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Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe Easy Perfect Pulled Pork for Weeknight Dinners

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This tender slow cooker pulled pork recipe is fuss-free, packed with flavor, and reliably tender every single time. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, it delivers juicy, melt-apart pork with a smoky, slightly sweet taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), well-marbled for juicy tenderness
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (regular paprika works in a pinch)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground if possible
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (60 ml)
  • ½ cup chicken broth or water (120 ml)
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade) for serving

Instructions

  1. Trim any excessive fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some fat for flavor and moisture. Pat it dry with paper towels to help the rub stick better. (5 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well until evenly mixed. (3 minutes)
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, pressing it into every nook and cranny. Don’t rush this step—it’s what builds the flavor crust. (5 minutes)
  4. Put the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker, fat side up if possible.
  5. Pour ¼ cup apple cider vinegar and ½ cup chicken broth (or water) around the pork, avoiding washing off the rub. This liquid helps create a steam environment to keep the pork moist. (2 minutes)
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often—every peek slows the cooking process and lets heat escape.
  7. After 6 hours, test the pork by inserting a fork; it should pull apart easily. If not, cook an extra hour or two until it reaches that perfect tenderness.
  8. Transfer the pork to a large cutting board or bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat, removing any large chunks of fat. (5 minutes)
  9. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, add ½ cup barbecue sauce, and stir gently to coat. Let it warm through on LOW for 15-20 minutes. (20 minutes)
  10. Spoon the tender pulled pork onto buns, over rice, or alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

Do not lift the slow cooker lid frequently to avoid heat loss. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before shredding to lock in juices. Save some cooking liquid to stir into the shredded pork for extra juiciness. Adjust barbecue sauce amount to taste. For gluten-free, ensure barbecue sauce is gluten-free. Variations include adding cayenne pepper for heat or swapping apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar and honey for a sweet tang.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, pulled pork recipe, easy pulled pork, barbecue pulled pork, weeknight dinner, crockpot pork, tender pork shoulder

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/tender-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-recipe-easy-perfect-pulled-pork-for-weeknight-dinners/