How to Use a Slow Cooker to Make Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: Easy as Pie!

Want amazing pulled pork but hate spending hours in the kitchen? A slow cooker is your best friend! This recipe is super simple, and the pork comes out perfectly juicy and tender. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos – or just eating it straight up!

Picking the Right Pork: It's All About the Shoulder

The key to great pulled pork? Starting with the right cut of meat. A pork shoulder, also called a Boston butt, is your go-to. It's tough to start with, but slow cooking turns it into melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. Look for one with good marbling – that fat makes it super moist. Avoid the lean stuff; it’ll dry out.

What You'll Need: Simple Ingredients

You don't need a lot of fancy stuff. Here's what you'll need for classic pulled pork:

• Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt): About 3-4 pounds.
• Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: Sweet, smoky, spicy – whatever you like!
• Liquid: Chicken broth, apple cider, even cola works! It adds flavor and keeps things moist.
• Seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin – the usual suspects.
• Optional Extras: Brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, or a little apple cider vinegar add extra oomph.

Let's Make Some Pulled Pork!

1. Prep the Pork: Pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick.
2. Sear it (Optional, But Awesome): For extra flavor, sear the pork in a hot pan before putting it in the slow cooker. This gives it a nice crust.
3. Slow Cooker Time: Put the seasoned pork in your slow cooker. Add about a cup of your chosen liquid.
4. Cook it Low and Slow: Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or high for 4-6 hours. It's done when it shreds easily with a fork. Cooking time depends on the size of your pork shoulder and your slow cooker.
5. Shred Time: Take it out and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Use two forks to shred it.
6. Sauce It Up: Mix in your BBQ sauce. Add some of the cooking liquid if you want it extra juicy.
7. Enjoy! Serve on buns, in tacos, or all by itself.

Tips for Pulled Pork Perfection

• Don't Overcrowd: Give the pork some room in the slow cooker. Overcrowding makes it cook unevenly.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The pork is done at 190-200°F (88-93°C). A thermometer is your friend.
• Adjust Cooking Time: It might take a little longer or shorter depending on your slow cooker and the size of the pork.
• Let it Rest: This keeps it juicy.
• Get Creative!: Experiment with different spices and sauces. Have fun with it!

Fun Variations

Spicy Pulled Pork:

Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder for a kick.

Sweet and Smoky Pulled Pork:

Use a smoky BBQ sauce and add brown sugar or maple syrup.

Apple Cider Pulled Pork:

Use apple cider instead of broth and add a cinnamon stick. It's amazing in the fall!

Cola Pulled Pork:

Try using cola instead of broth. It sounds weird, but it's delicious!

Make Ahead & Storage

This is perfect for meal prepping! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different cut of pork?
A: A pork shoulder is best, but you could use a pork loin. Just keep an eye on it and don't cook it as long.

Q: My pulled pork is dry. What happened?
A: You might have used a lean cut or not enough liquid. Use a fattier cut next time and add more liquid.

Q: Will this work in any slow cooker?
A: Yes, but you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Q: How can I make it healthier?
A: Trim the fat, use low-sodium BBQ sauce, and reduce the sugar.

Enjoy Your Easy Pulled Pork!

Making delicious pulled pork doesn't have to be a marathon. A slow cooker makes it easy! Give this recipe a try – you won't regret it.