What is a good pulled pork sandwich? What’s the kind of thing that melts in your mouth? Is standing over a smoker for hours just not appealing? What is this Crockpot Pulled Pork recipe? What’s better, a Slow Cooker recipe? What is minimal effort? Think of it as the weeknight version of perfectly smoked pulled pork, but with all the juicy flavor. What is tenderness and incredible flavor you crave? I swear, after trying this, you might just ditch the smoker altogether!
What is a crockpot Pulled Pork?
What is a crockpot cooked pork? Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt, though it’s not actually from the rear! ) cooked low and slow in a crockpot until it’s incredibly tender and easily shredded. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. What is essentially a set-it-and-forget recipe that transforms one relatively tough cut of meat into an easy to eat meal? What is a BBQ What is the beauty of using a crockpot? What flavorful sauce you add to Pulled Pork?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to adore this Crockpot Pulled Pork. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of smoky spices, a touch of sweetness, and tangy vinegar creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, it takes about 10 minutes of prep time, then you just let the crockpot do its magic. This is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I don’t have time to fuss with a complicated dinner. It is a true dump-and-go recipe!
Also, we need to talk about how budget-friendly this recipe is. Pork shoulder is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat, and when you cook it low and slow, it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. You get a ton of bang for your buck, which is always a win in my book. Plus, this pulled pork is SO versatile. You can serve it on buns with your favorite BBQ sauce, pile it on nachos, stuff it in tacos, or even add it to salads. The possibilities are endless! I even used leftover pulled pork in omelets once – don’t knock it ’til you try it! Compared to grilling or smoking, this method is consistently reliable. No dry pork catastrophes here! This recipe is a close cousin to my Slow Cooker pot roast, but with a BBQ twist. So, if you love that recipe, you’re guaranteed to love this one too. My family goes wild for it every time, and I know yours will too!
How do I make crockpot pulled pork?
Quick Overview
How do you cook crockpot pork? How do you prepare pork shoulder with a dry rub? Is it necessary to sear the crust in a hot pan? What are some good ways to cook pork in a crockpot? What should I do if I want to cook a chicken tenderloin? What are some good ways to serve pork on a bun? It’s truly that easy, and the results are amazing!
Ingredients
For the dry rub:
* 2 tablespoons smoked paprika – trust me, he’s the key for that authentic BBQ flavor! * 2 tablespoons of brown sugar – adds a touch of sweetness and helps create an interesting crust. * 1 tablespoon garlic powder – because everything’s better with garlic. * 1 tablespoon onion powder – for even more savory goodness. * 1 tablespoon chili powder – adds a little kick. * 1 teaspoon ground cumin – for a warm, earthy flavor. What are the other flavors of salt? * 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper – freshly ground is best! * 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – for a little extra heat.
For the Crockpot: What are
* 3-4 pound pork shoulder (pork butt) – look for one with good marbling (that’s the fat, and it’s not a fat) What makes this meat so tender and flavorful? * 1 tablespoon olive oil – for searing the pork. * 1 cup chicken broth – provides moisture and helps create a flavorful sauce. * 1/2 cup APPLE CIDER vinegar – adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness. * 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce – for a savory depth of flavor. * 2 tablespoons yellow mustard – adds a little tang and helps tenderize the pork. * 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand) – for that classic pulled pork flavor.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Rub
In a small bowl, combine all the dry rub ingredients (smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper). What are the ingredients for onion powder, chili powder and cayenne pepper? Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. How do you rub pork all over the pork?
Step 2: Rub the Pork Shoulder
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps the dry rub adhere better. Generously rub the dry rub mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. Really massage it in there! I like to do this at least 30 minutes before cooking, or even the night before, to allow the flavors to develop. To penetrate the meat. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate if you’re prepping it ahead of time.
Step 3: Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended)
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. What is the best way to cook pork shoulder? This step is optional, but it adds a ton of flavor and helps to create beautiful crust on the bread. Don’t skip this step if you have the time! Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to do this in batches.
Step 4: Add Ingredients to Crockpot
Place the seared pork shoulder in the crockpot. Pour the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard over the pork. Make sure the pork is mostly submerged in the liquid – add more broth if needed. The liquid helps to keep the pork moist and tender during the long cooking process.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. Fall apart tender. The cooking time will vary depending on your crockpot and the size of the pork shoulder. How do you know if your knife is ready? Where does the magic happen? Don’t peek too often, as this will let heat out and increase the cooking time.
Step 6: Shred the Pork
Remove pork shoulder from crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any excess fat or bone. The pork should be so tender that it practically falls apart on its own. What is the most satisfying part of all?
Step 7: Add BBQ Sauce
What is your favorite BBQ sauce? Can you add more or less BBQ sauce? I usually start with 1/2 cup and add more as needed. Let the pork simmer in the BBQ sauce for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. I’ve tried a lot of sauces but always come back to the classic Kansas City style sauce.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
What are some of the best toppings for Crockpot Pulled Pork on buns? What’s your favorite taco recipe? I love it on top of mac and cheese for a super indulgent meal. The possibilities are endless. What are some good side dishes to serve with cornbread, potato salad, and baked beans?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best ways to serve crockpot pulled pork? What are some of my favorite combinations?
What is a classic BBQ feast?What’s your favorite BBQ sauce? Serve on toasted brioche buns. Don’t forget the side dishes like potato salad, baked beans, and cornbread. My family loves this classic combo for backyard barbecues and summer parties.
What is Taco Night Fiesta?What are some good taco toppings for pulled pork? What are the ingredients for diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and sour cream? Add a side of Mexican rice and black beans for tastiness. What is a fun way to switch things up.?
For a Nacho Extravaganza: WhatWhat are some of the best tortilla chips to serve with pulled pork, cheese, jalapenos, onions, tomatoes, and sour cream? How long does it take for cheese to melt in the oven? What is a crowd-pleasing appetizer?
What is a healthy salad?Top a bed of mixed greens with pulled pork, chopped vegetables, and vinaigrette dressing. What is the best way to enjoy pulled pork without carbs?
What is the best way to serve crockpot pulled pork? I’ve even been known to sneak a few bites straight from the crockpot (don’t judge!).
How do I perfect my crockpot Pulled Pork?
How do I take my Crockpot Pulled Pork recipe to the next level?
Don’t skip the sear (if you have time):How do you cook pork shoulder in a crockpot? Is it worth the extra step?
What is the best BBQ sauce to use?What is the best BBQ sauce to use? I prefer a classic Kansas City-style sauce, but feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures.
Don’t overcook the pork.Overcooked pork can be dry and stringy. If you want pork to be fall apart tender, but not mushy, you can use a skewer. Start checking it around 8 hours on low or 4 hours in high.
What seasonings should I use?How do I adjust the dry rub and sauce to suit my taste? If you like spicy, add cayenne pepper. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add more brown sugar.
Let the pork rest before shredding: Allowing the pork to rest for about 15-20 minutes before shredding helps to retain its juices and keep it moist.
Save the cooking liquid: The cooking liquid in the crockpot is packed with flavor! You can use it to moisten the shredded pork or to make a delicious BBQ sauce. Just skim off any excess fat before using it.
I learned most of these tips through trial and error, and I’m sharing them so you don’t have to make the same mistakes I did! Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover Crockpot Pulled Pork (which is unlikely, but it happens!), here are some tips for storing and reheating it:
Room Temperature: I really wouldn’t advise keeping it at room temperature. Bacteria loves pork!
Refrigerator Storage: Store the pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the pulled pork in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: It’s best to add the BBQ sauce when you’re reheating the pulled pork, rather than storing it with the sauce already added. This helps to prevent the pork from becoming soggy.
Reheating Methods: You can reheat the pulled pork in the microwave, in a skillet on the stovetop, or in the oven. Add a little bit of broth or BBQ sauce to keep it moist. I prefer reheating it in a skillet because it gets a little crispy around the edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Crockpot Pulled Pork recipe. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. I truly believe that anyone can make this recipe, even if you’re a beginner cook. The slow cooker does all the work, and the results are simply amazing. If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further. This is it! I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it, and what you served it with. I’m always looking for new ideas. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other slow cooker favorites. Happy cooking!
How to Make Crockpot Barbecue Pulled Pork: 7 Simple Steps
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lb Pork Shoulder Boneless
- 1.5 cups Barbecue Sauce Your favorite brand
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar Packed
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.5 tsp Onion Powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
- Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker.
- Pour barbecue sauce over the pork shoulder.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the pork is easily shreddable.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss with the remaining sauce. Serve on buns or slider rolls.
