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Easy Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe for Perfect BBQ Sandwiches

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This easy slow cooker pulled pork recipe delivers tender, juicy meat with minimal effort, perfect for flavorful BBQ sandwiches that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (240 ml), smoky and slightly sweet
  • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
  • ½ cup water or chicken broth (120 ml)

Instructions

  1. Trim any large chunks of fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some marbling for juiciness. Pat dry with paper towels. (Approx. 5 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke if using. Stir well to blend all flavors. (Approx. 5 minutes)
  3. Place sliced onions in the slow cooker to create a flavorful bed and keep the pork elevated. (Approx. 2 minutes)
  4. Rub the pork shoulder with half of the BBQ sauce mixture, coating all sides generously. (Approx. 5 minutes)
  5. Put the pork shoulder on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Pour the remaining BBQ sauce mixture and ½ cup of water or broth around the meat (not directly on top). (Approx. 2 minutes)
  6. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours until the pork is tender and falls apart easily. Alternatively, cook on high for 4-5 hours but check tenderness earlier to avoid drying out.
  7. Carefully remove the pork to a large plate or cutting board. Use two forks or meat claws to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding large chunks of fat. (Approx. 10 minutes)
  8. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir into the juices and onions. Let soak for 10 minutes on warm to absorb flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. (Approx. 10 minutes)
  9. Serve warm on toasted buns with extra BBQ sauce, coleslaw, or pickles.

Notes

For best results, cook low and slow to keep pork tender and juicy. Let the meat rest before shredding to redistribute juices. Save some cooking liquid to add back if pork feels dry. Use meat claws for easier shredding. Adjust seasoning after cooking to taste. For gluten-free, use appropriate sauces. Variations include adding cayenne for spice or pineapple for sweetness. Instant Pot can be used for faster cooking (60 minutes on meat/stew setting).

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, BBQ sandwiches, easy recipe, tender pork, crock-pot, barbecue, pork shoulder

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/easy-tender-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-recipe-for-perfect-bbq-sandwiches/