Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

• Boneless Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt): The essential star for tender, juicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Opt for a Boston butt cut for optimal fat and flavor.
• Large Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet aromatic base, slowly caramelizing to deepen the overall flavor. Don’t skip this foundational ingredient.
• Garlic, Minced: Infuses deep, pungent flavor that is crucial for a rich savory profile. Freshly minced garlic is always best.
• Chicken Broth, Low Sodium: Adds necessary liquid for slow cooking and builds a savory base. Use low-sodium to control seasoning levels.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Its acidity tenderizes the pork and brightens the rich, smoky flavors. A key component for balance.
• BBQ Sauce, Your Favorite Brand: The ultimate flavor builder for classic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Choose a high-quality, smoky variety you love.
• Light Brown Sugar, Packed: Balances the tang of vinegar and BBQ sauce, adding a touch of sweetness. Pack it firmly for accurate measurement.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a complex umami depth, enhancing the savory notes of the pork. A secret weapon for flavor.
• Liquid Smoke (Optional): Delivers an authentic smoky flavor without needing a smoker. Use sparingly for best results, a little goes a long way.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning the pork, creating a flavorful crust and sealing in juices. A good quality extra virgin works well.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds rich color and a wonderful smoky aroma to the rub. Essential for that classic BBQ taste.
• Ground Cumin: Lends an earthy, warm spice note that complements the pork and BBQ flavors beautifully. Freshly ground is superior.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the pork and bringing out all the delicious flavors. Season generously before cooking.
• Black Pepper, Freshly Ground: Provides a subtle pungent warmth that enhances the savory depth. Freshly ground pepper offers superior flavor.
• Hamburger Buns: The classic vehicle for serving this incredible Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Toast them lightly for extra texture.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Prep Pork:

Pat the pork shoulder dry. Rub generously with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until nicely browned. This builds a fantastic flavor base for your pulled pork.

Add Aromatics:

Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the seared pork shoulder on top. Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar around the pork, creating a flavorful braising liquid.

Make Sauce:

In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke (if using). Pour this delicious mixture over the pork in the slow cooker. Ensure the pork is well coated for the best flavor.

Slow Cook:

Cover and cook your Slow Cooker Pulled Pork on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the pork is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Resist peeking for optimal moisture.

Shred Pork:

Carefully remove the tender pork to a large bowl, reserving the cooking liquid. Shred the pork using two forks, discarding any excess fat. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker with some of the flavorful liquid.

Serve Pulled Pork:

Serve your amazing The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: Tender & Juicy Perfection! on hamburger buns. Spoon extra sauce over each sandwich if desired. It’s perfect for a family meal or party, creating cherished memories.

How to Store Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

To store leftover pulled pork, ensure it has cooled completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Don’t do what I did and leave it out too long, or it won’t be safe! Always check for any off smells or sliminess before serving.

This recipe is great for make-ahead meals. Cook the pork entirely, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker with a splash of broth. Storing the shredded pork with some cooking liquid helps maintain its juiciness.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

You can simply **serve** this tender pulled pork warm on toasted hamburger buns for a classic, easy meal. For a party, arrange it attractively with a side of crunchy coleslaw and pickles – it’s **perfect** for casual gatherings. To **pair** with, a refreshing lemonade or a cold beer helps you truly **enjoy** the rich, smoky flavors.

My personal favorite way to **serve** this is piled high on a toasted brioche bun with creamy coleslaw. The sweetness of the bun and the tang of the slaw **pair** **perfectly** with the smoky pork, creating a truly delightful bite to **enjoy**.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute pork loin for pork shoulder in The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?

No, I don’t recommend using pork loin. Leaner cuts like loin will result in dry, tough meat, a mistake I learned the hard way. Always use boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt) for guaranteed juicy, fall-apart perfection.

→ How do I prevent dry, tough meat when making Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?

To prevent dry meat, ensure you cook the pork until it’s fall-apart tender, resisting the urge to peek. Also, don’t skip searing; it locks in moisture. Resting shredded pork in the reserved liquid helps it reabsorb flavor and stay juicy.

→ Can I make The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork ahead of time and freeze it?

Yes, you can absolutely make it ahead and freeze it! Cook completely, then cool and store in an airtight container with some cooking liquid. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker for best results.

→ How long can I safely store leftover Slow Cooker Pulled Pork in the refrigerator?

Leftover pulled pork, once cooled and transferred to an airtight container, will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Always check for any off smells or sliminess before serving, as I learned from leaving it out too long.

→ Can I easily double this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe for a larger gathering?

Yes, you can double this recipe, but I’d use two smaller pork shoulders rather than one very large one. This ensures even cooking. You might need a larger slow cooker or two, and cooking time may increase slightly.