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    Home » Recipes » Slow Cooker Recipes » Pork Recipes » The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

    Published: Aug 10, 2018 · Modified: Mar 22, 2021 by Jennifer · This post may contain affiliate links

    The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

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    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.pulled pork sandwich on a black plate with a gray checked napkin in the background

    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!

    glass bowl of spice blend for slow cooker pulled pork

    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:

    pork shoulder rubbed with spices in a slow cooker to make slow cooker pulled pork

    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.

    pulled pork in a black slow cookerA 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.pork shredded in a slow cooker with the pulled pork shredder claws

    A few of my favorite sides to serve up alongside this pulled pork are:

    • Mexican Street Corn Salad
    • Southwest Pasta Salad
    • Grilled Baked Potatoes
    • Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
    pulled pork sandwich on a plate

    The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

    Jennifer Draper
    How to make the best slow cooker pulled pork! The perfect homemade spice blend makes it great for sandwiches, tacos and more!!
    3.76 from 1110 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 8 hrs
    Total Time 8 hrs 15 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 150 kcal

    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

    Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 18gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 266mgPotassium: 351mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 650IUVitamin C: 0.8mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 1.4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @slowcookergourmet or tag #slowcookergourmet!
    Important nutritional disclaimer

    Click here to convert to Instant Pot. Amazing Instant Pot Pulled Pork is everything it claims to be! Amazing!

    pulled pork sandwich on bun on black plateUseful 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)

     

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rachel says

      January 15, 2020 at 8:04 am

      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?

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        January 20, 2020 at 9:59 am

        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.

        Reply
    2. Val says

      January 10, 2020 at 7:40 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        January 11, 2020 at 8:40 am

        yes, I think that should work!

        Reply
    3. Joe Carrico, Indianapolis says

      December 17, 2019 at 4:49 pm

      5 stars
      The best I have ever made

      Reply
    4. alba herrera says

      December 04, 2019 at 12:30 pm

      5 stars
      delicious

      Reply
    5. Daniela says

      December 04, 2019 at 10:57 am

      When you say pepper, do you mean black pepper?

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        December 05, 2019 at 3:17 pm

        yes!

        Reply
    6. eatfrysmith says

      November 18, 2019 at 9:13 pm

      5 stars
      Why should you use pork shoulder?

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        November 21, 2019 at 11:21 am

        It has the best flavor!

        Reply
    7. Corrine Wilde says

      November 10, 2019 at 8:12 pm

      5 stars
      I love this recipe. I don't like too much BBQ sauce and I like that the meat is not cooked in it.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        November 11, 2019 at 6:54 am

        Thanks so much! I'm so glad you love it!

        Reply
    8. Callie Moore says

      October 28, 2019 at 8:16 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        October 29, 2019 at 2:55 pm

        My favorite thing to hear!

        Reply
    9. Colleen says

      October 21, 2019 at 6:42 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        October 21, 2019 at 7:22 am

        Awesome! Thank you for the feedback!

        Reply
    10. Ami says

      October 02, 2019 at 4:58 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        October 03, 2019 at 10:06 am

        Good luck! I hope they love it!

        Reply
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    Hi, I'm Jennifer! I love creating fresh recipes that are quick and simple to make so that I can help you get dinner on the table without the fuss!

    More about me →

    Most Popular Recipes

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