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Close-up of perfectly shredded Slow Cooker Pulled Pork coated in rich BBQ sauce, served on a white plate.

Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork


  • Author: Lina Kohn
  • Total Time: 9 hours 15 min
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

Make tender, flavorful pulled pork using a slow cooker. This recipe is simple to prepare and yields great meat for sandwiches or meal prepping.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lb boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt)
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (for serving)


Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder. Rub the entire surface with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, if using.
  2. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the pork.
  4. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  5. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  6. Shred the pork using two forks.
  7. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Stir in the brown sugar and about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker to keep it moist.
  8. Cook on the warm setting for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
  9. Serve the pulled pork hot with your favorite BBQ sauce on buns or as part of a meal prep plan.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use a pork shoulder with some marbling.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the cooking liquid during the last 30 minutes on the warm setting.
  • This pulled pork freezes well. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 9 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6 oz cooked meat
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 450
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 6
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 40
  • Cholesterol: 110