Print

Cozy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork – Best Easy Recipe

cozy slow cooker bbq pulled pork - featured image
Print Recipe

This cozy slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is tender, smoky, and just a little sweet. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.

Ingredients

  • Pork shoulder (3-4 pounds)
  • Brown sugar (¼ cup, packed)
  • Smoked paprika (2 tablespoons)
  • Garlic powder (1 tablespoon)
  • Onion powder (1 tablespoon)
  • Salt (2 teaspoons)
  • Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
  • Cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon, optional)
  • Apple cider vinegar (3 tablespoons)
  • Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons)
  • Chicken broth (½ cup)
  • BBQ sauce (1 cup, plus more for serving)
  • Buns or bread for serving
  • Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim the pork shoulder: Place the pork on your cutting board. Using a sharp knife, trim off any thick, hard fat caps. Leave a thin layer (about ¼ inch) of fat.
  2. Pat the pork dry: Use paper towels to pat the entire surface of the pork shoulder dry.
  3. Make the dry rub: In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
  4. Apply the rub: Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over all sides of the pork shoulder. Use your hands to massage it into the meat. Let the pork sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
  5. Prepare the slow cooker: Place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker, fat side up if possible.
  6. Add the liquids: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture around the edges of the pork.
  7. Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours.
  8. Check for doneness: The pork is ready when it’s fork-tender. You should be able to insert a fork into the thickest part and twist it easily.
  9. Shred the pork: Using tongs, transfer the cooked pork shoulder to a large cutting board or baking sheet. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Remove any large pieces of fat.
  10. Add BBQ sauce: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Pour in 1 cup of BBQ sauce and stir gently to combine. Let it cook on LOW for another 20-30 minutes.
  11. Serve: Pile the pulled pork onto buns, top with coleslaw if desired, and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

For deeper flavor, sear the pork shoulder in a hot skillet with oil for 2-3 minutes per side before adding to the slow cooker. Do not add BBQ sauce at the beginning of cooking; it will burn. Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking. Shred the pork while it’s still warm for easier handling.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, pulled pork, BBQ, comfort food, easy recipe, pork shoulder, crockpot

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/cozy-slow-cooker-bbq-pulled-pork-best-easy-recipe/