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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for BBQ Sandwiches

Close-up of shredded, saucy Slow cooker pulled pork piled high in a white bowl.
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Make tender, flavorful pulled pork with this simple slow cooker recipe. It is perfect for meal prep and serving on BBQ sandwiches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed
  • 1 cup water or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Place the pork shoulder in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create the dry rub.
  3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the pork shoulder.
  4. Pour the water or chicken broth and apple cider vinegar around the pork in the slow cooker.
  5. Cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  6. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  7. Shred the pork using two forks.
  8. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce over the meat and stir to coat completely.
  9. Cook on the WARM setting for another 30 minutes to allow the sauce to heat through and absorb.
  10. Serve hot on hamburger buns for classic BBQ pulled pork sandwiches.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use a pork shoulder with a good fat cap; the fat renders down and keeps the meat moist.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, drain off about 1 cup of the cooking liquid before adding the BBQ sauce.
  • This recipe freezes well. Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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