe a try today!
How to Make Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker
Ingredients:
- 5lb pork shoulder roast *we used bone-in for added flavor
- 1 cup BBQ sauce or chili sauce
- 1 Tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Directions:
In a large bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, chipotle powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and yellow mustard until well combined.
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar until fully incorporated.
Whisk in the onion, garlic and brown sugar.
Add your pork to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Pour the sauce mixture over the pork and then secure the lid on your crockpot.
Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or high for 4 hours.
The cooked pork should be fork-tender and easy to shred at the end of the cooking time.
Shred the pork, discarding the bone.
Keep the shredded pork warm in the crockpot until ready to serve.
See Also: Easy Crockpot Meals | Easy Weeknight Dinners | Pork Tacos | Instant Pot Recipes | Crock Pot Pork Recipes | Pork Chop Recipes | Best Herbs to Use with Pork
How to Shred Pulled Pork
Shredding pulled pork is a crucial step in the cooking process to achieve its signature texture. Here’s how to shred pulled pork:
- Let the meat rest: After cooking the pork, let it rest for 10-15 minutes to cool down. This will make it easier to handle and prevent you from burning your hands.
- Trim off any large pieces of fat from the meat.
- Shred by hand: Using two forks, shred the meat along the grain, pulling in opposite directions. If the meat is still tough, continue shredding until it reaches the desired texture.
- Use a stand mixer: Place the meat in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Turn the mixer on low speed and let it run until the pork is fully shredded.
- Use a food processor: Cut the meat into chunks and pulse it in a food processor until it’s shredded. Be careful not to over-process the meat, or it may turn mushy.
Once the pulled pork is shredded, you can mix in your desired sauce and serve it as a sandwich or as a main dish with your favorite sides.
The Best Bread for Pulled Pork Sandwich
The best bread for a pulled pork sandwiches is a soft and slightly sweet bun or roll that can hold up to the juicy and flavorful meat. Some popular options include brioche buns, potato rolls, or Hawaiian rolls.
Best Sides for Pulled Pork
There are many sides that pair perfectly with pulled pork.
Some classic options include homemade coleslaw, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and cornbread.
You can also add some vegetables to your meal such as grilled or roasted corn, green beans, or roasted sweet potatoes.
Additionally, you can serve your pulled pork with a fresh salad or a fruit salad for a light and refreshing side.
Don’t forget the pickles, onions, and barbecue sauce for topping off your pulled pork sandwich!
Reheating pulled pork can be done in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave. The best way to reheat pulled pork depends on your preferences and how much time you have.
If you have more time, reheating in the oven at a low temperature (250 degrees) in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil for 30 minutes will help keep the pork tender and juicy. If you’re short on time, the microwave is the quickest option, but be careful not to overheat and dry out the meat.
Yes, you can freeze pulled pork. Once the pulled pork has cooled to room temperature, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and remove as much air as possible.
Label and date the container, and then place it in the freezer. Pulled pork can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
To thaw, place the container in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Reheat the pulled pork using your preferred method.
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftover pulled pork can last up to 4-5 days.
The best cut of pork for pulled pork in the crock pot is a fatty cut of pork such as a bone-in pork shoulder or pork butt roast. These cuts have the right amount of fat, which makes the meat juicy and adds extra flavor when slow-cooked.
When it comes to serving pulled pork, a general rule of thumb is to estimate around 1/3 to 1/2 pound (5-8 ounces) of meat per person.
However, this can vary depending on factors such as the appetites of your guests and whether you’re serving other main dishes or sides.
It’s always better to err on the side of having extra pulled pork, as it can be used in a variety of ways and leftovers can be enjoyed for days after the initial meal.
The general rule of thumb for cooking pulled pork in a crock pot is to cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours, depending on the size of the pork and the desired tenderness. It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the pork reaches at least 145°F.
Best Crock Pot Recipe for Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 5lb pork shoulder roast *we used bone-in for added flavor
- 1 cup BBQ sauce or chili sauce
- 1 Tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
Place pork butt in a crockpot. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, chipotle powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and yellow mustard until well combined.
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar until fully incorporated.
Whisk in the onion, garlic and brown sugar.
Add your pork to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Pour the sauce mixture over the pork and then secure the lid on your crockpot.
Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or high for 4 hours.
The cooked pork should be fork-tender and easy to shred at the end of the cooking time.
Shred the pork, discarding the bone.
Keep the shredded pork warm in the crockpot until ready to serve.
Notes
How to Shred Pulled Pork
- After cooking the pork, let it rest for 10-15 minutes to cool down. This will make it easier to handle and prevent you from burning your hands.
- Trim off any large pieces of fat from the meat.
- Shred by hand: Using two forks, shred the meat along the grain, pulling in opposite directions. If the meat is still tough, continue shredding until it reaches the desired texture.
- Use a stand mixer: Place the meat in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Turn the mixer on low speed and let it run until the pork is fully shredded.
- Use a food processor: Cut the meat into chunks and pulse it in a food processor until it's shredded. Be careful not to over-process the meat, or it may turn mushy.
What type of pork is best for pulled pork in the crock pot?
The best cut of pork for pulled pork in the crock pot is a fatty cut of pork such as a bone-in pork shoulder or pork butt roast. These cuts have the right amount of fat, which makes the meat juicy and adds extra flavor when slow-cooked.
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Equipment Needed for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
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