Description
This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe delivers tender, flavorful pork shoulder shredded to perfection and smothered in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce. Slow cooking ensures the pork is juicy and infused with a blend of spices and savory flavors, making it ideal for sandwiches, dinners, or gatherings.
Ingredients
Seasoning Mixture
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Broth Mixture
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Main Ingredients
- 2 yellow onions, peeled and sliced
- 1 (5-pound) boneless or bone-in pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat (about 3 3/4 pounds after trimming)
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, mustard powder, chili powder, and oregano. Stir well to blend all the spices, setting this flavorful mixture aside.
- Mix Broth Sauce: Whisk together chicken broth, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar in a medium bowl until fully combined. This mixture will add moisture and tang to the pork during cooking.
- Season Pork Shoulder: Coat the entire pork shoulder evenly with the seasoning mixture to ensure a well-flavored base for slow cooking.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place sliced onions at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the broth sauce mixture over the onions, then lay the seasoned pork shoulder on top. Cover the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook the Pork: Cook on high for 5 to 6 hours or on low for 10 to 12 hours. The pork is done when it is fully cooked and shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred the Pork: Remove pork from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon and discard onions if desired or set aside to mix later. Once cool enough to handle, shred the pork with forks, discarding any bones or excess fat.
- Prepare Sauce: Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan, skimming off any grease. Simmer over medium to medium-high heat, reducing by half until thickened, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the reduced sauce over the shredded pork. Mix in the cooked onions if preferred. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious slow-cooked pulled pork.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase cayenne pepper to 1.5 teaspoons.
- You can skip straining the liquid if you prefer a chunkier sauce with onions.
- Leftover pulled pork freezes well for up to three months.
- Bone-in pork shoulder adds extra flavor but can increase cooking time slightly.
- Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker’s specific heat output and size.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours on high or 10 to 12 hours on low
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
