This popular dish is made by cooking the pork shoulder in a slow cooker until the meat is very tender. The cooked pork is then shredded and mixed with a barbecue sauce of your choice. Serve pulled pork on buns or rolls, with coleslaw and potato salad on the side.
The Ideal Type Of Pork To Use
You’ll want to use a boneless pork shoulder roast for this recipe. This type of pork is well-marbled with fat, which helps to keep it moist and flavorful during the long cooking time.
Use a bone-in roast if you can’t find a boneless pork shoulder roast. Just be sure to remove the bone before shredding the meat.
Recipe Variations
Add a little spice to your pulled pork by mixing chopped chipotle peppers, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to the barbecue sauce.
For a sweeter flavor, mix in some diced pineapple or peach preserves to the barbecue sauce.
If you’d like, you can also add some chopped onions, garlic, or green peppers to the slow cooker along with the pork roast.
Tips For Perfection
- Be sure to cook the pork until it is very tender.
- The best way to test for doneness is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature of the pork should be at least 190°F.
- If the pork is too dry during cooking, you can add a little chicken broth or water to the slow cooker.
- When shredding the pork, remove any large pieces of fat. It’s also a good idea to taste the pulled pork before adding any barbecue sauce and add salt and pepper as needed.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This recipe would be ideal for cooking in a slow cooker. Just place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker with a bit of chicken broth or water, set it on low, and cook for 8-10 hours. Once the pork is cooked, please remove it from the slow cooker and shred the meat.
When adding the barbecue sauce, start with 0.5 cups and add more as needed. You may also add any of the optional ingredients listed above.
Serve pulled pork:
- on buns or rolls
- with coleslaw
- potato salad on the side
Ingredient Substitutes
- If you can’t find a pork shoulder roast, you can use a pork butt roast instead.
- You may also use boneless pork loin, but it will not be as moist or flavorful as the shoulder.
- Be creative and free to use your favorite store-bought brand for the barbecue sauce, or you can try making your own.
Pulled Pork Recipe
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 4 lb boneless pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup chicken broth or water (optional)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce to taste
Instructions
- Mix the paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Next, rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
- Place the pork in a slow cooker with the chicken broth or water.
- Cook on low flame for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
- Then, shred the meat using a fork or chop it into small pieces.
- Add the barbecue sauce to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the pulled pork on buns or rolls with coleslaw, potato salad, or your favorite sides.
Enjoy!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- On a bun or roll
- With coleslaw
- Potato salad on the side
- As a main dish with sides
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Leftover pulled pork will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container. The pork can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little chicken broth or water to the pulled pork, so it doesn’t dry out.Reheating Suggestions
- Microwave: Place the pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Place the pulled pork in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the pulled pork on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition
FAQs Related To Pulled Pork Recipe
I Don’t Have A Slow Cooker. Can I Make This Recipe In The Oven?
Yes, it is possible to make pulled pork in the oven. Just cook the pork shoulder at 325°F until it is very tender.
Can I Freeze Leftover Pulled Pork?
Yes, freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little chicken broth or water to the pulled pork, so it doesn’t dry out.
How Long Does Pulled Pork Last In The Fridge?
Leftover pulled pork will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container.
Wrap Up
If you are looking for something to get you through the winter or an easy weeknight meal, this pulled pork recipe is it! Let us know how you liked it! This will become a family favorite and is made with simple ingredients.