Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is one of those dishes that instantly warms your heart and fills your home with a sweet, smoky aroma. This tender shredded pork, slow-cooked until it’s perfectly juicy, turns into mouthwatering sandwiches that can bring anyone together. Imagine pulling apart those tender strands of meat with just a fork, basking in the delight of its savory flavor and luscious texture. This is not just another pulled pork recipe; it’s a crowd-pleaser that holds easy appeal, promising moments of satisfaction for your taste buds.
Table of Contents
When I first stumbled upon making Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, I was amazed by how simple yet incredibly satisfying it was. Over the years, I’ve served it at family gatherings, birthday parties, and even casual weeknight dinners, and it’s always a hit. You’ll love how easy it is to prep, letting your slow cooker do the magic while you go about your day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll crave it often—and your guests will be begging for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prepping takes only 15 minutes. Set it and forget it while it cooks low and slow!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and pork creates a flavor that’s tangy and rich.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even served over rice. Great for any occasion!
- Budget-Friendly: Made with cost-effective pork shoulder, it easily serves a crowd without breaking the bank.
- Customize It: Add your favorite spices or BBQ sauces for a personal touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder: This cut is ideal for slow cooking, breaking down beautifully into tender shreds. Look for pieces with some marbling for added flavor.
- 2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning: This seasoning blend enhances the dish with fragrant herbs. You can use a store-bought blend or mix your own.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for that perfect balance of sweetness and tang. This is what brings the rich flavor to your pulled pork.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy kick, helping to tenderize the pork and balance the rich flavors.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Keeps the pork moist while cooking and adds a bit of depth to the flavor. Use low-sodium broth for control over saltiness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches
Prep the pork: Rub the 3 pounds of boneless pork shoulder generously with 2 tablespoons of herb and garlic seasoning. Make sure to cover every inch for maximum flavor!
Mix the sauce: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup chicken broth. Stir until well blended, creating a deliciously tangy sauce to coat the pork.
Combine in cooker: Place the seasoned pork shoulder directly into your slow cooker. Pour the BBQ mixture over the pork, ensuring it’s well coated. This will infuse every bite with flavor as it cooks.
Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 205 degrees, and the pork is tender and falls apart effortlessly.
Shred the pork: Once cooked, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. It should practically fall apart!
Add moisture back: After shredding, return the pork to the slow cooker. Pour back in about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the cooking juices for extra flavor and moisture, discarding the rest. This keeps your pulled pork succulent and enhances the overall taste.
Extra sauce (optional): Feel free to add additional BBQ sauce, stirring it through to make it as saucy as you like! The extra flavor just elevates the experience when serving.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours after cooking. For longer storage, refrigerate in a sealed container for about 3 to 4 days. You can freeze the pulled pork too—just make sure to use a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. The flavor and texture might slightly change, but adding a splash of BBQ sauce while reheating will refresh it beautifully.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be careful not to overcook; pork that’s cooked too long can become dry, even in a slow cooker! It’s all about that perfect internal temperature—205 degrees.
- Let the pork rest for about 15 minutes after shredding before serving; it helps the juices redistribute.
- Make this a few days ahead. The flavor deepens after sitting in the fridge. It’s the ideal make-ahead meal!
- To spice it up, add some crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne to the seasoning.
- Try using a mixture of your favorite BBQ sauces to customize the flavor.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together. The gentle simmer allows the meat to absorb those rich flavors while you enjoy your day. Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or just a cozy evening at home, this recipe will undoubtedly impress. Plus, feel free to experiment! Add your twist or serve it with different sides. You’ll be amazed at how versatile and enjoyable this pulled pork truly is.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for shredding, you can also use pork butt or even boneless ribs. Just make sure whatever cut you use has enough fat to keep it moist during cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! You can prepare it one to two days before your event. Just store the cooked pulled pork in the fridge and reheat it slowly before serving. It will taste even better as the flavors meld.
How can I spice up the flavor?
If you’re looking to give your pulled pork an extra punch, consider adding smoked paprika, cumin, or even a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ mixture. It’ll add a delightful kick to the overall profile!
What can I serve with pulled pork sandwiches?
Pulled pork is perfect alongside coleslaw, potato salad, or even baked beans. It also pairs beautifully with cornbread or fries, making for a comforting meal any time.
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📖 Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 255 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: 101|Main Dishes
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork features tender, juicy pork shoulder seasoned with garlic and herbs, simmered in BBQ sauce for a flavorful, hassle-free meal. Perfect for sandwiches or as a hearty main dish, it’s ideal for gatherings or a satisfying weekday dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 pound boneless pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning
- 1/2 cup bbq sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Rub the pork shoulder with the herb and garlic seasoning and place it in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth, then pour the mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 205 degrees.
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the cooking juices back to the shredded pork and discard the excess juices.
- When serving, you may add additional BBQ sauce to taste if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the pork shoulder overnight with seasoning.
Serve pulled pork on buns with coleslaw for a delicious sandwich.
Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
