Save to Pinterest Tender, juicy pulled pork slow-cooked to perfection in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or served over rice.
This recipe has quickly become a favorite at family gatherings due to its simplicity and rich, smoky flavor.
Ingredients
- Pork: 4 lbs (1.8 kg) boneless pork shoulder (pork butt) trimmed of excess fat
- Spice Rub: 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp smoked paprika 1 tbsp chili powder 2 tsp garlic powder 2 tsp onion powder 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking Liquid: 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth 1 cup (240 ml) barbecue sauce plus extra for serving 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Spice Rub:
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar smoked paprika chili powder garlic powder onion powder cumin salt and black pepper to make the spice rub.
- Season Pork:
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels Rub the spice mixture all over the pork pressing it into the meat.
- Slow Cook:
- Place the pork in the slow cooker Pour chicken broth barbecue sauce apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce around not over the pork.
- Cook Low and Slow:
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred Pork:
- Transfer the pork to a large bowl Skim fat from the cooking liquid Shred the pork using two forks discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Combine and Heat:
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker mixing it with some of the cooking liquid and extra barbecue sauce as desired Heat through for 10 15 minutes.
- Serve:
- Serve on buns with coleslaw or as desired.
Save to Pinterest This dish brings everyone to the table It’s the centerpiece of many family moments and celebrations.
Required Tools
Slow cooker (6-quart recommended) Mixing bowls Measuring spoons and cups Two forks for shredding Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains None inherently but check BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce labels for gluten soy or other allergens Always verify ingredient labels if you have sensitivities
Nutritional Information
Calories 390 Total Fat 19 g Carbohydrates 14 g Protein 39 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is a perfect blend of flavor and convenience making it a must-try for any home cook.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cut of pork works best?
Boneless pork shoulder, also called pork butt, is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked.
- → Can I prepare this without a slow cooker?
Yes, the pork can be cooked in a low oven or pressure cooker, but slow cooking overnight yields the best tenderness.
- → How do I achieve a smoky flavor?
Including smoked paprika in the spice rub and optionally adding liquid smoke to the cooking liquid enhances smokiness naturally.
- → What is the best way to shred the pork?
Use two forks to pull the meat apart gently once it's tender and cooked through to maintain juicy texture.
- → How can I keep the pork moist after cooking?
Mix shredded pork with reserved cooking juices and additional barbecue sauce before serving to retain moisture and flavor.