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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Perfect BBQ Sandwiches

Close-up of tender, shredded Slow cooker pulled pork heavily coated in a rich, dark barbecue sauce in a white bowl.
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Make tender, flavorful pulled pork with this simple set and forget slow cooker recipe, perfect for meal prep or family barbecue.

Ingredients

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  • 4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Combine the paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl to create the dry rub.
  2. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork shoulder.
  3. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Pour this liquid mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
  6. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Reserve the cooking liquid.
  7. Use two forks to shred the pork completely. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  8. Skim any excess fat from the top of the reserved cooking liquid. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker.
  9. Pour about 1 cup of the reserved cooking liquid over the shredded pork to keep it moist. Stir well.
  10. Stir in 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce for flavor, reserving the rest for serving on your BBQ pulled pork sandwiches.
  11. Serve hot on buns with extra sauce. This is a great freezer friendly dinner option.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, let the pork rest in the cooking liquid for 30 minutes after shredding before serving.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the liquid and simmer it on the stovetop until reduced by half before adding it back to the meat.
  • This recipe works well for meal prep meats; portion and freeze leftovers immediately.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/slow-cooker-pulled-pork-recipe/