This Easy Crockpot Barbecue Pulled Pork is a true crowd-pleaser! Just toss pork shoulder in your crockpot with barbecue sauce and let it slow cook until it’s tender and juicy.
The best part? It practically makes itself while you relax. I love serving it on buns with coleslaw. It’s like a cozy hug in food form! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking due to its fat content, making the meat tender and flavorful. If pork shoulder isn’t available, you can use pork loin for a leaner option, but it may not be as juicy.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought brand or whip up a homemade version. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using a sugar-free barbecue sauce or make a tangy vinegar-based sauce instead.
Onion: I like using yellow onions for their sweetness as they cook down. If you prefer milder flavors, use sweet onions like Vidalia. Red onions can also work if you’re after a bit of zing.
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you could substitute with vegetable broth, though it may change the taste slightly.
What’s the Best Way to Shred Pulled Pork?
Shredding the pork is key to making it a perfect pulled pork. After cooking, let the pork rest for a few minutes before shredding it. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping it moist.
- Use two forks, pulling them apart in opposite directions.
- If you prefer a finer shred, you can use your hands—just ensure they’re well-protected with gloves.
- For super tender pork, try using a stand mixer with paddle attachments on low speed; this is a quick method!
Once shredded, mix it back into the flavorful juices for a tastier bite! Enjoy your cooking experience, and remember, patience is key while slow cooking!
Easy Crockpot Barbecue Pulled Pork
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for some heat)
For Serving:
- Hamburger buns or slider rolls
- Optional: coleslaw, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then cooks for 8-10 hours on LOW or 4-5 hours on HIGH. A perfect dish to make for a busy day—just set it and forget it until mealtime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
Start by mixing the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder in a small bowl. This flavorful rub will give your pork lots of taste.
2. Season the Pork:
Take your pork shoulder and rub the spice mixture all over it, making sure to coat it evenly. This helps to infuse all that yummy flavor into the meat!
3. Layer in the Crockpot:
Slice your onion and place it at the bottom of the crockpot. This will add even more flavor! Now, place the seasoned pork shoulder right on top of the onions.
4. Add Liquid:
Pour the chicken broth or water around the pork. This will help keep your pork nice and moist as it cooks.
5. Cook the Pork:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The pork is done when it’s so tender that it pulls apart easily with a fork.
6. Shred the Pork:
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork from the crockpot and place it on a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into delicious pieces.
7. Combine with Juices:
Before mixing it back in, you may want to skim off any thick fat from the liquid in the crockpot. Then, stir your barbecue sauce into the remaining juices to create a deliciously rich sauce.
8. Final Cooking:
Return the shredded pork to the crockpot and stir it into the barbecue sauce mixture. Let it cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes. This will help all those flavors meld together.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve your pulled pork! Use hamburger buns or slider rolls and top them with extra barbecue sauce and some coleslaw if you’d like. Enjoy your easy, juicy crockpot barbecue pulled pork!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Barbecue Pulled Pork
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for its tenderness, you can also use pork loin for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it may not be as juicy as shoulder.
What Type of Barbecue Sauce Should I Use?
You can use any brand of barbecue sauce you love! Sweet, tangy, or even spicy sauces work well. If you prefer, make a homemade sauce to customize the flavor to your liking.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Of course! Simply increase the amount of chili powder or add a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the barbecue sauce. You can also use spicy barbecue sauce for an extra kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the pulled pork in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing!
Feel free to ask any other questions! Enjoy your cooking!
