This easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is made from scratch with my homemade BBQ sauce – it smells incredible and is so tender and delicious.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

BBQ pulled pork is one of those dishes that you can enjoy year-round. It’s perfect for serving a crowd at potlucks or large gatherings and doesn’t require much time in the kitchen. I made this lean pork recipe with boneless roast pork loin, Homemade BBQ Sauce, which gives me full control over what I add.try these Pork Roll Mexican pulled pork, check out my Slow Cooker Recipes learn more Easy Dinner Ideas.

Pulled Pork Toppings

• pork: The best cuts are usually the fattier cuts, but I like to use a leaner center-cut boneless pork loin roast, which has less saturated fat and great flavor. Pork butt or Boston butt would work too. If it is bone-in, add 1 hour to the cooking time.
• liquid: 2 teaspoons each of red wine vinegar and hickory smoke liquid
• Seasoning Spices: Garlic powder and salt, black pepper optional to taste
• Barbecue sauce: I like to make Kansas City BBQ sauce from scratch, but if you have a favorite BBQ sauce you want to buy, you can use that instead.

How to Make Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker

1. To season the pork: Place the meat in the slow cooker and season with the vinegar, smoked liquid, salt, and garlic powder.
2. Cover and cook Chill the pork for 8 to 12 hours until tender.
3. Shred: Remove the pork, transfer it to a large plate, and pour all the liquid into the cups. Shred pork with two forks, then return to slow cooker with 3/4 cup of reserved liquid and barbecue sauce.
4. Finish cooking: Cook the pork on high for another hour.

What to Serve with Pulled Pork

• Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Sandwich the meat between buns for a quick salad with shredded cabbage, carrots, a little vinegar, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Traditional BBQ Dinner: If you’re throwing a party, enjoy a BBQ feast that includes all the classic side dishes like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, Macaroni and CheeseGreen Beans, Potato Salad And Baked Beans.
• BBQ Baked Potatoes: Stuff pork with baked or roasted sweet potatoes, then add your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, and scallions.
• corn cake: Wrap the meat in flour or tortillas and top with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions.
• Serve with side dishes: Serve with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Grilled Corn on the Cob, corn salador hand pilaf.

Variety

• vinegar: Replace the apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar.
• Smoke degree: If liquid smoke is not available, 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 simmer for four hours.
• BBQ Sauce: If you don’t have time to make pulled pork sauce, buy store-bought BBQ sauce—just make sure it’s free of high-fructose corn syrup.
• Instant Pot Pulled Pork: Follow the same directions, but cut the meat into 4 pieces, then using the “Meat/Stew” function on the Instant Pot, add a cup of chicken stock and cook on high pressure for about 40 minutes, until the pork shreds easily with a fork.

frequently asked questions

What pork is best for pulled pork?

Pulled pork is usually made with pork shoulder, but I use pork loin for a leaner cut. If you want to use shoulder meat, use it!

Should pulled pork in the slow cooker be covered in liquid?

You don’t need a lot of liquid to simmer the pork because it will release its juices as it cooks when using the low setting. I only used enough to season the pork as well as the reserved pork juices and served extra BBQ sauce on the side. If you want to add liquid, add 1 cup of chicken stock.

Do you spread BBQ sauce on your pulled pork before cooking?

For my recipe, I add BBQ sauce to the shredded pork at the end. The size of the pork loin will determine how much sauce you add. There are two things to keep in mind here:

• Pork shrinks when cooked, So you need to weigh the cooked meat. I add two tablespoons of BBQ sauce to every three ounces of cooked pork, along with some reserved pork juices.
• If your kids don’t like BBQ sauce, Set some pork aside and return it to the pot with the sauce.

What’s the secret to pulled pork?

The secret to tender pulled pork is low and slow cooking. That’s why a slow cooker is the perfect way to make it. How long to cook depends on the size of the pork. I used the smallest roast I could find and since I made it for my family it took about 8 hours but it could have taken up to 12 hours. Here are some tips:

• If your slow cooker is running too hot, You may need to add a half cup of water or broth, or the device may need to be replaced.
• your char siu may It only takes five to six hours. I recommend checking it after five hours – if it crumbles easily, it’s ready.

What slow cooker do you use?

I have 6-quart Hamilton Beach Set-and-Forget Programmable Slow Cooker. I like it because you can adjust the cooking time of the pot and it will automatically heat up when done. It also has a meat probe that turns off automatically when done. This slow cooker is so good, I have several!

How to Freeze Pulled Pork

Leftover pulled pork after cooking can last up to four days. Simply reheat in the microwave. For the freezer, pack into an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. You can store it in one large container or in multiple smaller single-serve containers. Thaw it in the refrigerator the day before you plan to eat it.

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