free counter with statistics Print

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Make incredibly easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork! This simple recipe delivers tender, flavorful shredded pork shoulder simmered in your favorite BBQ sauc

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s the complete list of ingredients, with precise measurements:

  • 3 lbs pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 1 onion, sliced (Recipe says quartered in ingredients, sliced in method – sliced likely incorporates better)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Buns or rice, for serving
  • Coleslaw (optional, for topping)

These simple quantities are perfect for creating flavorful pulled pork.

Trim excess large fat cap from pork if desired, but leave some fat for flavor/moisture

Instructions

Let’s walk through this incredibly simple slow cooker process:

1. Season the Pork:

  • Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Season it generously on all sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Rub the spices in slightly.

2. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker:

  • Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker insert.
  • Add the sliced onion and minced garlic around and on top of the pork.
  • Pour your favorite BBQ sauce evenly over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s well-coated.

3. Cook:

  • Cover the slow cooker securely with the lid.
  • Cook on the LOW heat setting for 8-10 hours OR on the HIGH heat setting for 4-5 hours. The pork is done when it is very tender and easily falls apart or shreds when prodded with a fork.

4. Shred the Pork:

  • Once cooked, carefully remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and place it on a large plate or cutting board (leave the juices/sauce in the cooker). Discard any large fatty pieces or the bone if using bone-in.
  • Using two forks, shred the tender pork by pulling it apart.

5. Return Pork to Sauce:

  • Return the shredded pork back into the slow cooker. Stir it well to combine thoroughly with the sauce and cooking juices left in the pot. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavor.

6. Serve:

  • Serve the hot BBQ pulled pork piled high on toasted buns or over cooked rice. Top with coleslaw, if desired.

Effortless path to delicious pulled pork