Crockpot Pulled Pork is a flavorful and tender dish that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served over rice. This recipe uses a slow cooker to infuse the pork with a delicious blend of spices and barbecue sauce, making it incredibly easy to prepare. Ideal for gatherings or meal prepping, this dish is sure to please a crowd!
Ingredients List
For the Pulled Pork:
- 4-5 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or apple cider)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Barbecue Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Timing
Preparing Crockpot Pulled Pork takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 8-10 hours of cooking time on low or 4-6 hours on high.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
- Season the Pork: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
- Sear the Pork (Optional): In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Step 2: Set Up the Crockpot
- Layer Ingredients: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth (or apple cider).
- Add the Pork: Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic.
Step 3: Cook the Pork
- Cover and Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Step 4: Shred the Pork
- Remove and Shred: Once cooked, carefully remove the pork from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix with Juices: Return the shredded pork to the crockpot, mixing it with the juices and onions.
Step 5: Prepare the Barbecue Sauce
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add to Pork: Pour the sauce over the shredded pork in the crockpot and stir to combine. Let it cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to heat through.
Step 6: Serve
- Enjoy: Serve the pulled pork on buns, in tacos, or over rice. Garnish with coleslaw for added crunch if desired!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Crockpot Pulled Pork (per serving, based on 8 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Sugar | 8g |
Tips for Customization
- Meat Variations: You can use pork loin for a leaner option, but it may be less tender than shoulder.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot for extra heat.
- Sauce Choices: Experiment with different barbecue sauces for varied flavors, such as honey mustard or spicy chipotle.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store any leftover Crockpot Pulled Pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it cools completely before freezing. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Conclusion
Crockpot Pulled Pork is an easy and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender meat and flavorful sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite!
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pulled pork a day in advance and reheat it before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure that your barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook the pork in an Instant Pot on high pressure for about 60-70 minutes, followed by a natural release.
Crockpot Pulled Pork Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Pulled Pork:
- • 4-5 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- • 1 tablespoon olive oil
- • 1 onion (sliced)
- • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- • 1 cup chicken broth (or apple cider)
- • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- • 1 teaspoon cumin
- • 1 teaspoon chili powder
- • 1 teaspoon salt
- • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- For the Barbecue Sauce:
- • 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Step 2: Set Up the Crockpot
Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth (or apple cider).
Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic.
Step 3: Cook the Pork
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Step 4: Shred the Pork
Once cooked, carefully remove the pork from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded pork to the crockpot, mixing it with the juices and onions.
Step 5: Prepare the Barbecue Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Pour the sauce over the shredded pork in the crockpot and stir to combine. Let it cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to heat through.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the pulled pork on buns, in tacos, or over rice. Garnish with coleslaw for added crunch if desired!
