Name: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 495 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 lbs Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt); 0.25 cup Brown Sugar; 2 tbsp Smoked Paprika; 1 tbsp Garlic Powder; 1 tbsp Onion Powder; 2 tsp Kosher Salt; 1 tsp Black Pepper; 0.5 cup Apple Cider Vinegar; 0.5 cup Chicken Broth; 1.5 cups BBQ Sauce

"This slow cooker pulled pork is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, yielding incredibly tender, juicy meat that falls apart with a fork. Infused with a custom smoky spice rub and finished with a rich BBQ glaze, it's perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week."

1 Ingredients

Qty	Item
4 lbs 1.8 kg	Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt)
0.25 cup 50 g	Brown Sugar
2 tbsp 14 g	Smoked Paprika
1 tbsp 8 g	Garlic Powder
1 tbsp 8 g	Onion Powder
2 tsp 12 g	Kosher Salt
1 tsp 2 g	Black Pepper
0.5 cup 120 ml	Apple Cider Vinegar
0.5 cup 120 ml	Chicken Broth
1.5 cups 360 ml	BBQ Sauce

2 Instructions

Step 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create the dry rub.

Step 2. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and rub the spice mixture generously over all sides of the meat.

Step 3. Pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 4. Carefully place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker.

Step 5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours (recommended) or on HIGH for 5-6 hours until the pork is tender enough to shred easily.

Step 6. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large cutting board or bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, removing any large chunks of excess fat.

Step 7. Drain the liquid from the slow cooker, leaving about 1/2 cup of the juices behind.

Step 8. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir in the BBQ sauce. Toss to coat evenly and cook on LOW for an additional 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

·
For a deeper flavor, sear the pork shoulder in a hot skillet with a tablespoon of oil before placing it in the slow cooker.
·
Always cook on the LOW setting if time allows; the long, slow cook time breaks down the connective tissue better for a more tender result.
·
To get crispy bits, spread the shredded, sauced pork on a baking sheet and broil it for 3-5 minutes before serving.
·
Don't discard all the cooking liquid! It's packed with flavor and can be used to reheat leftovers to keep them moist.

? Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pork loin instead of pork shoulder?

Pork loin is much leaner than shoulder and can become dry in the slow cooker. If you must use it, reduce the cook time significantly and monitor the internal temperature.

Do I need to add water to the slow cooker?

You don't need much liquid because the pork releases its own juices, but adding the broth and vinegar ensures the meat stays moist and adds a tangy flavor profile.

How long does pulled pork last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, pulled pork will stay fresh for 3-4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Can I cook this overnight?

Yes, setting the slow cooker to LOW for 8-10 hours makes this an ideal recipe to start before you go to bed.

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