Description
How to make incredibly tender slow cooker pulled pork with smoky BBQ sauce and succulent pork shoulder that your whole family will devour.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Components:
- 3–4 lb boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt)
- 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth, low sodium
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- Flavor Builders:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, your favorite brand
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for extra smokiness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Seasonings & Spices:
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- Serving Suggestion:
- Hamburger buns, for serving
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
Searing the pork shoulder before slow cooking builds crucial deep flavor and locks in moisture.
Store cooled pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Always use boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt); leaner cuts like loin will result in dry, tough meat.
Serve warm on toasted hamburger buns, optionally with extra sauce and creamy coleslaw.
Rest shredded pork in reserved cooking liquid to reabsorb flavor and ensure maximum juiciness.
**Allergy Information:** Fish, Soy, Gluten
