Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow cooker pulled pork is an absolute crowd-pleaser! This dish is perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. The beauty of slow cooker pulled pork lies in its incredible flavor and tender texture, achieved through a simple spice rub and hours of slow cooking. Whether served on buns or alongside coleslaw, it’s a versatile meal that satisfies everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just mix the spices, rub them on the pork, and let the slow cooker do the rest.
- Mouthwatering Flavor: The homemade spice rub creates a deliciously savory crust that enhances the pork’s natural taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this dish works beautifully.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on buns, with coleslaw, or as part of a larger meal—it’s adaptable!
- Feeds a Crowd: With 3-4 pounds of meat, this recipe generously serves 8 people.
Tools and Preparation
To make slow cooker pulled pork successfully, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!
- Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
- Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
- Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle
Customer Reviews ★★★★★
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet or Pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Meat Forks
- Cutting Board
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: The heart of this recipe; it allows for low and slow cooking that transforms tough cuts into tender meat.
- Skillet or Pot: Perfect for browning the pork before slow cooking, enhancing its flavor through caramelization.
- Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining your spice rub ingredients efficiently.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Slow Cooker 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 bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, and brown sugar. Rub this mixture all over the pork to ensure full flavor infusion.
Step 2: Brown the Pork
Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned pork shoulder and brown it on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds depth to the flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Pork
Place the browned pork shoulder in your slow cooker along with the chopped onions. Set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This long cooking time will make the meat tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
After 8 hours, use two forks to shred the pork inside the slow cooker. Mix it well with the pan sauce that has developed during cooking. Serve warm on toasted buns with coleslaw if desired. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker pulled pork!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow cooker pulled pork is versatile and perfect for any gathering. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that will enhance your meal experience.
On Buns
- Classic Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Pile the shredded pork onto toasted buns for a delightful sandwich.
- Sliders: Serve mini versions of the sandwiches for a fun appetizer or party snack.
With Coleslaw
- Topped with Coleslaw: Add a crunchy coleslaw on top of the pulled pork for a refreshing contrast.
- Side of Coleslaw: Serve coleslaw on the side for guests to add as they please.
With Barbecue Sauce
- Drizzled with BBQ Sauce: Enhance the flavor with your favorite barbecue sauce, adding moisture and tang.
- BBQ Dipping Sauce: Offer a side of extra sauce for dipping, making it easy to customize each bite.
As a Salad Topping
- Pulled Pork Salad: Use the meat as a topping on fresh greens, adding your favorite vegetables and dressing.
- Taco Salad: Incorporate pulled pork into a taco salad for a unique twist.
In Tacos
- Pulled Pork Tacos: Fill soft tortillas with pulled pork, topped with onions and cilantro for added flavor.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
To achieve the best slow cooker pulled pork, consider these helpful tips.
- Seasoning Mix: Ensure you generously coat the meat with your spice rub for maximum flavor.
- Browning Technique: Browning the pork before cooking adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Stick to low heat for 8 hours; this method breaks down the meat fibers beautifully.
- Shredding Method: Use two forks to shred the meat easily, mixing it well with the juices in the slow cooker.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Pairing sides with your slow cooker pulled pork can elevate your meal even further. Here are some great options.
- Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy cornbread complements the savory flavors of pulled pork perfectly.
- Baked Beans: Rich, sweet baked beans offer a hearty side that pairs well with barbecue dishes.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a comfort food classic that goes great with pulled pork.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add color and nutrition to your plate without overpowering flavors.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad brings a cool contrast to warm pulled pork sandwiches.
- Pickles or Pickled Vegetables: The acidity cuts through richness, providing balance in every bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Slow cooker pulled pork is a fantastic dish, but there are common pitfalls that can impact your results. Here’s how to avoid them.
- spice rub: Neglecting to properly season the pork with the spice rub can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to coat the meat evenly for maximum taste.
- Skipping browning: Not browning the pork before slow cooking can miss out on developing rich flavors. Take the time to brown all sides for a deeper taste.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Filling the slow cooker too full can prevent even cooking. It’s best to have enough space for proper heat circulation.
- Ignoring resting time: Shredding immediately after cooking can make the meat dry. Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding to retain moisture.
- Not using enough liquid: Insufficient liquid may result in dry pulled pork. Always ensure there’s enough broth or sauce in the slow cooker.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the pulled pork to cool before sealing it.
Freezing Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Consider portioning into smaller sizes for easy thawing and reheating.
Reheating Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until hot, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?
Slow cooker pulled pork is a method of cooking pork shoulder slowly in a crockpot, resulting in tender and flavorful meat that easily shreds.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?
It typically takes about 8 hours on low heat or 4 hours on high heat in a slow cooker for perfectly tender pulled pork.
Can I use other cuts of meat for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?
Yes, you can use country-style ribs or other cuts of pork that have good fat content for optimal flavor and tenderness.
What should I serve with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?
It pairs well with buns, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce. You can also enjoy it with rice or mashed potatoes!
Final Thoughts
Slow cooker pulled pork is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different spices or sauces based on your preferences. Ideal for gatherings or cozy family dinners, this recipe is sure to satisfy any craving. Give it a try!
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is the ultimate comfort dish that delivers mouthwatering flavor and tender texture with minimal effort. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or casual dinners, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation. With a simple spice rub and hours of slow cooking, this recipe transforms pork shoulder into beautifully shredded meat that can be served on toasted buns, alongside coleslaw, or even in tacos. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is your go-to for delicious home-cooked meals without the fuss.
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 onion (chopped)
- Olive or avocado oil (for browning)
- Optional: buns, coleslaw, barbecue sauce
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, and brown sugar to create the spice rub. Coat the pork shoulder evenly with the mixture.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the seasoned pork on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Place the browned pork and chopped onions in your slow cooker. Set to low and cook for 8 hours until tender.
- After cooking, shred the pork using two forks and mix it with the juices in the slow cooker. Serve warm on toasted buns with optional toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
