Imagine coming home after a long day to the mouthwatering aroma of tender, juicy pulled pork wafting through your kitchen. This Crock Pot Pork Pulled recipe is not only a time-saver, but it also delivers a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight! With just a few simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking method, you can create a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion that calls for comfort food. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into this deliciously easy recipe that guarantees to be the star of your next meal!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Remove pork shoulder from refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning and better browning.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar. Rub this spice mixture thoroughly over the entire surface of the pork shoulder, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the crock pot, positioning it fat side up for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar until well blended. Pour this mixture evenly over the pork shoulder.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set to low heat. Cook for 8 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and easily shreddable.
- After 8 hours, carefully remove the pork from the crock pot and transfer to a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Return the shredded meat to the crock pot and mix with the remaining cooking liquid to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Serve the pulled pork hot on hamburger buns, offering additional barbecue sauce on the side if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for a well-marbled pork shoulder for the best flavor and tenderness. The fat will render during cooking, keeping the meat juicy.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the spice rub! Make sure to cover the pork shoulder thoroughly to infuse it with flavor.
- Low and Slow: Cooking on low for 8 hours is key to achieving perfectly tender pulled pork. Resist the urge to crank up the heat; patience pays off!
- Shred with Ease: After cooking, let the meat rest for a few minutes before shredding. This will help retain its juices and make shredding easier.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different barbecue sauces to match your personal taste. Adding a dash of hot sauce or some honey can elevate the flavor even further.
- Serve with Style: For a fun twist, offer a variety of toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or jalapeños to let your guests customize their pulled pork sandwiches.
- Leftover Magic: If you have any leftovers, they make great additions to tacos, salads, or even on top of nachos for a tasty snack!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 461kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 90mg
