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Delicious slow cooker pulled pork, ready to serve

Classic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Effortlessly create tender, flavorful pulled pork with this classic slow cooker recipe. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or as a main dish, this recipe guarantees juicy results with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3-5 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil optional, for searing
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 garlic minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
For Serving (Optional)
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce for serving, optional

Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • Small bowl
  • Large skillet (optional)
  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • Large cutting board or bowl
  • Two sturdy forks

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and trim any excess large fat, leaving some for flavor.
  2. Combine salt, black pepper, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and brown sugar in a small bowl, then generously rub this spice blend all over the pork roast.
  3. Optionally, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the seasoned pork on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
Slow Cooking
  1. Place the seasoned pork roast into your 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic around the pork.
  3. Pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar over and around the pork.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or until easily shredded, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Finishing and Serving
  1. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large cutting board or bowl.
  2. Using two sturdy forks, shred the pork, discarding any large pieces of fat or gristle.
  3. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, stir into the cooking liquid, and optionally incorporate about ½ cup of BBQ sauce.
  4. Let the shredded pork sit on the "warm" setting for another 15-30 minutes to meld flavors and reabsorb juices.
  5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or BBQ sauce to your preference.
  6. Serve hot on buns, in tacos, or as desired, with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

For best results, cooking on the LOW setting for a longer duration is recommended to achieve the most tender and flavorful pulled pork. Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your personal preference, or serve it on the side.