Slow cooker pulled pork is one of those cherished dishes that brings both comfort and excitement every time it makes an appearance on the dinner table. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned pork, slow-cooked to absolute perfection, effortlessly falling apart at the touch of a fork. This dish not only serves as a delightful centerpiece for gatherings but also makes for scrumptious sandwiches that are perfect for picnics or game day. Whether you’re creating a classic pulled pork sandwich topped with coleslaw or enjoying it on its own, the rich barbecue flavor combined with the melt-in-your-mouth texture is sure to make your taste buds sing.

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 discovered the magic of slow cooker pulled pork during a backyard barbecue with friends. I vividly remember how everyone gathered around, eager to craft their sandwiches and savor the goodness. The aroma wafting through the air hinted at all the flavor packed into that slow-cooked pork shoulder. Ever since then, this recipe has found its way into my weekly meal planning, being as easy as it is delicious. If you’re searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that calls for minimal hands-on time, this is it! I can’t wait for you to try it and share in the joy that every bite brings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and then your slow cooker taking care of the rest, you can enjoy a delicious meal without any fuss.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and the deliciously seasoned pork creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that warms your soul.
Flexible Serving: Serve it on a soft bun, over rice, or even by itself as a hearty main dish—it fits any occasion perfectly!
Great for Leftovers: This dish is fantastic for meal prep, as the flavors develop even more when reheated, making for a delightful day-after meal.
Budget-Friendly: Using boneless pork shoulder delivers tender protein without breaking the bank—making this dish as economical as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 pound boneless pork shoulder: This cut is ideal for slow cooking due to its rich marbling and tenderness when cooked low and slow.
2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning: A blend of herbs and garlic elevates the pork’s natural flavor, infusing it with aromatic goodness.
1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand for added flavor; homemade BBQ sauce can be a delightful personalization to this dish.
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: This adds acidity, which balances the richness of the pork and complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
1/4 cup chicken broth: Incorporating moisture helps keep the pork juicy as it slow cooks, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.

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

Rub the Seasoning: Start by rubbing the 3 pound boneless pork shoulder with 2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning thoroughly on all sides. This step is key to ensuring the meat absorbs all the flavor and becomes incredibly fragrant as it cooks.

Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup chicken broth until well combined. The balance of sweet and tangy will create a mouthwatering sauce that you’re going to love.

Combine in the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in your slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it. Make sure the pork is well coated, but don’t feel the need to drown it; just a good covering will do.

Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 205 degrees. This low and slow cooking method transforms the tough shoulder into juicy, tender goodness.

Shred the Pork: Once cooked, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork apart; it should fall apart effortlessly.

Return Juices & Add Sauce: Pour about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the cooking juices back into the shredded pork for moisture, discarding the rest. If you prefer a saucier mix, feel free to add more BBQ sauce at this point to amp up that rich, delicious flavor.

Storing & Reheating

To store your pulled pork, let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can stay at room temperature for up to two hours but should be refrigerated for up to four days thereafter. If you want to save it for longer, don’t hesitate to freeze it—just remember to use a freezer-safe container or bag, where it can last up to three months! To reheat, simply place it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to revive its moistness, or you can microwave it in short bursts until heated through. Just keep in mind the texture may slightly change, but a little extra sauce can work wonders!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking; if set on high, where meat can easily become dry if left for too long.
For even richer flavor, let the pork shoulder come to room temperature before seasoning; this allows for better seasoning absorption.
If you’re using a different cut of meat, such as a pork loin, adjust the cooking time because it cooks faster than shoulder.
Feel free to experiment with the BBQ sauce—smoked or spicy varieties can add a unique touch that complements the seasoning beautifully.
Remember, the shredded pork can be used in many dishes, from tacos to nachos, so get creative and enjoy!

Slow cooker pulled pork is undeniably a crowd-pleaser, delivering outstanding flavors with minimal effort. The succulent, tender shredded pork is waiting to become the star of your meals, whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Don’t hesitate to add your personal touch and experiment with different flavors! Enjoy the process and share this delightful recipe with your loved ones—you won’t regret it!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen pork shoulder for this recipe?

Absolutely, but you’ll need to extend the cooking time. Ensure the shoulder is fully thawed before cooking if possible for even tenderness. If it’s still partially frozen, add an additional hour to the cooking time on low.

What’s the best way to serve slow cooker pulled pork?

The possibilities are endless! Serve the pulled pork on a soft bun with coleslaw for the classic sandwich experience, or try it in tacos with avocado and salsa. It’s also great over rice or in a burrito bowl!

Why is my pulled pork tough?

If your pork doesn’t shred easily, it might not have cooked long enough. Pulled pork requires low and slow cooking to break down the connective tissue. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 205 degrees for that ideal tenderness.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the pork a day or two ahead, shred it, and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat it on the stove, adding a bit of liquid to ensure it doesn’t dry out. The flavors will develop even more as it sits!

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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

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Author: Nadia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 255 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy the mouthwatering flavor of Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches. This dish is easy to prepare, featuring tender boneless pork shoulder and a zesty BBQ sauce, making it the ideal choice for a comforting dinner with friends and family.

Ingredients

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3 pounds 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 the pork shoulder with the herb and garlic seasoning, and place it into the slow cooker.
Combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth in a bowl, then pour over the pork in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker 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.
Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with forks.
Return about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the cooking juices to the shredded pork, and discard the remaining juices.
If preferred, mix in additional BBQ sauce.

Notes

Make sure to leave enough time for slow cooking to enhance the flavor.
For a tangy twist, consider adding more apple cider vinegar according to taste.
This pulled pork is also great for sandwiches, tacos, or served over rice.