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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for BBQ Sandwiches

Close-up of tender, shredded slow cooker pulled pork smothered in rich barbecue sauce on a white plate.
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Make tender, shreddable pulled pork using your slow cooker. This set and forget recipe is perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prepping barbecue sandwiches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Place the pork shoulder into the basin of your slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the water or broth, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the pork shoulder.
  4. 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 very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  5. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or baking sheet. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  6. Shred the pork using two forks.
  7. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss it with some of the cooking liquid remaining in the pot. Add extra BBQ sauce now if you prefer a saucier result.
  8. Cook on the WARM setting for 15 minutes to allow the meat to absorb the sauce.
  9. Serve hot on hamburger buns for BBQ pulled pork sandwiches.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use a pork shoulder with good marbling.
  • This recipe freezes well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to three months.
  • If you want crispy edges, transfer the shredded pork to a baking sheet, toss with a little sauce, and broil for 3-5 minutes until the edges caramelize slightly.

Nutrition

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