slow cooked pulled pork recipe

The Best slow cooked pulled pork recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite slow cooked pulled pork recipe, a dish that’s been a staple in my family for years. This tender and flavorful recipe originated from the Southern United States, where slow cooking was a necessity due to the lack of modern cooking techniques. The dish was traditionally made with tougher cuts of meat, which were cooked low and slow until they became tender and fell apart easily.

This technique allowed the meat to absorb all the flavors of the spices and seasonings, making it a true delight to eat. As a busy mom, I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make. Simply throw all the ingredients into a crock pot or Dutch oven, and let the slow cooker do all the work while you attend to other tasks.

The result is a deliciously tender and juicy pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even as a main course. My kids can’t get enough of this recipe, and I love how it’s become a regular feature in our household meals. One of the best things about this recipe is its health benefits.

By using tougher cuts of meat and cooking them low and slow, we’re able to avoid adding extra fat or oils to the dish. Plus, the spices and seasonings add plenty of flavor without adding any extra calories. This makes it an excellent choice for families looking for healthier meal options.

I’ve experimented with various spice blends over the years, but I always come back to this classic combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. It adds just the right amount of sweetness and smokiness to balance out the tanginess of the meat. You can adjust these spices to your liking, but this blend has become my go-to for a reason.

Whether you’re serving this at a casual family gathering or as part of a more formal dinner party, slow cooked pulled pork is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on your needs, and it’s an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers.

Slow Cooked Pulled Pork

4.6 from 1117 votes

Tender, flavorful pulled pork slow cooked to perfection. Serve on buns with your favorite barbecue sauce for a classic dish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time8 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hours 15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork

2 kg pork shoulder

For the Dry Rub

2 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder

For the Sauce

1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Combine paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl to create the dry rub.
2Apply the rub evenly over the pork shoulder, ensuring all sides are well coated.
3Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
4Add the pork shoulder to the slow cooker.
5Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours.
6The pork should be very tender and easily shreddable with a fork.
7While the pork is cooking, prepare the sauce by mixing barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar in a bowl.
8Stir well to combine.
9Once the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
10Use two forks to shred the pork into small pieces.
11Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top.
12Stir gently to combine.
13Allow the pork to soak in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes.
14Serve the pulled pork on buns with additional barbecue sauce if desired.
Enjoy!

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 115mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can add sliced onions and bell peppers to the slow cooker along with the pork. This dish can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooked Pulled Pork Works

This slow cooked pulled pork recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution.

One of my favorite ways to serve it is on soft buns with coleslaw and pickles on top.

It’s also delicious served over rice or as part of tacos with your favorite toppings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooked Pulled Pork

Q: What is slow cooked pulled pork?

Slow cooked pulled pork is a method of cooking pork shoulder or butt low and slow until it becomes tender and falls apart easily.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when making slow cooked pulled pork?

Common mistakes include overcooking or undercooking the meat, not using enough liquid in the crock pot or Dutch oven, or not letting it cook long enough.

Q: Can I use boneless pork shoulder instead of bone-in?

Boneless pork shoulder will work just fine in this recipe. However, keep in mind that bone-in cuts tend to be more flavorful since they contain more connective tissue.

Q: How do I store leftover pulled pork?

You can store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to six months.

Q: Can I reheat pulled pork in the microwave?

While you can reheat pulled pork in the microwave, it’s generally best to reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven instead.

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