Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe is a true game-changer for your weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. It delivers tender, juicy pork with a delightful sweet and smoky flavor that everyone will love. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or a hearty meal on its own, this easy crockpot recipe is sure to impress guests at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and sauces creates a rich flavor profile that elevates every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a sandwich, on nachos, or even with rice—this pulled pork adapts to any craving.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it tastes even better the next day!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this dish, making it perfect for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best slow cooker pulled pork, you’ll need some essential tools. These will streamline your cooking process and enhance your overall experience in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large bowl
• Small bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool is crucial for achieving perfectly tender pulled pork with minimal effort.
• Whisk: A whisk helps combine all the sauce ingredients smoothly for an even flavor distribution.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board ensures safety while preparing your pork.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes trimming the fat off the pork shoulder quick and easy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious slow cooker pulled pork:

• 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons mustard powder
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha or hot sauce of choice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus additional for the pork)
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional but super good)
• 1 (3- to 4-pound) boneless pork shoulder or pork butt
• Ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (plus 3 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry)
• Buns
• Healthy coleslaw
• Pickles
• Pickled onions

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In the bottom of a slow cooker, whisk together the following ingredients until smoothly combined:
* Finely chopped onion
* Tomato paste
* Apple cider vinegar
* Honey
* Water
* Brown sugar
* Worcestershire sauce
* Smoked paprika
* Garlic powder
* Mustard powder
* Sriracha or hot sauce
* Kosher salt
* Liquid smoke (if using)

Step 2: Season the Pork Shoulder

Trim excess fat from the bottom of the pork. Generously season all sides with kosher salt and ground black pepper.

Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker. Spoon the prepared sauce over the top so that it covers the meat well.

Step 4: Cook Until Tender

Cover your slow cooker and cook on HIGH for about 5 to 6 hours or LOW for about 8 to 10 hours. The goal is fall-apart tender pork. Once done, transfer it to a large bowl, leaving behind the cooking liquid.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Pour this into the slow cooker with remaining liquid and whisk until combined. Cover again and cook on HIGH for another 20 to 30 minutes until thickened.

Step 6: Shred the Pork

While waiting for your sauce to thicken, shred the cooked pork using two forks or your fingers if cool enough to handle.

Step 7: Combine & Serve

Stir shredded pork back into thickened sauce in the slow cooker. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve on buns topped with healthy coleslaw and pickles or enjoy it however you like!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is not only delicious on its own, but it also makes a fantastic base for a variety of dishes. Whether you want a classic sandwich or something a bit different, there are countless ways to enjoy this tender meat.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

• Serve the shredded pork on soft buns and top with coleslaw and pickles for a classic taste.

Tacos

• Use tortillas to wrap the pulled pork along with avocado, salsa, and cilantro for a fresh twist.

BBQ Bowls

• Create a hearty bowl with brown rice or quinoa, topped with pulled pork, black beans, corn, and your favorite BBQ sauce.

Sliders

• Mini buns filled with slow cooker pulled pork make perfect sliders for parties or gatherings.

Nachos

• Layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, cheese, jalapeños, and your favorite toppings for an indulgent treat.

Stuffed Peppers

• Mix pulled pork with rice and vegetables, then stuff into bell peppers and bake until tender.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Achieving the best slow cooker pulled pork requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Choose the right cut: A boneless pork shoulder or butt provides the best flavor and tenderness when cooked slowly.
• Season generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper; they enhance the natural flavors of the pork.
• Cook low and slow: Opt for the low setting on your slow cooker for maximum tenderness. Cooking for longer allows the flavors to deepen.
• Let it rest: After cooking, let the pork rest before shredding. This keeps it juicy and helps retain its flavor.
• Thicken the sauce: Use cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking to achieve that perfect sauce consistency for coating the pulled pork.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Pairing side dishes with slow cooker pulled pork can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement its flavors beautifully.

1. Coleslaw – A crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the pork.
2. Cornbread – Sweet cornbread is a traditional pairing that soaks up all those delicious juices.
3. Baked Beans – Smoky baked beans offer a hearty side that goes hand-in-hand with BBQ flavors.
4. Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese provides comfort alongside savory pulled pork.
5. Potato Salad – A chilled potato salad brings creaminess that contrasts nicely with warm pulled pork.
6. Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal grilled veggies add a healthy touch while enhancing your plate’s colors and textures.
7. Fried Green Tomatoes – Crispy fried green tomatoes introduce a tangy crunch that complements the savory meat perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making slow cooker pulled pork, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Using the wrong cut of meat: Always choose a boneless pork shoulder or pork butt for optimal tenderness. Other cuts may not shred as well.
• Not seasoning properly: Generously season your pork with kosher salt and pepper before cooking. This enhances the flavor throughout the meat.
• Skipping the sauce: Don’t forget to cover the meat with the sauce. This helps infuse flavors into the pork during cooking.
• Overcooking or undercooking: Follow recommended cooking times closely. Cooking too long can dry out the meat, while too little won’t give you tender results.
• Not letting it rest: Allowing the pulled pork to rest after cooking helps redistribute juices, ensuring every bite is juicy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store slow cooker pulled pork in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

• Portion out into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pulled pork in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover. Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork spicy?

You can add more Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to increase the spice level. Adjust according to your preference.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?

This delicious dish pairs well with coleslaw, pickles, and buns. You can also enjoy it on nachos or as a topping for baked potatoes.

Can I use another type of meat for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?

Yes! While pork shoulder is traditional, you can experiment with chicken or beef. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I know when my Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is done?

The pork should be fork-tender and easily shreddable when fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 195°F (90°C) for best results.

Can I double this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker has enough capacity and adjust cooking times if necessary.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker pulled pork is not only juicy and tender but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various spices and sauces to suit your taste. Whether served on buns or as part of a larger spread, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.