Cooking Perfectly Tender Pulled Pork in a Slow Cooker

Nothing quite rivals the mouthwatering aroma and sheer satisfaction of homemade pulled pork. Making this exquisite dish in a slow cooker simplifies the process, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the time spent with family and friends. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process – from preparation to serving – ensuring that your pulled pork turns out perfectly tender and delicious.

Ingredients Needed

4-5 pounds Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt 1 large sliced Onion 4 cloves minced Garlic 1-2 cups favorite brand or homemade BBQ Sauce 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar 2-3 tablespoons Brown Sugar (optional for sweetness) 1 tablespoon smoked Paprika 1 tablespoon Cumin 1 tablespoon Chili Powder 1 teaspoon Salt 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pork

To start, prepare the pork shoulder:

Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder if necessary. Mix the spice rub (smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using) and season the pork shoulder thoroughly.

Layer the Slow Cooker

Now, proceed to layer the ingredients in the slow cooker:

Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Position the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic.

Add Liquids

Finish by adding the liquids:

Pour the apple cider vinegar over the pork shoulder. Add about 1 cup of BBQ sauce on top and reserve the rest for serving.

Cook the Pork

Now, it's time to cook the pork until it's perfectly tender.?

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

Shred the Pork

Once the pork is tender enough to shred:

Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes to cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Mix with Sauce

Complete the dish by combining it with the sauce:

Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining juices and BBQ sauce. Lid the slow cooker and let it warm through for about 10-15 minutes to ensure the flavors blend well.

Serve the Pulled Pork

Dish it up and enjoy:

Serve the pulled pork on buns or in tacos, or on its own. Add extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Tips for Perfect Results

Storage: Pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage. Serving Suggestions: Serve with coleslaw, pickles, or your favorite sides.

Enjoy Your Delicious Pulled Pork!

With these simple steps, you can create a flavorsome pulled pork that is certain to impress. Experiment with different spice blends and BBQ sauces to find your perfect combination. Enjoy your delicious pulled pork with family and friends!