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If you're looking to impress at your next gathering or simply want a comforting meal at home, these seven slow cooker BBQ pulled pork recipes are just what you need. Each recipe brings its own unique twist to the classic dish, ensuring tender, flavorful results with minimal effort. Curious about how to elevate your pork shoulder game? Let's explore the delicious possibilities that await you.
Key Takeaways
- Choose well-marbled pork shoulder for moisture and flavor, ensuring tender results in slow cooking.
- Sear the pork before slow cooking to enhance depth of flavor in the finished dish.
- Experiment with flavor variations like sweet and spicy or tangy apple cider for diverse taste profiles.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours until pork is fork-tender and easily shreddable.
- Mix shredded pork with cooking juices or BBQ sauce for added flavor before serving on buns or with sides.
Classic BBQ Pulled Pork
Classic BBQ Pulled Pork is a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a comforting meal at home. The slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare, allowing the pork to cook low and slow until it becomes fork-tender. With a rich BBQ sauce and a blend of spices, this dish packs a flavorful punch that pairs wonderfully with coleslaw, baked beans, or on a soft bun for a classic pulled pork sandwich.
To achieve the best results, it's crucial to choose the right cut of meat. A pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, is ideal for this recipe due to its marbling and fat content, which guarantees that the meat stays juicy and tender throughout the cooking process. The key to a great BBQ pulled pork lies in the seasoning and the sauce, which meld together during cooking, infusing the meat with amazing flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- Buns for serving (optional)
- Coleslaw for topping (optional)
To prepare the BBQ pulled pork, start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Rub this spice mixture all over the pork, coating it thoroughly. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker, then pour in the chicken broth or water. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the meat is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
About 30 minutes before serving, shred the pork directly in the slow cooker and mix it with the BBQ sauce, allowing it to heat through.
For the best results, let the pulled pork rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. If you prefer a more pronounced smoky flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the cooking liquid or using a smoked BBQ sauce.
Serve the pulled pork on buns and top with coleslaw for a delicious contrast in texture and flavor. Enjoy your homemade classic BBQ pulled pork!
Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork
Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork is a deliciously flavorful dish that combines the richness of pork shoulder with a mouthwatering blend of sweet and spicy ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a gathering or a cozy night in, as it fills your home with irresistible aromas while it slowly cooks. The tender, shredded pork pairs beautifully with buns, rice, or even on its own, making it a versatile dish that can suit any occasion.
Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld together as the pork becomes fall-apart tender. The balance of sweetness from brown sugar and tanginess from apple cider vinegar, combined with a kick of heat from chili powder and cayenne, creates a perfect harmony that will leave your taste buds dancing. Get ready for a pulled pork experience that has just the right amount of zing!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Buns or rice for serving (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by patting the pork shoulder dry and rubbing it with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoning rub.
Coat the pork shoulder evenly with the spice mixture. Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker, then pour the barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar over the top. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Shred the meat using two forks, discarding any excess fat. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the cooking juices for added flavor.
Allow it to sit for an additional 15-30 minutes on the warm setting to absorb more of the sauce before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an even deeper flavor, consider marinating the pork shoulder overnight with the spice rub and a little bit of vinegar. This will enhance the taste profile and guarantee every bite is packed with flavor.
Additionally, feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper, or adding diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Serve with coleslaw for a invigorating crunch, and enjoy your Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork with friends and family!
Tangy Apple Cider Pulled Pork
When it comes to slow-cooked barbecue, few dishes rival the mouthwatering goodness of Tangy Apple Cider Pulled Pork. This recipe combines the rich flavors of tender pork with the zesty kick of apple cider, resulting in a dish that's both savory and slightly sweet. Perfect for family gatherings, parties, or a casual weeknight dinner, this pulled pork can be served on buns, over rice, or even on its own with a side of coleslaw.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ease of preparation. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and let it do the work for you. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the pork becomes incredibly tender, pulling apart with just a fork. Serve it for a delicious meal that's sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by placing the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, season the pork shoulder with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Place the seasoned pork on top of the onions and garlic.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar until well combined. Pour this mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mix it with the remaining sauce, and let it heat through for an additional 30 minutes.
Extra Tips:
For best results, try to choose a well-marbled pork shoulder, as the fat will render during cooking, keeping the meat moist and flavorful. Feel free to customize the barbecue sauce to your liking; a smoky or spicy variety can add a unique twist to the dish.
Additionally, if you want a thicker sauce, you can reduce the cooking liquid in a saucepan after removing the pork. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal!
Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork
If you're looking to elevate your pulled pork game, this Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork recipe is a fantastic choice. The combination of smoky chipotle peppers and tender pork creates a robust flavor that's sure to impress. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served over rice, this dish is as versatile as it's delicious.
Plus, using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the meat becomes fall-apart tender, making it an effortless option for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring just a few steps to achieve mouthwatering results. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to develop while you go about your day.
The end result? A smoky, savory pulled pork that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper, then sear it in the skillet until browned on all sides. Transfer the pork to your slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened. Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, cumin, and brown sugar, cooking for an additional minute.
Pour in the chicken broth and BBQ sauce, mixing well before pouring the mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 8-10 hours or high heat for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker to soak up the flavorful juices.
Serve the pulled pork on buns, in tacos, or over rice, and drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired.
Extra Tips:
To enhance the flavor even further, consider marinating the pork shoulder overnight with the spices and chipotle peppers. This allows the meat to absorb the smoky flavors before cooking.
Additionally, if you prefer a bit more heat, feel free to add extra chipotle peppers or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for later use, making this dish perfect for meal prep!
Hawaiian-Style Pulled Pork
Cooking Hawaiian-Style Pulled Pork in a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over hours. The result is melt-in-your-mouth pork that can be served on its own, over rice, or in a sandwich with a tangy slaw.
Whether you're enjoying it at a summer cookout or a winter gathering, this dish will transport you straight to the islands.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup sliced pineapple (for serving)
- Buns or rice (for serving, optional)
Cooking Instructions:
- Begin by placing the sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker. This will create a flavorful base for the pork.
- In a bowl, mix together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this mixture over the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mixing it with the remaining juices. Allow it to sit on warm for another 30 minutes to soak up the flavors before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an added burst of Hawaiian flavor, consider garnishing your pulled pork with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds.
If you want to enhance the dish further, serve it with a revitalizing coleslaw that includes a hint of pineapple or mango.
Additionally, if you're short on time, you can marinate the pork overnight in the sauce to deepen the flavors before slow cooking it the next day.
Enjoy your tropical culinary adventure!
Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork
Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork is a delightful dish that combines the sweet notes of maple syrup with the rich flavor of bourbon, creating a perfect balance for your taste buds. Cooking this dish in a slow cooker guarantees that the pork becomes tender and infused with the delicious marinade, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The result is an irresistible pulled pork that can be served on its own, in sandwiches, or as part of a hearty meal.
This recipe isn't only easy to prepare but also perfect for gatherings and casual dinners. The slow cooking method means you can set it and forget it, making it a convenient option for busy days. Just combine the ingredients, let the slow cooker do its magic, and you'll have a mouthwatering dish ready to serve.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Cooking Instructions:
- Begin by preparing your pork shoulder. Trim any excess fat and place it in the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together the maple syrup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper. Pour this marinade over the pork in the slow cooker, making sure that it's well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Once done, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the pork shoulder overnight before cooking. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup according to your taste preferences.
Serve the pulled pork with coleslaw and pickles for a classic BBQ experience, or try it on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings. Don't forget to save any leftover sauce for drizzling on top!
Garlic and Herb Pulled Pork
Garlic and Herb Pulled Pork is a delectable twist on traditional pulled pork that infuses the meat with rich flavors and aromatic scents. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, as it offers a savory experience that can be enjoyed in various ways. The slow cooker method guarantees the pork becomes tender and easily shredded, making it an effortless addition to your meal planning.
Using simple yet flavorful ingredients, you can create a pulled pork that's bursting with the essence of garlic and herbs. Serve it on buns, in tacos, or over rice for a delightful meal that everyone will love. Let the slow cooker do the work while you savor the mouthwatering aromas wafting through your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (optional for serving)
Cooking Instructions:
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until browned. This step adds depth of flavor to the finished dish.
- Transfer the seared pork to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they're fragrant and softened. Add the oregano, thyme, and rosemary, stirring for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker, covering the pork.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreddable. Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. Mix in some of the cooking juices for added flavor, and serve with your choice of BBQ sauce.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the pork shoulder overnight with the garlic and herbs before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
Additionally, you can customize the herbs based on your preference – feel free to experiment with fresh herbs if you have them on hand, as they can elevate the dish even further.
Finally, don't forget to save the leftover cooking liquid; it makes a fantastic base for soups or sauces!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Pork for Slow Cooking?
You can confidently cook frozen pork in your slow cooker. Just remember, it'll take longer to reach a safe temperature. Make certain you monitor it closely and enjoy perfectly tender results in the end.
How Long Should I Cook Pulled Pork on Low Versus High?
You should cook pulled pork on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours. Lower heat allows flavors to meld better, resulting in more tender meat. Enjoy the deliciousness!
What Type of Pork Is Best for Pulled Pork?
When it comes to pulled pork, think of a well-tailored suit; pork shoulder's your best choice. Its marbled fat guarantees tenderness, while the connective tissue breaks down beautifully, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth experience you crave.
Can I Make Pulled Pork Ahead of Time and Reheat?
Yes, you can definitely make pulled pork ahead of time and reheat it. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, then warm it up gently before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Pulled Pork?
When you're serving pulled pork, consider pairing it with coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or pickles. These sides complement the rich flavors, enhancing your meal while providing a delightful balance to the dish. Enjoy your feast!
