Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork – Tender & Juicy

Looking for a foolproof recipe to make tender, juicy pulled pork with minimal effort? This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe is just what you need! It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for a crowd. The best part? It’s all cooked in your slow cooker, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and soak up all the delicious flavors of the seasonings and marinade. Whether you’re making sandwiches, tacos, or enjoying it with your favorite sides, this pulled pork is sure to be a hit.

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Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow-cooked pulled pork is one of those dishes that takes little effort but delivers big flavor. The long cooking time allows the pork to become perfectly tender, shredding easily with just a fork. The seasoning blend adds a rich, savory flavor, while the slow cooking method ensures the meat stays moist and juicy.

Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a party, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. You can serve it on soft buns with your favorite BBQ sauce, in tacos, or even as a topping for a salad or baked potato. This slow cooker pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser, and it’s so easy to make!

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Ingredients

For the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pulled Pork:

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt, bone-in or boneless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing, optional)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for a hint of sweetness)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for smoky flavor)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (for a bit of heat)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, adds depth)
• 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (for extra umami flavor)

For Serving (Optional):

• BBQ sauce (your favorite)
• Coleslaw (for topping)
• Buns or taco shells (if making sandwiches or tacos)
• Pickles (optional, for crunch)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This recipe is incredibly easy to make and involves minimal hands-on time. Here’s how you do it:

1. Prepare the Pork

• Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving a bit of fat on the meat for flavor and moisture.
• Rub the pork with your spice blend: cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and ground cinnamon (if using). Make sure the pork is evenly coated with the seasonings.

2. Sear the Pork (Optional, But Recommended)

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once hot, sear the pork on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. This step helps develop extra flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.

3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker

• Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Add the seared pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic. Pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar (if using) over the pork. Add the Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar.

4. Slow Cook the Pork

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. The pork should be fork-tender and easily shred when it’s done.
• Halfway through, you can flip the pork or add a little more liquid if needed, but it’s not necessary. Just let it cook low and slow for maximum tenderness.

5. Shred the Pork

• Once the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
• Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. As you shred, you can discard any large pieces of fat or bone if using bone-in pork.
• Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices and onions for extra flavor.

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Pro Tips

1. Searing the Pork Adds Flavor: While this step is optional, searing the pork before slow cooking enhances the flavor and creates a nice golden crust on the meat. It’s definitely worth the extra 10 minutes!
2. Adjust Seasoning to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the seasoning to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or cayenne pepper. If you prefer a sweeter pork, increase the amount of brown sugar.
3. Use the Juices: Don’t throw away the cooking liquid! After shredding the pork, mix it with the juices for a moist and flavorful result. If you prefer it saucy, you can add some BBQ sauce to the mixture as well.
4. Make Extra for Leftovers: This recipe makes a large batch, so it’s perfect for leftovers. Store any unused pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

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How to Serve

Pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Pile the shredded pork on soft buns and drizzle with your favorite BBQ sauce. Top with coleslaw for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
• Tacos: Serve the pulled pork in soft tortillas, and top with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime.
• Pulled Pork Bowls: Serve the shredded pork over a base of rice, quinoa, or a green salad. Add toppings like avocado, corn, or black beans for a satisfying meal.
• With Fries: For a classic comfort food combo, serve the pulled pork with crispy fries and a side of pickles.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 250-300 (without sauce or buns)
• Protein: 25-30g (from the pork)
• Fat: 15-20g (from the pork and olive oil)
• Carbohydrates: 8-10g (from the onions, garlic, and seasonings)
• Fiber: 1-2g (from the onions and other seasonings)

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Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storing: Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to keep the juices with the pork to maintain its moisture.
• Reheating: Reheat the pulled pork gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a little of the leftover juices or a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.
• Freezing: Pulled pork freezes beautifully. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

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Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious, hands-off meal that’s sure to impress. The pork comes out perfectly tender, flavorful, and versatile for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re making sandwiches, tacos, or enjoying it as a main dish with sides, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy the simplicity and flavor of this easy, slow-cooked classic!