Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow cooker pulled pork is a classic comfort food known for its tender, juicy texture and smoky, flavorful taste. Made by slow-cooking pork shoulder until it easily shreds, it’s then mixed with a rich, tangy barbecue sauce. Whether served on a bun, over rice, or in tacos, it’s a satisfying dish that’s perfect for cookouts, game days, or any casual gathering.

In this blog post, you will learn how to make BBQ pulled pork.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, chili flakes, thyme, minced garlic cloves, and Dijon mustard.

Take your pork shoulder and crosshatch the top of the pork.  Take the seasoning and coat the top of the pork shoulder.

Pour a little bit of water into the bottom of the slow cooker, then place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker.

Cook it on high for 5-6 hours or low for 7-8 hours.

Remove the pork from the slow cooker and take 2 forks in each hand and pull the pork apart until it is fully shredded.

Add the BBQ sauce to the shredded pork and mix it well until the pork is coated in sauce.

Serve on fresh buns with a side of coleslaw.

Storage

To store your pulled pork in the refrigerator, let the pulled pork cool to room temperature.  Store in an airtight container and store with a bit of cooking liquid or BBQ sauce to keep it moist.  It can be store for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

To store your pulled pork in the freezer, freeze it in meal-sized portions for easy reheating.  Use freezer-safe bags with the air squeezed out or airtight containers.  It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.  Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat your pulled pork, reheat it low and slow to keep it from drying out, either in the skillet or oven at 300℉/150℃/Gas Mark 2.  You can reheat it in the microwave, too just make sure to cover it and add moisture.

Ingredients

Pork Shoulder:  The star of the dish, pork shoulder is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and connective tissue, which breaks down over time to create tender, flavourful meat that shreds easily.  You can also use pork neck or pork loin for a tender pulled pork.

Brown Sugar:  brown sugar adds sweetness and helps caramelize the pork, creating a balanced contrast to the smoky and tangy flavours. It also enhances the overall depth of the barbecue flavour.

Worcestershire Sauce:  Worcestershire sauce is a savoury, umami-packed liquid that boosts the meat’s richness. It adds a subtle tang and complexity, tying together the sweet, spicy, and smoky notes.

Paprika:  Paprika brings a mild smokiness and vibrant colour to the pork. Smoked paprika adds even more barbecue-style depth, while regular paprika gives a warm, earthy flavour.

Chili Flakes:  Chili flakes add a bit of heat to the dish. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference — just enough to give a gentle kick without overwhelming the flavours.

Thyme:  Thyme is a subtle herbal note that balances out the sweetness and spice. It adds a hint of earthiness and freshness to the seasoning blend.

Garlic Cloves:  Minced fresh garlic brings a bold, aromatic flavour that infuses into the pork as it cooks. It complements both the savoury and sweet elements beautifully.

Dijon Mustard:  Dijon mustard Adds tang and a little sharpness that cuts through the richness of the pork. It also helps emulsify the flavours in the sauce for a smoother, well-rounded taste.

BBQ Sauce:  BBQ sauce is the final touch — a sweet, tangy, smoky glaze that coats the pulled pork. Choose a style you like (sweet, spicy, smoky, or vinegar-based), and mix it in after shredding the meat for that perfect saucy finish.

Tips

• Prep your pork the night before and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a better flavour!
• Try making your own homemade buns with this Homemade Dinner Rolls recipe.

Pulled Pork Recipe

This pulled pork recipe is easy to make and is perfect for busy days when you just want to use your slow cooker for a simple dinner.  Packed full of flavour, you are going to enjoy every bite!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• 4 lbs./1.8kg pork shoulder
• 7 tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 2 tsp. chili flakes
• 1 tsp. thyme
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 c. BBQ sauce

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, chili flakes, thyme, minced garlic cloves, and the Dijon mustard.
• Crosshatch the top of the pork shoulder. Do not cut the crosshatching too deeply or else the pork can dry out too much while cooking.
• Pour a tiny amount of water into the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Cover the pork in the brown sugar seasoning and place it into the slow cooker.
• Cook your pulled pork on high for 5-6 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.
• Once the pork is done cooking remove it from the slow cooker and place into a large bowl.
• Using two forks in either hand, proceed to pull the pork in opposite directions until all of the pork has been shredded.
• Add the 2 cups of BBQ sauce and mix together until all of the pork is covered in sauce.
• Serve on buns with a side of coleslaw and enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional Information                                                                               Servings 8

Calories 524                           Carbs 96g                   Protein 12g                Fat 11g

Nutritional Information is automatically calculated and should only be used as a guide.

Keyword Pulled Pork, Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, Slow Cooker Recipes

Author: Sarah Young

In this blog post, you learned how to make BBQ slow cooker pulled pork.

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