Hey home chefs! Today, we’re diving into a crowd-pleasing classic: slow cooker BBQ pulled pork. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. It requires minimal prep and delivers fall-off-the-bone tender pork bathed in smoky, sweet, and tangy BBQ sauce.
Why Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?
Slow cookers are lifesavers in the kitchen. They allow you to simmer ingredients for extended periods, resulting in incredibly flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth dishes. With pulled pork, the slow cooker does the heavy lifting, transforming a tough cut of meat into juicy, shredded goodness.
Ingredients:
- 4- to 5-pound boneless pork shoulder roast (butt)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (12 ounces) your favorite beer (for extra depth of flavor)
- Hamburger buns
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
Instructions:
- Prep the Pork: Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Sauté (Optional): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides for a few minutes to develop a nice brown crust. This step is optional but adds a layer of flavor.
- Slow Cooker Magic: Transfer the seared pork (or directly transfer if not searing) to the slow cooker. In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, spices, onion, and garlic. Pour the mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
- Optional Beer Addition: For an extra layer of complexity, pour your favorite beer into the slow cooker.
- Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 10-12 hours, or on HIGH for 5-6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
- The Shredding: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large fat chunks.
- Sauce It Up: Skim any excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquids in the slow cooker. Reserve about 1 cup of the cooking juices and discard the rest. Add the shredded pork back to the slow cooker and toss with the reserved juices and additional BBQ sauce, depending on your desired level of sauciness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pile the pulled pork onto hamburger buns and serve with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw and pickles.
Tips:
- Buns: Toasting your hamburger buns adds a nice textural contrast to the tender pork. Brush them with melted butter or olive oil before toasting for extra flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you like things a bit spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Leftovers: Pulled pork is perfect for leftovers! Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Homemade BBQ Sauce: Feeling adventurous? Craft your own BBQ sauce to personalize the flavor profile.
Final Thoughts:
Slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With minimal prep and the magic of the slow cooker, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal right at home. So fire up your slow cooker, gather your family and friends, and enjoy this ultimate comfort food!