Save to Pinterest Tender, juicy pulled pork slow-cooked in a smoky barbecue sauce — perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or serving over rice.
This slow cooker pulled pork recipe has become a family favorite for its simplicity and delicious flavor.
Ingredients
- Pork: 1 (4 5 lb / 1.8 2.3 kg) boneless pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
- Spice Rub: 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1½ tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Sauce: 1¼ cups (300 ml) barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving, ⅓ cup (80 ml) apple cider vinegar, ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- Optional: Soft sandwich buns or rolls, for serving, Coleslaw, for topping
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a small bowl, mix together all spice rub ingredients.
- Step 2:
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, pressing it into all sides.
- Step 3:
- Place the pork in the slow cooker. Pour barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth over and around the meat.
- Step 4:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours, or until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Step 5:
- Transfer the pork to a large bowl or cutting board. Shred using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Step 6:
- Skim excess fat from the juices in the slow cooker. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss with the cooking juices and an extra splash of barbecue sauce if desired.
- Step 7:
- Serve on buns with coleslaw or your choice of sides.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this pulled pork with my family always brings us together for relaxed weekend dinners.
Notes
Pairs well with tangy coleslaw and crisp pickles. Can be made ahead and reheated; leftovers freeze well.
Required Tools
Slow cooker (5 6 quart), Mixing bowl, Tongs or forks for shredding, Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains: None inherently, but check barbecue sauce for possible allergens (gluten, soy, mustard, etc.). If using buns, check for gluten and other allergens as needed.
Save to Pinterest This pulled pork recipe is sure to become a staple in your home cooking.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of pork works best for this dish?
A boneless pork shoulder (pork butt) is ideal due to its fat content and tenderness after slow cooking.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, increase or decrease cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to suit your preferred heat level.
- → How do I shred the cooked pork?
Use two forks to pull the cooked pork apart until it reaches a desired shredded texture.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Pairs well with soft buns, coleslaw, pickles, or served over rice for a complete meal.
- → Can leftovers be stored and reheated?
Yes, leftovers store well in the fridge and can be frozen for extended preservation.