Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow cooker pulled pork is a dish that brings everyone together, perfect for family gatherings, game days, or casual dinners with friends. This recipe transforms a simple pork shoulder into a tender, flavorful masterpiece with minimal effort. The slow cooking process locks in the spices and moisture, making it an unbeatable choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Simply rub the spices on the pork and let the slow cooker do all the work.
- Flavorful and Tender: Slow cooking ensures juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork every time.
- Perfect for a Crowd: With generous servings, this dish is ideal for feeding a larger group without stress.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on buns, with coleslaw, or over rice—it’s delicious in any form!
- Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the deliciousness again by using leftovers in tacos or salads.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing slow cooker pulled pork even easier. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet or pot
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Cooking forks
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is the heart of your recipe! It allows for low-and-slow cooking, which tenderizes the pork perfectly.
- Large skillet or pot: Ideal for browning the pork before slow cooking to enhance flavor through caramelization.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurements of spices for consistent taste every time.
Ingredients
For the Pulled Pork
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder, bone in or boneless; can also use country style pork ribs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
- 1 onion, chopped
Optional for Serving
- Buns
- Coleslaw
- Barbecue sauce
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Rub
In a small mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, and brown sugar. Rub this mixture generously all over the pork to coat it evenly.
Step 2: Brown the Pork Shoulder
Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork shoulder and brown it on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side to develop a rich flavor.
Step 3: Cook in the Slow Cooker
Place the browned pork shoulder into your slow cooker along with chopped onions. Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for about 8 hours. The long cooking time allows for maximum tenderness.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
After 8 hours of cooking, use two forks to shred the pork directly in the slow cooker. Mix it well with its juices before serving. Enjoy your slow cooker pulled pork on toasted buns topped with coleslaw for added crunch!
With these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to share with family and friends. Enjoy!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow cooker pulled pork is incredibly versatile and perfect for gatherings. You can serve it in various ways that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that will delight your guests.
On Toasted Buns
- Serve the shredded pork on toasted buns for a classic pulled pork sandwich. Add a drizzle of barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
With Coleslaw
- Pair the pulled pork with creamy coleslaw to balance the savory flavors. The crunch from the coleslaw complements the tender meat perfectly.
As Tacos
- Use corn or flour tortillas to make tasty pulled pork tacos. Top with avocado, cilantro, and salsa for a fresh twist.
Over Rice
- Serve pulled pork over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. You can add steamed vegetables on the side for a complete dish.
In a Wrap
- Create a delicious wrap by filling a tortilla with pulled pork, lettuce, and your favorite sauces. It’s an easy-to-eat option for parties.
With Mac and Cheese
- For comfort food lovers, serve slow cooker pulled pork alongside creamy mac and cheese. The rich flavors of both dishes create a satisfying combo.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
To achieve the best slow cooker pulled pork, follow these expert tips that enhance both flavor and texture.
- Choose the right cut: Select a well-marbled pork shoulder or country-style ribs for maximum tenderness.
- Use a spice rub: A homemade spice rub adds depth to the flavor profile. Don’t skip this step!
- Brown the meat: Searing the pork before slow cooking locks in juices and adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Cook low and slow: Cooking on low heat for 8 hours allows the meat to become tender and absorb all the spices.
- Let it rest: Allowing the cooked meat to rest before shredding helps retain moisture.
- Mix with pan sauce: After shredding, combine the meat with any juices from the slow cooker for added flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Serving side dishes with your slow cooker pulled pork elevates your meal. Here are some fantastic options that pair well with this dish.
- Baked Beans – Sweet and savory baked beans complement the smoky flavors of pulled pork, creating a classic barbecue experience.
- Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad adds richness and is a cool contrast to warm pulled pork sandwiches.
- Cornbread – Soft cornbread is perfect for soaking up juices from your pulled pork; it’s a must-have at any barbecue.
- Grilled Vegetables – Charred vegetables bring freshness to your plate; consider zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
- French Fries – Crispy fries are always a hit! They can be served as a side or even topped with pulled pork for loaded fries.
- Pickles – Tangy pickles cut through the richness of pulled pork, providing an excellent palate cleanser between bites.
- Macaroni Salad – A chilled macaroni salad offers a nice crunch and complements the warmth of pulled pork sandwiches.
- Coleslaw – While mentioned as a topping, serving additional coleslaw as a side brings extra crunch and creaminess that pairs well with savory flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Slow cooker pulled pork is a favorite for gatherings, but some common mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are key pitfalls to avoid for perfect pulled pork every time.
- seasoning: Neglecting the spice rub can lead to bland meat. Always ensure you coat the pork thoroughly with your homemade spice blend.
- Skipping browning: Not browning the meat before cooking can miss out on flavor. Take a few extra minutes to sear the pork for a richer taste.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Filling the cooker too full can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure there’s enough space for heat circulation.
- Ignoring cook times: Cooking on high instead of low may dry out the meat. Stick to low and slow for tender pulled pork.
- Not shredding properly: Failing to shred the meat well means missing out on flavor absorption from the sauce. Use two forks to pull apart the meat thoroughly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store pulled pork in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Place cooled pulled pork in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover pork with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place pork in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding slow cooker pulled pork that will help you achieve delicious results.
What cuts of meat are best for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?
Pork shoulder is ideal due to its fat content, which keeps it moist. You can also use country-style ribs.
Can I make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork without a spice rub?
Yes! While a spice rub enhances flavor, you can use just salt and pepper or even barbecue sauce for simplicity.
How do I know when my Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is done?
The pork should shred easily when it’s done. It typically takes about 8 hours on low heat.
Can I add vegetables while cooking Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?
Absolutely! Onions, bell peppers, or carrots can add extra flavor and nutrients during cooking.
Final Thoughts
Slow cooker pulled pork is not only easy but also incredibly satisfying. Its versatility allows you to customize flavors or serve it with various sides like coleslaw or baked beans. Give this recipe a try at your next gathering; it’s sure to impress!
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is the ultimate comfort food that effortlessly brings friends and family together. This recipe transforms a simple pork shoulder into a mouthwatering dish that’s tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor—all thanks to the magic of slow cooking. With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do all the work. Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or casual dinners, this versatile dish can be served in so many delicious ways: on toasted buns, in tacos, or over rice. Enjoy the leftovers in creative recipes like salads or quesadillas. Your next meal is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, and brown sugar to create a spice rub. Coat the pork shoulder evenly with this mixture.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork shoulder on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the browned pork to your slow cooker and add chopped onions. Set it to low and cook for about 8 hours until tender.
- Shred the pork using two forks directly in the slow cooker and mix with juices before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
