Pulled Pork Slow Cooker (Print Version)

Slow-cooked pork shoulder seasoned and shredded, topped with barbecue sauce on soft buns.

# Ingredients List:

→ Pulled Pork

01 - 3.3 lbs boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed
02 - 2 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1 tsp black pepper
04 - 1 tbsp smoked paprika
05 - 2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 2 tsp onion powder
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
10 - ½ cup apple cider vinegar
11 - 1 cup chicken broth

→ Barbecue Sauce

12 - 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving

→ For Serving

13 - 6 soft sandwich buns
14 - Coleslaw (optional)
15 - Dill pickle slices (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Combine kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and brown sugar in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.
02 - Evenly rub the spice mixture over the entire surface of the pork shoulder.
03 - Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker. Pour apple cider vinegar and chicken broth around the pork without pouring directly over it.
04 - Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours, or until the pork becomes very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
05 - Transfer pork to a large bowl and shred it using two forks, discarding any excess fat.
06 - Remove excess fat from the slow cooker liquid. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker, add barbecue sauce, and heat on low for an additional 10 to 15 minutes while tossing to coat.
07 - Pile pulled pork onto soft buns. Add extra barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and pickle slices if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The slow cooker does practically all the work while you go about your day
  • Leftovers transform effortlessly into tacos, nachos, or breakfast hash
  • That moment when the pork shreds apart with zero resistance feels like magic
02 -
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking, every peek releases heat and adds time to the total
  • The pork needs to reach an internal temperature of at least 93°C (200°F) to properly shred
  • Letting the meat rest in the juices for 30 minutes before shredding makes it even more tender
03 -
  • Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the broth if you want even more smoky depth
  • Use a Dutch oven at 150°C (300°F) for 3 to 4 hours if you do not have a slow cooker
  • Freeze leftover shredded pork in portion sized containers with some cooking liquid for up to 3 months
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