Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches are a real crowd-pleaser, ideal for family gatherings, game days, or even just a casual weeknight dinner. This dish perfectly blends succulent pork with a homemade barbecue sauce that enhances its natural flavors, creating tender, melt-in-your-mouth sandwiches. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; just a few staple ingredients and a slow cooker transform a humble piece of pork shoulder into an irresistible centerpiece.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

My first experience making Slow Cooker Pulled Pork was during a summer barbecue with friends. I remember eagerly anticipating the aroma wafting through the kitchen as the pork cooked away, the excitement palpable as we prepared the toppings that would crown each sandwich. The joy of seeing everyone coming back for seconds and thirds is simply unmatched. There’s something about the combination of sweet and savory flavors that makes this dish not only satisfying but also a ritual of connection and celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and a hands-off cooking process, this recipe is perfect for any busy day.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet tang of the barbecue sauce paired with the savory pork creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: When served, these sandwiches steal the show at any gathering, tempting your guests to dig in.
Flexible Serving: Great for casual dinners, parties, or even meal prep; they’re adaptable for any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: This recipe can easily be adjusted to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free barbecue sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 pounds boneless pork shoulder: This cut is ideal for slow cooking as it becomes incredibly tender. For a leaner option, consider pork loin, though it may not be as juicy.
2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning: This blend adds depth to your pork. If you don’t have this blend, you can use garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs.
1/2 cup barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce for the best flavor. For spicy kicks, opt for a chipotle barbecue sauce.
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: This ingredient adds a nice tang that balances the sweetness of the sauce. You can substitute it with lemon juice if you prefer.
1/4 cup chicken broth: Helps keep the pork moist during cooking. Vegetable broth works as a great alternative too, maintaining delicious flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

Rub the pork: Begin by rubbing the 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder with 2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning. Ensure it’s evenly coated for maximum flavor.

Prepare the sauce mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup chicken broth until well blended.

Add to slow cooker: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it. Ensure the pork is well submerged to absorb all those delightful flavors.

Cook the pork: Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, cooking until the internal temperature reaches 205 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll know it’s done when the pork pulls apart easily with a fork.

Shred the pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, shred it into bite-sized pieces with two forks, enjoying the intoxicating aroma wafting around you.

Mix with juices: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix in about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the cooking juices. This step keeps your pork moist. Discard the remaining juices, or save it for future culinary adventures.

Add extra sauce if desired: Feel free to mix in some additional barbecue sauce if you like your pulled pork saucy. Serve it on toasted buns and watch your family and friends dig in!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers of your Slow Cooker Pulled Pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you’re looking to preserve it longer, freeze in a vacuum-sealed bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly once frozen, but adding a splash of chicken broth while reheating will help revive its deliciousness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer; this ensures the pork reaches a perfect 205 degrees for optimal shredding without drying out.
For additional flavor, consider marinating the pork shoulder overnight in the herb and garlic seasoning.
If your pork feels too dry after shredding, adding a little bit of reserved juices or broth can help restore moisture.
Experiment with different barbecue sauce flavors to find your perfect match; from sweet to smoky to spicy, the options are endless.
For a kick, add some diced jalapeños into the sauce mixture for a spicy twist.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork offers a hearty, versatile dish everyone will adore. Its tender and flavorful profile makes it perfect not only for sandwiches but also for tacos, nachos, or served on its own with a side of coleslaw. Feel free to play around with the spices and sauces, and discover the unique flavor that your family loves best. I encourage you to enjoy this simple, satisfying meal any time you’re looking for comfort food that’s easy to make and share.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Absolutely! While the pork shoulder is ideal for shredding, you can also use pork loin for a leaner option. Just note that it may not be as tender.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat to your pulled pork, mix in some diced jalapeños or use a spicier barbecue sauce. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick!

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours. Just ensure you check for that magical 205 degrees Fahrenheit for shreddable goodness.

What should I serve with pulled pork sandwiches?

Pulled pork sandwiches are fantastic with sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans. They also pair well with pickles, chips, or cornbread for the ultimate comfort spread!

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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 255 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: 101|Main Dishes
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is all about rich flavor and ease! Combining pork shoulder with barbecue sauce and spices, it’s perfect for quick dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

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3 pound boneless pork shoulder
2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning
1/2 cup bbq sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

Rub the pork shoulder with herb and garlic seasoning and place it in the slow cooker.
In a bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth; then pour it over the pork.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 205 degrees.
Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
Return about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the cooking juices to the shredded pork and discard the remaining juices.
Optionally, drizzle additional BBQ sauce before serving.