Description
This slow cooker BBQ pulled pork recipe delivers tender, flavorful pork perfect for sandwiches or meals. It’s easy to make and a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3-4 pound pork shoulder (boston butt)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Place the sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the pork shoulder on top of the onions.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Pour the sauce mixture over the pork shoulder.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily shredded.
- Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or large platter. Reserve the cooking liquid.
- Shred the pork using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Add some of the reserved cooking liquid back to the slow cooker, starting with about a half cup, and stir to combine. Add more liquid if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in additional barbecue sauce if desired for extra flavor.
- Serve warm on buns, as a main dish, or in tacos or nachos.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker. The pork is done when it shreds easily.
- For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper.
- You can use a different cut of pork, like pork loin, but it may require a shorter cooking time and won’t be as fatty and tender as pork shoulder.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg