Save Tender, flavorful pulled pork slow-cooked in a smoky barbecue sauce—perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or serving over rice.
I love making this pulled pork because it fills the house with amazing aromas and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at family dinners.
Ingredients
- Pork: 4 lbs (1.8 kg) boneless pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
- Spice Rub: 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Sauce: 1 cup (240 ml) barbecue sauce (use gluten-free if needed), ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Spice Rub:
- In a small bowl, mix together all the spice rub ingredients.
- Season Pork:
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mix all over the pork, pressing it into the meat.
- Place in Slow Cooker:
- Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker.
- Prepare Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, combine barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the mixture over the pork.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the pork is very tender and easy to shred.
- Shred Pork:
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Combine and Warm:
- Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid, then return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the sauce. Warm through for 10–15 minutes. Serve on buns, in tacos, or over rice, with extra barbecue sauce if desired.
Save Sharing this meal around the table always brings everyone closer together.
Required Tools
Slow cooker (crockpot), mixing bowls, measuring spoons and cups, forks for shredding, chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains: Soy (from Worcestershire sauce), possible gluten (if BBQ sauce or Worcestershire sauce is not gluten-free). Double-check all packaged sauces for allergens and gluten if needed.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 370, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 18 g, Protein: 34 g per serving
Save This dish is perfect for easy meal prep and guaranteed to impress your taste buds.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should I cook the pork in a slow cooker?
Cook the pork on low for 8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until it becomes tender and easy to shred.
- → Can I prepare the pork shoulder in advance?
Yes, seasoning and slow cooking can be done ahead. Refrigerate the cooked pork or freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
- → What are good serving options for slow-cooked pulled pork?
Serve on buns, in tacos, or over rice. Adding coleslaw or pickles complements the smoky flavors well.
- → Is it necessary to sear the pork before slow cooking?
Searing is optional but recommended to deepen flavor and create a rich crust before slow cooking.
- → How can I make the sauce gluten-free?
Use gluten-free barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
- → How do I remove excess fat from the slow cooker liquid?
Skim off the fat with a spoon after shredding the pork before mixing the meat back with the sauce.