Best Slow Cooker BBQ Pork: Tender Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe

Mouthwatering Slow-Cooked BBQ Pork for Perfect Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Looking for the ultimate bbq pork recipe that delivers tender, juicy meat with minimal effort? This slow-cooked pulled pork is exactly what you need for your next family dinner or weekend gathering. The savory, smoky flavors develop beautifully during the long cooking process, resulting in meat so tender it falls apart with just a fork.

Why This BBQ Pork Recipe Is Worth Your Time

There’s something magical about the combination of pork shoulder, tangy barbecue sauce, and a slow cooker that creates the perfect storm of flavors. The meat becomes incredibly tender after hours of gentle cooking, absorbing all the smoky, sweet, and savory notes of the sauce. This recipe is:

• Incredibly easy – just set it and forget it
• Perfect for feeding a crowd – makes 8 generous servings
• Budget-friendly – pork shoulder is an economical cut
• Versatile – serve on buns, over rice, in tacos, or on nachos

The Secret to Perfect Pulled BBQ Pork

The key to outstanding pulled pork is patience. Low and slow cooking transforms a tough cut of meat into something extraordinary. The pork shoulder (also called Boston butt) is ideal because it has enough fat to keep the meat moist during the extended cooking time, while the collagen breaks down to create that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Amazing BBQ Pork

• 4-5 pound pork shoulder (Boston butt)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1½ cups barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 8 hamburger buns, for serving
• Coleslaw, for serving (optional)
• Pickle slices, for serving (optional)

How to Make Perfect Slow Cooker BBQ Pork

1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some for flavor and moisture. Cut the meat into 3-4 inch chunks to ensure even cooking.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the pork pieces on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor.
3. Transfer the browned pork to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
4. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (these contain incredible flavor!). Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Pour this sauce over the pork in the slow cooker.
6. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is extremely tender and falls apart easily when prodded with a fork.
7. Once cooked, transfer the pork pieces to a large bowl, leaving the sauce in the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the meat, removing any remaining fat or gristle.
8. If the sauce in the slow cooker seems too thin, turn the heat to high and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes to reduce. For an even thicker sauce, you can transfer it to a saucepan on the stove.
9. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the sauce. Keep warm until ready to serve.
10. Toast the hamburger buns lightly if desired. Pile the pulled pork onto the bottom halves, add coleslaw and pickles if using, and cover with the top buns.

Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Pulled Pork

• Don’t skip the browning step – This creates a depth of flavor that’s worth the extra few minutes
• Cook longer, not shorter – If you’re wondering if it’s done, give it another hour. You really can’t overcook this dish in a slow cooker
• Let the meat rest – If you have time, let the whole pork shoulder rest for 20-30 minutes before shredding
• Save the leftovers – This pulled pork actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld

Delicious Ways to Serve Your BBQ Pork

While the classic sandwich is always a hit, don’t limit yourself! This versatile pulled pork can be the star of many different meals:

• Loaded nachos topped with pulled pork, cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream
• BBQ pulled pork tacos with fresh cilantro and lime
• Pulled pork mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort food
• Stuffed baked potatoes topped with pulled pork, cheese, and green onions
• BBQ pulled pork pizza with red onions and cilantro

Make-Ahead and Storage Information

One of the best things about this BBQ pork recipe is how well it keeps:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F with a splash of water or broth until warmed through (about 20 minutes). You can also use a microwave for smaller portions.

Why This Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

There’s something truly special about serving a platter of tender, juicy pulled pork to eager family and friends. The combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors in this bbq pork recipe creates a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings. Give it a try and watch it become a regular request in your household!