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Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork BBQ Recipe Easy Perfect Flavor in 5 Hours

slow cooker pulled pork bbq recipe - featured image

A simple and forgiving slow cooker pulled pork BBQ recipe that delivers tender, juicy pork with a sweet and tangy flavor, perfect for busy days or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (240 ml), your favorite brand or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth (120 ml)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dry rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
  2. Season the pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then rub the mustard evenly over the entire surface. Sprinkle the dry rub all over the pork, pressing it in to adhere.
  3. Place pork in slow cooker: Set the pork shoulder into the slow cooker, fat side up. Pour in apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and water or beef broth around the pork (not over the rub).
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and shreddable. Alternatively, cook on high for 3-4 hours if short on time.
  5. Shred the pork: Carefully transfer the pork to a large bowl or cutting board. Use two forks or meat claws to shred the meat, discarding any large chunks of fat.
  6. Mix in BBQ sauce: Pour the BBQ sauce over the shredded pork and stir well to coat every strand. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve warm: Return the sauced pork to the slow cooker on warm setting to keep it cozy while you prepare sides or buns (optional).

Notes

For thicker sauce, uncover the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes to reduce liquid. Let the pork rest before shredding to redistribute juices. Adjust spice levels by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Use gluten-free sauces for gluten-sensitive diets. Browning the pork before slow cooking is optional but adds flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, BBQ, barbecue, pork shoulder, easy recipe, comfort food, slow cooker pulled pork