Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: The Perfect Weeknight Meal
Tired of slaving away in the kitchen after a long day? Craving a delicious, satisfying meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further! This slow cooker pulled pork recipe is your answer. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal effort, and delivers incredibly tender, flavorful pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or even topping salads. Get ready to enjoy a stress-free dinner that everyone will love.
This recipe is a game-changer for busy families. Just throw a few ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a delicious, protein-packed meal ready to go. No more last-minute takeout orders or stressful meal prep. Let your slow cooker do the work for you!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
* Effortless: Seriously, it’s so easy. Minimal prep time required.
* Flavorful: The slow cooking process infuses the pork with incredible flavor.
* Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads, and more.
* Budget-friendly: Pork shoulder is an economical cut of meat.
* Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for future meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* 3-4 lb pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tsp smoked paprika
* 1/2 tsp chili powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Hamburger buns or slider buns for serving
* Coleslaw (optional, but highly recommended!)
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
1. Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned. This step adds flavor and helps to lock in the juices. Don’t skip it!
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. This will create a flavorful base for the pork to cook on.
3. Combine the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add Pork and Sauce: Place the seared pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork, making sure it’s evenly coated.
5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours. The pork should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 195-205°F (90-96°C).
6. Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any excess fat.
7. Mix with Sauce: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining sauce. This will keep the pork moist and flavorful.
8. Serve: Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns or slider buns, topped with coleslaw (if desired). Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
* Don’t skip the searing step: Searing the pork adds a depth of flavor that you won’t get otherwise.
* Use a good quality barbecue sauce: The barbecue sauce is a key ingredient, so choose one that you love.
* Don’t overcook the pork: Overcooked pork can be dry and tough. Cook it until it’s easily shredded with a fork.
* Let the pork rest: After shredding the pork, let it rest in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
* Add a touch of sweetness: The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the acidity of the vinegar and barbecue sauce.
Serving Suggestions
* Pulled pork sandwiches: The classic way to enjoy pulled pork!
* Pulled pork sliders: Perfect for parties or appetizers.
* Pulled pork tacos: Top with your favorite taco toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
* Pulled pork salads: Add pulled pork to a salad for a protein-packed meal.
* Pulled pork nachos: Load up tortilla chips with pulled pork, cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings.
This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Save this guide for the next time you need a simple, flavorful meal. Pin this for later!