Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

why make this recipe

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is a fantastic dish to make for gatherings or family dinners. It’s easy to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time. The slow cooker works its magic, turning a simple cut of pork into a flavorful and tender meal. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a mouth-watering BBQ pulled pork that everyone will love.

how to make Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds pork shoulder
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Buns or rice for serving

Directions:

  1. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  3. Pour the mixture over the pork.
  4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the pork is tender.
  5. Shred the pork with two forks and mix it with the sauce.
  6. Serve on buns or with rice.

how to serve Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Serve the pulled pork on soft buns for tasty sandwiches. You can also serve it over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Add extra BBQ sauce and some pickles or coleslaw on top for extra flavor and crunch.

how to store Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Once cooled, store the leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

tips to make Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

  • For more flavor, marinate the pork shoulder overnight in the BBQ sauce before cooking.
  • If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mix.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check if the pork is fully cooked. It should reach an internal temperature of at least 190°F for shredding.

variation

You can try different types of BBQ sauces to match your taste. Smoked or spicy BBQ sauces can give your pulled pork a unique twist. Additionally, you can add different spices such as cumin or chili powder for extra depth.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, you can use other cuts like pork loin or tenderloin, but they may not shred as nicely as pork shoulder.

2. Can I cook it without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can also prepare pulled pork in the oven or on the stovetop. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. How can I reheat leftovers?
Reheat pulled pork on the stove over low heat, in the microwave, or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. Add a little BBQ sauce to keep it moist.

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

A flavorful and tender BBQ pulled pork, perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare using a slow cooker.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds pork shoulder A well-suited cut for shredding
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce Can use any preferred BBQ sauce
  • 1 onion, chopped Adds sweetness and depth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika Adds a smoky flavor
  • Buns or rice for serving Choose soft buns for sandwiches or rice for a hearty meal

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  3. Pour the mixture over the pork.
Cooking
  1. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the pork is tender.
  2. Shred the pork with two forks and mix it with the sauce.

Notes

Serve the pulled pork on soft buns or over rice, and consider adding extra BBQ sauce, pickles, or coleslaw for added flavor and crunch. For best results, marinate the pork overnight in BBQ sauce.