If you want a meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor, slow cooker pulled pork is a great choice. It uses If you want a simple meal that tastes great and requires little effort, slow cooker pulled pork is a good choice.
This post may contain affiliate links.
You cook pork shoulder slowly until it becomes tender and easy to shred. This way, the meat stays juicy and soaks up the flavors without much work from you.
You only need a few basic ingredients and a slow cooker to make pulled pork that works well in sandwiches, tacos, or salads. You can customize it with your favorite spices or sauces. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding many people or preparing meals ahead of time.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
You’ll need a few key ingredients, a simple prep routine, and a slow cooker to turn pork shoulder into tender, juicy pulled pork. Cooking low and slow makes the pork easy to shred and full of flavor.
Related Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew for Cozy Nights
Ingredients:
- 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Place the sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. Rub the pork shoulder with the brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, then set it on top of the onions. Add the garlic, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar.
Related Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast That Tastes Like Grandma’s
Cover and cook on low until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds apart, usually 8–10 hours. Once cooked, shred the pork with two forks, return it to the juices in the slow cooker, and stir in extra barbecue sauce if desired. Serve on buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides.
Tips for Shredding and Serving
Once the pork is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a big plate or cutting board. Use two forks to pull the pork apart into small, bite-sized pieces. Try to shred gently so the meat stays tender.
Pour some cooking juices back over the shredded pork to keep it moist. If you want, add extra barbecue sauce and mix it in for more flavor and sauciness.
Related Recipe: Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Tender Flavors
Pulled pork works great served on toasted buns, tacos, or over rice. If you have leftovers, keep them in the fridge and use within four days.
Taste Options and Serving Ideas
Different Spice Mixes and Sauces You Can Try
You can easily change the taste of your pulled pork by using various seasonings and sauces. For a classic Southern BBQ vibe, try mixing paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you like tangier flavors, use vinegar-based sauces like those popular in Carolina BBQ. A mustard sauce adds a nice sharp bite, especially if you’re going for a South Carolina style.
For something sweeter, honey garlic or cola-based sauces work really well. If you enjoy a spicy kick, chipotle seasoning brings heat and a smoky flavor. Feel free to season your pork before cooking, or add extra sauce afterward for more flavor and juiciness.
Related Recipe: Hearty Ham and Potato Soup in the Slow Cooker
Fun and Different Ways to Serve Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is great for making sandwiches and sliders topped with coleslaw. You can also use it as a tasty filling for tacos with salsa and avocado for an easy dinner. Another idea is to build a bowl with rice, beans, and veggies, adding pulled pork for a filling meal.
You can mix pulled pork into pasta dishes or soups to boost their flavor. It also makes a delicious topping for stuffed baked potatoes or pizza. Trying different side dishes and toppings can keep your meals fresh and exciting.
Related Recipe: Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chili
How to Keep and Reheat Your Leftover Pulled Pork
If you have leftovers, store the pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months.
When reheating, do it slowly to keep the meat moist. Using a slow cooker on low heat or warming it in a skillet with a little sauce or broth works well. Avoid heating it too much because the pork can dry out. You can microwave it, too—just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep the moisture in.
Related Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
Follow my Slow Cooker recipe board on Pinterest.