Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with the ultimate comfort food? Imagine tender, juicy pulled pork that practically melts in your mouth, infused with a mouthwatering blend of spices and served with your favorite barbecue sauce. This slow cooker pulled pork with dry rub is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! With just 15 minutes of prep time and a slow cooker doing all the hard work, you’ll discover how easy it is to create a feast that’s perfect for any occasion. Dive into this recipe and unlock the secrets to pulled pork perfection!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pork shoulder. Trim any excess fat from the meat to ensure a leaner pulled pork. Pat the pork dry with paper towels to help the dry rub adhere better.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a dry rub.
- Generously apply the dry rub all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly. For best results, let the seasoned pork sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. If time permits, you can also refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. There is no need to add any liquid, as the pork will release its juices while cooking.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat. Cook the pork for approximately 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain the heat and moisture.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or platter. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
- Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat that may remain.
- In a separate bowl, mix the shredded pork with the barbecue sauce, adding more or less sauce according to your preference. Ensure the pork is well-coated.
- Serve the pulled pork on buns, in tacos, or on its own, accompanied by your favorite sides such as coleslaw, pickles, or baked beans. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker pulled pork!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For the best results, use a well-marbled pork shoulder. The fat will render down during cooking, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the pork to rest for about 10 minutes before shredding. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat even more succulent.
- Customize Your Rub: Feel free to tweak the dry rub ingredients to suit your taste. Adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika can give your pulled pork a unique twist.
- Don’t Lift the Lid: Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking. Each time you do, you release heat and moisture, which can extend cooking time.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your pulled pork on soft buns with coleslaw for a classic sandwich, or use it as a filling for tacos. It also pairs wonderfully with sides like baked beans or cornbread.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Pulled pork makes for great sandwiches, salads, or even pizza toppings!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 125mg
