Classic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Effortlessly create delicious, tender pulled pork with minimal prep using your slow cooker. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or as a main dish.
Equipment
- paper towels
- small bowl
- large skillet or Dutch oven (optional)
- slow cooker
- large bowl
- two forks
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 pound pork shoulder (Boston butt)
- 1 medium yellow onion roughly chopped
- 4-6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Spice Rub
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
- Your favorite BBQ sauce for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the pork shoulder dry and combine brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Rub the spice mixture generously over the pork shoulder, ensuring a thorough coating.
Cooking
- Optionally, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Place chopped onion, seared pork, minced garlic, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
Finishing & Serving
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, discarding excess fat, and return it to the slow cooker with the liquid.
- Stir in BBQ sauce if desired, mix well, and let it sit on warm for 15-30 minutes for flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, sear the pork shoulder before adding it to the slow cooker to develop a richer crust. Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your preference. This recipe is versatile and can be used for sandwiches, tacos, salads, or as a main course with your favorite sides.