If you’re a fan of tender, flavorful pulled pork, then you need to try this ultimate slow cooker recipe. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can achieve the most delicious and melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork you’ve ever tasted.
To begin, you’ll need a boneless pork shoulder, also known as a pork butt. This cut of meat is perfect for slow cooking as it has plenty of fat and marbling, which adds incredible flavor and ensures moist, tender results. Combine a rub made of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and generously coat the pork shoulder.
Next, place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker and add some liquid, such as chicken broth or apple cider vinegar, to keep it moist during the cooking process. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or on high heat for 4-6 hours, until the pork is fall-apart tender.
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat or bones. If you prefer a saucy pulled pork, you can mix the shredded meat with your favorite barbecue sauce. Serve the pulled pork on buns or rolls, topped with coleslaw or pickles for a delicious and satisfying meal.
All You Need to Know About Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
To make slow cooker pulled pork, you will need a pork roast, such as a shoulder or butt roast, as well as a flavorful rub or marinade. The pork is cooked low and slow in a mixture of broth, spices, and any additional ingredients you choose to add. This slow cooking process allows the pork to become tender and juicy, while also infusing it with delicious flavors.
When selecting a pork roast for pulled pork, it is important to choose a cut that is well-marbled with fat. This fat will render down during the cooking process, keeping the meat moist and adding flavor. Additionally, a bone-in roast can add even more flavor to the final dish.
To prepare the pork, start by rubbing it with your chosen seasonings or marinade. This can be a simple mixture of spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar, or a more complex marinade with ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar. Allow the pork to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Next, place the marinated pork roast into the slow cooker and add any additional ingredients, such as onions, garlic, or barbecue sauce. Be sure to pour in enough liquid, such as broth, to cover the bottom of the slow cooker and prevent the pork from drying out. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or on high heat for 4-6 hours.
Once the pork is cooked through and tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any excess fat or bone. At this point, you can mix the pulled pork with some of the cooking liquid or your favorite barbecue sauce for added flavor and moisture.
Slow cooker pulled pork is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve it on a toasted bun with coleslaw for a classic pulled pork sandwich, or use it as a filling for tacos or quesadillas. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and the pulled pork can also be frozen for future use.
What is Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?
To make slow cooker pulled pork, the pork is typically seasoned with a dry rub or marinade to infuse it with flavor. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar. The pork is then placed in the slow cooker along with any additional ingredients, such as onions, garlic, or barbecue sauce, and cooked on low heat for 8-10 hours, or on high heat for 4-6 hours. As the pork cooks, it becomes incredibly tender and easily shreds apart.
Once the pork is cooked, it is removed from the slow cooker and shredded using two forks. The cooking liquid from the slow cooker can be strained and used as a sauce or added back to the shredded pork for additional flavor and moisture. Slow cooker pulled pork can be served on its own, in sandwiches, or as a filling for tacos or burritos. It pairs well with coleslaw, pickles, and barbecue sauce.
Why Should You Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?
One of the biggest advantages of making slow cooker pulled pork is the convenience factor. With a slow cooker, you can simply toss all the ingredients into the pot, set it and forget it. This means that you can go about your day and come home to a delicious meal that has been cooking slowly and developing its flavors all day long. It’s perfect for those busy days when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Another reason to make slow cooker pulled pork is the incredible tenderness and juiciness that it yields. The long, slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissue in the pork, resulting in meat that is incredibly tender and easy to shred. The low and slow cooking also allows the flavors to develop and meld together, creating a mouthwatering dish that is full of depth and richness.
Using a slow cooker also allows you to easily feed a crowd. Depending on the size of your slow cooker, you can make a large batch of pulled pork to serve at a party or gathering. It’s a great option for potlucks or game day, as it can be prepared ahead of time and kept warm in the slow cooker until ready to serve. Plus, the leftovers can be used in a variety of ways, such as sandwiches, tacos, or even on top of pizza, making it a budget-friendly and versatile choice.
