Pulled pork is a crowd favorite, and this Best Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Recipe ensures that you get a dish that is tender, flavorful, and juicy every time. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become incredibly tender, making it perfect for sandwiches, tacos, and more! With this recipe, you’re sure to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb pork shoulder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, stir together the smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, coating it completely.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. In another bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, honey, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork shoulder.
- Cook the pork on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until it is fork-tender and can be easily shredded.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to blend together.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and serve with your favorite sides or as a filling for sandwiches, tacos, or nachos. Enjoy!
History and Curiosities:
Pulled pork is a classic Southern American dish with a long and storied history. As far back as the 17th century, people in the Southern states have been cooking pork low and slow to achieve a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The practice of slow-cooking meat over a fire or in a pit evolved from the Caribbean cooking techniques brought over by African slaves. Today, pulled pork is still an essential part of Southern cuisine and is enjoyed all across the United States.
The use of a slow cooker to make pulled pork may not be traditional, but it’s a convenient and practical method for busy home cooks. With this method, you can create the same fall-apart tenderness with a fraction of the effort. The slow cooker’s popularity has grown since its invention in 1940, and its ability to cook food without constant attention and stovetop monitoring makes it a staple in many kitchens today.
In the spirit of regional competition, various parts of the South, such as the Carolinas and Texas, boast their unique style of barbecue sauce. Some prefer a tangy, vinegar-based sauce, while others opt for a sweeter, tomato-based sauce. In this recipe, we chose a blend of both styles, giving you the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. If desired, you can even customize it by using your favorite type of barbecue sauce.
Overall, this Best Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Recipe puts a modern twist on a beloved classic dish. It’s perfect for game days, picnics, or family gatherings and is sure to delight both fans of traditional pulled pork and those new to this delectable and flavorful creation.
