Main Courses > Meat Dishes > Pork > BBQ Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Tender and flavorful BBQ pulled pork made easily in a slow cooker. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or topping salads. This recipe yields incredibly moist and delicious pulled pork with minimal effort.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Servings
8-10
Ingredients
  • 3-4 lbs Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt)
  • 1 bottle (18 oz) BBQ Sauce (your favorite)
  • 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

Prepare the Pork

Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture generously all over the pork shoulder.

Slow Cook

Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour apple cider vinegar over the pork. Pour about half of the bottle of BBQ sauce over the pork. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is easily shredded with a fork.

Shred the Pork

Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into small pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat.

Combine and Serve

Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Add the remaining BBQ sauce and stir to combine. Let the pork simmer in the sauce for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve on buns for sandwiches, sliders, or over salads.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.
Calories: 250-300
Protein: 25-30g
Fat: 15-20g
Carbohydrates: 5-10g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

To reduce fat content, trim excess fat from the pork shoulder before cooking. Using a lower-sugar BBQ sauce can also decrease the carbohydrate content. Serving size significantly impacts the overall nutritional value of the dish.

← Savory Pork and Bean Casserole Slow Cooker Beef Curry →

FAQ

  • Can I use a different cut of pork?

    Pork shoulder (Boston butt) is the best cut for pulled pork due to its high fat content, which keeps the meat moist during slow cooking. You can use pork loin, but it will likely be drier.
  • Can I make this in the oven?

    Yes, you can. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a Dutch oven with the apple cider vinegar and half the BBQ sauce. Cover and bake for 4-5 hours, or until the pork is easily shredded.
  • How long can I store leftover pulled pork?

    Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.
  • What kind of BBQ sauce is best?

    That depends on your preference! Use your favorite BBQ sauce. Experiment with different flavors like sweet, smoky, or spicy.