If you’re looking for the best BBQ pulled pork slow cooker recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This dish has been a family favorite since my son, Jake, first tasted it at a summer barbecue. He declared it the best pulled pork ever, and I couldn’t agree more.
Why You’ll Love It
- It's incredibly easy to prepare with just a few ingredients.
- The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy days.
- You can customize the flavors to suit your family's taste.
Pure Comfort
This tender slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is pure comfort food. The aroma fills your home, and the first bite melts in your mouth, making it a hit for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
What You Need
- 3 lb pork shoulder (butt), boneless – You can substitute with pork loin for a leaner option.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce – Use your favorite brand or homemade for a personal touch.
- 1 large onion, sliced – Yellow or white onions work best for sweetness.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder – Feel free to use fresh garlic if you prefer.
- 1 tsp salt – Adjust to taste.
- 1 tsp black pepper – Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 8 hours | Total: 8 hours 15 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the pork a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by placing the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Make sure it fits snugly, as this helps it cook evenly. The meat should be a nice, marbled piece for the best flavor.
- Next, sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the pork. Massage the spices into the meat to ensure every bite is flavorful. You can already smell the spices mingling with the pork.
- Now, add the sliced onion on top of the pork. The onions will caramelize and add sweetness as it cooks. This step is essential for that rich flavor.
- Pour the BBQ sauce over the pork and onions, making sure to cover the meat completely. This will keep the pork moist and infuse it with delicious BBQ flavor. You’ll want to see that sauce bubbling away as it cooks.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 8 hours. The pork is done when it shreds easily with a fork. You’ll know it’s ready when the house smells amazing and the meat is fork-tender.
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. It should fall apart effortlessly. Mix in some of the juices from the slow cooker for extra flavor.
- Serve the pulled pork on buns, with coleslaw, or over rice. It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even a hearty hash. Enjoy!
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, let the pork marinate in the spices overnight before cooking.
- If you like a smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the spice mix.
- Don’t skip the onions; they add a wonderful sweetness that balances the BBQ sauce.
Mix It Up
- Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for tanginess.
- For a sweeter BBQ sauce, mix in a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with creamy coleslaw for a crunchy contrast.
- Pair with cornbread or baked beans for a complete meal.
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FAQs
Can I make this pulled pork ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze pulled pork?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
What can I substitute for BBQ sauce?
You can use a homemade sauce or even a marinade for a different flavor profile.
What’s the best way to serve pulled pork?
Pulled pork is great in sandwiches, on tacos, or even over rice with some veggies.
Conclusion
This tender slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is sure to become a family favorite. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy the best BBQ pulled pork slow cooker recipe that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork for Effortless Dinners
Equipment
- slow cooker
- Fork
Ingredients
Main
- 3 lb pork shoulder (butt), boneless You can substitute with pork loin for a leaner option.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce Use your favorite brand or homemade for a personal touch.
- 1 large onion, sliced Yellow or white onions work best for sweetness.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder Feel free to use fresh garlic if you prefer.
- 1 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
- 1 tsp black pepper Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Instructions
- Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker, fitting snugly for even cooking.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the pork, massaging spices into the meat.
- Add sliced onion on top of the pork to caramelize and add sweetness during cooking.
- Pour BBQ sauce over the pork and onions, covering the meat completely.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork shreds easily with a fork.
- Remove pork and shred with two forks, mixing in some of the cooking juices for extra flavor.
- Serve pulled pork on buns, with coleslaw, or over rice, enjoying as sandwiches, tacos, or a hearty hash.