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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

A close-up of shredded, saucy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork piled high on a white plate, glistening under natural light.
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Make tender, flavorful pulled pork using your slow cooker. This set-and-forget recipe is perfect for BBQ sandwiches or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup water or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce (for finishing)

Instructions

  1. Place the pork shoulder in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create the rub.
  3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the pork shoulder.
  4. Pour the water or broth and apple cider vinegar around the pork in the slow cooker.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is easily shredded with a fork.
  6. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  7. Shred the pork using two forks.
  8. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Stir in 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Let it cook on the WARM setting for 30 minutes to absorb the flavor.
  9. Serve the pulled pork on buns with extra BBQ sauce, if desired.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use a pork shoulder with a good fat cap.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, drain some of the cooking liquid before adding the BBQ sauce back in.
  • This pulled pork freezes well. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycommand.com/slow-cooker-pulled-pork/