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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Sandwiches

A mound of saucy, shredded Slow Cooker Pulled Pork piled high on a white plate, catching bright sunlight.
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Prepare tender, flavorful pulled pork using your slow cooker. This set and forget recipe yields perfect meat for BBQ sandwiches or meal prepping main dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup water or low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (for finishing)

Instructions

  1. Place the pork shoulder into the basin of your slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, if using. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork shoulder.
  3. Pour the water or broth and apple cider vinegar around the pork in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  5. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or baking sheet. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  6. Shred the pork using two forks.
  7. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the meat and stir to coat completely.
  8. Cook on the WARM setting for another 30 minutes to allow the meat to absorb the sauce.
  9. Serve hot on buns for BBQ pulled pork sandwiches or use for meal prep meats.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use a pork shoulder with good marbling.
  • This recipe is freezer friendly; cool leftovers completely before storing in airtight containers for up to three months.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the shredded pork, let the remaining liquid reduce on the stovetop, then mix back with the meat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/slow-cooker-pulled-pork/