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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
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This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe delivers tender, juicy pork that melts in your mouth, infused with rich, smoky, and sweet flavors. Perfect for effortless cooking, this versatile dish can be enjoyed in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or on its own, making it an ideal meal prep option or crowd-pleaser for get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water

Optional

  • BBQ sauce, to taste
  • Cayenne pepper or chipotle powder (for spicy variation)
  • Pineapple juice (as a substitute for broth for sweet and tangy variation)
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (for smoky chipotle variation)
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary (for herbal variation)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder if preferred, but leaving some fat ensures juiciness. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick better.
  2. Mix the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture thoroughly all over the pork, pressing it into every crevice to maximize flavor.
  3. Place Pork in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker. Pour the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth (or water) around the pork, being careful not to pour directly over the meat to avoid washing off the rub. This liquid keeps the pork moist and adds a subtle tang.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the pork is tender enough to shred easily with forks.
  5. Shred and Mix: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid if desired, then return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the flavorful sauce. Add BBQ sauce at this stage if you want it extra saucy.

Notes

  • Choose pork shoulder or pork butt for ideal fat content and tenderness.
  • Rubbing seasoning well into the meat is crucial for flavor depth.
  • Cooking low and slow ensures melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Allow the pork to rest for 10 minutes before shredding to redistribute juices.
  • Mix some cooking liquid with the shredded pork to keep it moist and flavorful.

Nutrition

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