Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is one of those dishes that combines simplicity with unbeatable flavor, making it an absolute must-try for any home cook. Picture tender, succulent pork that practically falls apart with a gentle tug. The aroma wafting from the slow cooker is enough to get anyone’s mouth watering. This cozy dish is perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or any time you crave a hearty meal with minimal effort. Plus, it offers that nostalgic feeling of hometown cooking, bringing families together around the dinner table to savor each bite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

I remember the first time I made this easy recipe for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. It was a busy Sunday, and the thought of juggling meal prep felt overwhelming. But with just a few ingredients and a couple of minutes to prepare, my slow cooker took over while I checked a few things off my to-do list. The best part? I was greeted by the delectable scent of BBQ when I returned, turning a simple meal into a treasured family favorite. Trust me; this recipe is not only budget-friendly but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep time is only 15 minutes, with the slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting for 8-10 hours.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of herb and garlic seasoning, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar brings out deep, rich flavors that are unbelievably satisfying.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These pulled pork sandwiches look and smell incredible, making them perfect for social gatherings or just a cozy night in.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s game day, a potluck, or a family dinner, these sandwiches fit right in any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit gluten-free or low-carb diets without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 pounds boneless pork shoulder: This cut is perfect because it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender during cooking. If you can’t find boneless, bone-in can work too.
2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning: A savory blend that acts as a wonderful flavor base for the pork, enhancing its natural juiciness.
½ cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite; this sauce will mix with the pork’s drippings to create a sticky, flavorful coating.
¼ cup apple cider vinegar: It adds a nice tang, balancing the richness of the pork and BBQ sauce. A good substitute could be white vinegar or even lemon juice.
¼ cup chicken broth: This gives moisture to the slow cooker, ensuring your pork stays juicy. Vegetable broth can work as an alternative for a lighter flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

Prepare the Pork: Rub the 3 pounds of boneless pork shoulder evenly with 2 tablespoons of herb and garlic seasoning, pressing it into the meat for maximum flavor. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker.

Mix the Sauces: In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup BBQ sauce, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, and ¼ cup chicken broth. Mix until well blended and pour this sauce mixture directly over the pork in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s all nicely covered.

Cook Slowly: Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The pork should be tender and reach an internal temperature of 205 degrees. You’ll know it’s done when it shreds easily with a fork and the edges look slightly caramelized and crispy.

Shred the Pork: Carefully remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker, placing it on a large cutting board. Using two forks (or your hands, if you prefer), shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. It’s still warm, so take your time to shred without burning yourself!

Mix with Juices: Pour about ¼ to ½ cup of the cooking juices back over the shredded pork. Discard any excess juices unless you want to keep it for later add-in. If you prefer extra tangy, mix in some additional BBQ sauce until it reaches your desired flavor.

Serve: Now the fun begins! Pile the juicy, tender pulled pork onto soft sandwich buns and add your favorite toppings—think coleslaw, pickles, or extra BBQ sauce for that extra flair.

Storing & Reheating

To store your leftover pulled pork, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container; it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the pulled pork by placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When it’s time to enjoy, gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through; you may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Dry Pork: Make sure not to overcook the pork shoulder. Cooking it too long can lead to dryness, so keep an eye on the temperature and timing.
Let it Rest: After cooking, allow the pork to rest for about 10 minutes before shredding to lock in juices.
Flavor Boost: Experiment with various BBQ sauces or seasonings. Add a dash of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile.
Make It a Meal: Consider serving the pulled pork with sides like baked beans, cornbread, or coleslaw for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is not just a dinner—it’s an experience. The combination of tender meat and savory sauces makes for a flavorful adventure every time. Plus, it’s a dish that brings people together, whether around the dining table or the couch during game nights. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own; try different BBQ sauces or add some spicy kick. Your culinary creativity is the only limit here. Enjoy every juicy bite!

Recipe FAQs

How do I know when the pulled pork is done?

You’ll know the pulled pork is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, the meat should pull apart easily with a fork. If it’s not shredding easily, give it a little more time in the slow cooker.

Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 4-5 hours will still result in tender pulled pork. Just make sure to monitor the meat and check for doneness, as cooker variations can affect cooking times.

What should I serve with pulled pork sandwiches?

There are plenty of tasty sides to pair with your sandwiches! Consider serving them with coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, or corn on the cob for a complete meal. You could even go light and serve a crisp side salad.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! After cooling the leftovers, pack the pulled pork into an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy the flavorful goodness again!

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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

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Author: Nadia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 255 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: 101|Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork features irresistibly tender shredded pork, easy prep, and the delightful combination of BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar. Ideal for quick dinners, this homemade dish is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!

Ingredients

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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

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Instructions

Rub the pork shoulder with 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 this 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 remaining juices.
If desired, add more BBQ sauce to taste.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, let the pork marinate overnight with the seasoning before cooking.
Serve the pulled pork on buns with coleslaw for a delicious sandwich.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.