Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with BBQ Sauce 🐖🔥
This tender, juicy pulled pork slow-cooks to perfection, infused with smoky spices and coated in a rich BBQ sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or over rice!
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
⏳ Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 5-6 hours (high)
🍽 Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
For the Pork:
- 4-5 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or apple juice for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for extra smokiness)
Instructions:
1. Prep & Season the Pork
- Pat the pork shoulder dry and rub with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork.
2. Slow Cook the Pork
- Place the pork in the slow cooker.
- Pour chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce around (not directly on) the pork.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours (best for tenderness) or HIGH for 5-6 hours.
3. Shred & Sauce It Up
- Remove the pork and shred with two forks.
- Drain most of the liquid from the slow cooker, leaving about ½ cup for moisture.
- Mix shredded pork with BBQ sauce, vinegar, honey, mustard, and liquid smoke.
- Return to the slow cooker for 15-20 minutes on WARM for flavors to meld.
Serving Ideas:
✅ Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Serve on brioche buns with coleslaw.
✅ Pulled Pork Tacos: Add to tortillas with avocado & salsa.
✅ Pulled Pork Bowl: Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
Tips & Variations:
🔥 Make it Spicy? Add extra cayenne or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
🔥 Crispy Edges? Broil shredded pork for 5 minutes before serving.
🔥 No Slow Cooker? Roast at 300°F (150°C) for 4-5 hours.
