How to make The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork! Everyone is sure to love this amazing slow cooker pulled pork. The perfect blend of spices make it tender and so flavorful.
How to make The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is a big claim but I can tell you I've tried a lot of pulled pork recipes and this one is at the top of my list! So simple yet plenty of flavor! This has been enjoyed as sandwiches, as tacos, as nachos and even just on it's own. Short of going through a major process of slow smoking the meat, this slow cooker version will be your new favorite and the best go-to option for slow cooker pulled pork without all the work! And it's perfect for busy days when you need to have a meal for entertaining. I've made this many times for many crowds, and it's always gone by the end of the night.
This recipe has also been converted for those of you that love pressure cookers and it's pretty amazing if I do say so myself!
What makes this the best slow cooker pulled pork?
Just the right blend of spices (most you should have on hand) rubbed into a pork shoulder roast make for a flavorful meat that has a tiny bit of kick but is generally mild enough for even picky eaters. Want some bold flavor? Up the spices to your liking... if you like spicy you can up the cayenne!! And I love setting out several different types of BBQ sauce so that everyone can make their own flavor combos.
Check out my video showing you just how easy it is to make this slow cooker pulled pork recipe:
What is the best cut of meat for pulled pork?
- pulled pork is generally made using pork shoulder
- there are two pieces to the shoulder usually available at the store - the butt and the picnic shoulder
- the first generally works the best, but I've had great results with the picnic shoulder too
What is also love is that.....
There is no need to brown anything up ahead of time which makes this a quick start meal.
How long do you cook pulled pork in a slow cooker?
Throw it in early in the day and let it slow cook for at least 8 hours (or even longer) for best results.
For meat like this to properly shred, it needs to reach an internal temperature of 205 degrees F. It will seriously fall apart. If your meat is hard to shred, it's not done yet.
A little bit of apple cider vinegar goes in here too and it really does the trick to break down the meat to make it more tender plus gives it just the right zip of extra flavor. I haven't tested it another way, but I'm guessing apple juice would work well also.
A few of my favorite sides to serve up alongside this pulled pork are:
The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 4 pound pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons paprika (try smoked paprika for more of that smoked flavor)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¾ cup water
Instructions
- Mix together all of the dried spices and rub into all sides of the pork
- Place vinegar and water in bottom of slow cooker
- Carefully add pork (so you don't wash off spices)
- Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours
- Remove pork and shred (remove any large fatty pieces and discard)
- Add juices from slow cooker as desired
Notes
- Add extra kick: save a bit (don't overdo it) of seasoning and toss it with cooked pulled pork.
- For brown, crispy ends, put shredded meat on foil lined baking sheet and broil for a couple of minutes in the oven (watch carefully!)
- Shred meat with 2 forks, potato masher, shredder claws, or electric mixer.
- If meat is difficult to shred, it's not done yet. Put it back in the slow cooker for a bit longer.
Nutrition
Click here to convert to Instant Pot. Amazing Instant Pot Pulled Pork is everything it claims to be! Amazing!
Useful tools for making this pulled pork include:
- pulled pork shredder claws
- meat thermometer (a great investment if you cook any types of meat, I use mine almost every day)
I have a 7 lb pork roast. I plan on doubling the spices. Would you double the liquid as well or leave it as is?
I would probably increase the liquid by at least 50% and double if you have room in the slow cooker. This recipe is best with the pork mostly covered with liquid while cooking.
I have made this many times with pork and loved it. I am wondering if I can use this same recipe but sub out pork for boneless skinless chicken thighs? Thank you!
yes, I think that should work!
The best I have ever made
delicious
When you say pepper, do you mean black pepper?
yes!
Why should you use pork shoulder?
It has the best flavor!
I love this recipe. I don't like too much BBQ sauce and I like that the meat is not cooked in it.
Thanks so much! I'm so glad you love it!
This is my go to recipe! I have used it for 3 years now and it never fails me. Always a hit and the leftovers of there is any left are great for tacos or nachos!
It could not be any easier to prepare.
My favorite thing to hear!
Made this recipe, not altering the ingredients. Slow cooked for 9 hours. The pork was perfection.
The bone came out perfectly clean, and shredded so easily. Very juicy, and delicious. I highly Recommend.
Awesome! Thank you for the feedback!
I'm trying this recipe for the first time, in two days from now, for 8-12 of my neighbors. I cook a LOT for them, but I've never tried pulled pork. I hope it goes well...I'm pretty good at improvising, if needed. I'm always nervous about new recipes for groups of people (especially my neighbors!), I'm sure it will be fine. I'll let you know how much they love it, and the 6 apps and sides I'm also making. Thank you, in advance.
Good luck! I hope they love it!