Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

Variations

• Vinegar: Sub apple cider vinegar for white wine vinegar.
• Smokiness: If you don’t have liquid smoke, season the pork with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Pork Swap: You can use pork shoulder if you prefer.
• BBQ Chicken: If you want to try this recipe with chicken, use boneless thighs and cook on low for four hours.
• BBQ Sauce: If you don’t have time to make the pulled pork sauce, buy a BBQ sauce from the store – just make sure it doesn’t have high fructose corn syrup.
• Instant Pot Pulled Pork: Follow the same directions, but cut them meat in 4 pieces and use the “Meat/Stew” function on the Instant Pot, add one cup of chicken broth, and cook for about 40 minutes high pressure until the pork easily shreds with a fork.
• Pork shrinks after it is cooked, so you will want to weigh the meat cooked. I added two tablespoons of BBQ sauce for every three ounces of cooked pork, along with some reserved pork juices.
• If your kids don’t like BBQ sauce, set some pork to the side for them before putting it back in the crock pot with the sauce.
• If your slower cooker runs too hot, you may need to add a half cup of water or broth or possibly replace the appliance.
• Your BBQ pork may only need five to six hours. I recommend checking it at the five-hour mark – if it easily shreds, it’s ready.
• Pulled pork is typically made with pork shoulder, but I used pork loin for a leaner cut of meat. If you want to use shoulder meat, go for it!
• You don’t need much liquid to slow cook pork since it releases juices while cooking when using the low setting. I use just enough to flavor the pork along with the reserved juices of the pork and serve the extra BBQ sauce on the side. If you wish to add liquid, you can add 1 cup of chicken broth.