Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, this slow cooked pulled pork recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that will have your mouth watering and your family begging for seconds.

This pulled pork made in the slow cooker is my go-to for an easy, drool-worthy meal. You can serve it looks like ads of different ways and leftovers reheat like a champ, making it a total lifesaver for busy weeks. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper!

What do you need?

Pork shoulder

When making pulled pork in a slow cooker, the key is to choose the right cut of meat. Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt, is the ideal choice due to its balance of fat and tenderness.

The best cut of pork for making pulled pork is pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, Boston butt, or pork shoulder roast. Both bone-in and boneless options work well for this recipe. When using a bone-in pork shoulder, it will take a bit longer to cook, but the bone will help to retain moisture and flavor.

Beef Stock

Beef stock is added to the slow cooker pulled pork recipes, as it adds depth of flavor and helps to keep the meat moist during the cooking process. However, if you prefer, you can substitute beef stock with chicken or vegetable stock, or apple juice.

Onion

Onion adds a natural sweetness and another layer of flavor to the pulled pork. You can use any type of onion, but yellow or white onions are ideal.

Seasoning

Use your favorite pork seasoning to season the pork, or try this simple homemade mix:

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is added to the pulled pork in the final step, lending a smoky, tangy flavor that complements the tender meat. If you prefer a different flavor profile, you could also try teriyaki sauce, which adds a delicious balance of sweet and savory notes to your dish.

How to make pulled pork in the slow cooker

This recipe is very simple to prepare, there are just a few key steps to getting it just right:

• Prepare the pork. Pat the pork shoulder dry, then sprinkle it with the seasoning mix and rub in.
• Place the ingredients into the slow cooker. Chop the onions and place into the slow cooker bowl. Place the pork shoulder on top, then pour the stock over. Place the lid on the slow cooker.
• Slow-cook the pork. Set the slow cooker to cook for 4 hours on High, or 8 hours on low. The time may vary depending on the size of the cut.
• Shred the pork. Once you see that the meat is tender and shreds easily, it’s time to take it out of the slow cooker. Use a fork or a pair of tongs to shred the pork into smaller pieces, discarding any excess fat.
• Optional: For bbq pulled pork that is perfect for serving in sliders or tacos, add the shredded pork to a skillet, drizzle with barbecue sauce, and add a few tablespoons of liquid from the slow cooker. Heat the pulled pork gently, adding more bbq sauce (for sweetness) and slow cooker juices (for savory) until you reach the right balance of sweet/savory.

Serving ideas

Your slow cooker pulled pork is delicious, versatile, and perfect for various dishes. Here are some serving ideas to get the most enjoyment out of your pulled pork:

• Sandwiches: Pile the pulled pork high on soft hamburger buns, add some tangy coleslaw, pickle slices, and your favorite barbecue sauce for a classic pulled pork sandwich. You could even try adding some melted cheese and mustard for a twist.
• Tacos: Grab your favorite tortilla, and lay a generous amount of tender pulled pork on it. Top it with diced onions, jalapenos, and fresh cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime and a dollop of sour cream or your favorite salsa for an unforgettable pulled pork taco.
• Salads: Toss pulled pork onto a bed of mixed greens and your favorite salad ingredients. Sprinkle with green onions, shredded cheese, and drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette for a satisfying yet light meal.
• On rice: Cook up some fluffy rice, and serve the pulled pork on top. Add a side of steamed vegetables for an even more well-rounded plate.
• Nachos: For an appetizer or snack with a kick, layer tortilla chips on a plate, add a generous helping of pulled pork, and top with cheese, green onions, jalapenos, sour cream, and salsa. Pop it in the oven or the microwave to melt the cheese.

Storing and Reheating

Store any leftover pulled pork in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

If you will want to reheat the pulled pork, also save some of the juices from the slowcooker, but be sure to keep them separate from the pulled pork.

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, add the pork and some of the reserved juices (or apple juice) to a large skillet, and heat over a low-to-medium heat. Cook your pulled pork for roughly 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Remember, when reheating your pulled pork, it’s crucial to bring it to a temperature of 165°F / 74°C to ensure food safety.