Effortless Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of tender, juicy pulled pork slowly cooking to perfection. This recipe is a true game-changer, delivering mouthwateringly delicious results with minimal effort. It’s my go-to for everything from family gatherings to easy weeknight dinners. The beauty of this dish lies in its incredible versatility; serve this punchy pulled pork in classic brioche buns, cozy wraps, or piled high on baked jacket potatoes. It’s also a fantastic recipe to prepare in batches to freeze, ensuring you always have a sensational meal ready to go.

Ingredients

• 1 (4-5 lb) bone-in pork shoulder (Boston butt)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, plus more for serving
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
2. Season the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork, making sure to cover every surface.
3. Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the basin of your slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of BBQ sauce, the apple cider vinegar, and the water. Pour this mixture around the base of the pork.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The pork is ready when it is fork-tender and shreds easily.
5. Shred the Pork: Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or in a large bowl. Let it rest for a few minutes. Using two forks, shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat and the bone.



6. Combine and Serve: Skim any excess fat from the liquid remaining in the slow cooker. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat it with the juices. Add more BBQ sauce to your liking, mix well, and let it warm through for another 10-15 minutes.
7. Enjoy: Serve your delicious pulled pork warm on buns, in tacos, or with your favorite sides.

Nutrition Information

Estimates per serving (approximately 1/2 cup)