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–+ servings

Ultimate Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

This mouthwatering pulled pork slowly simmers in a tangy homemade barbecue sauce until it's fall-off-the-bone tender. The low and slow cooking method allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat, creating that authentic BBQ taste without firing up the smoker or grill.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 528
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pounds pork shoulder roast also called pork butt or Boston butt
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce plus more for serving
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 hamburger buns for serving
  • Coleslaw for serving (optional)
  • Pickles for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some for flavor. Cut the meat into 3-4 inch chunks to ensure even cooking.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork chunks with salt and pepper, then sear on all sides until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side). Transfer to the slow cooker.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onion. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add chicken broth to the skillet, scraping the bottom to release all the flavorful browned bits. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and remaining salt and pepper. 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 pressed with a fork.
  7. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer to a large bowl. Allow to cool slightly, then use two forks or meat claws to shred the meat, removing any large pieces of fat.
  8. Skim excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Transfer about 1 cup of the cooking liquid to the shredded meat and toss to combine.
  9. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the remaining sauce. Keep warm until ready to serve.
  10. Toast hamburger buns if desired. Pile pulled pork onto buns and top with additional BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and pickles if using.

Nutrition

Calories: 528kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 32gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 803mgFiber: 3gSugar: 17g
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