Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Dreaming of BBQ? This slow cooker pulled pork recipe is SO easy! Juicy, tender pork with minimal effort. A real family favourite. Get the recipe!

Right, let's dive into this pulled pork malarkey, shall we? this isn't your fancy pants cooking. it's proper, get-stuck-in, deliciousness.

Ever had a day when all you wanted was a hug in a bun? well, this slow cooker recipes is exactly that!

Quick Hook: Pork Perfection, Effortlessly!

Fancy amazing pulled pork but can't be arsed with all the faff? this slow cooker bbq pulled pork recipe is your new best mate! it's packed with smoky, sweet, and savoury flavors, and practically cooks itself.

Honestly, it's that easy.

A Little About This Beauty

Pulled pork, especially done right with low and slow crockpot meals , is as american as apple pie. it’s been feeding families and winning hearts for generations.

This simplified version brings that southern charm straight to your kitchen, no fancy smoker required. it's the perfect way to enjoy a hearty dinner recipes crock pot , without slaving over a hot stove all day.

Plus, it makes enough to feed a crowd, or have leftovers for days.

This recipe is dead easy. i mean, seriously easy. think 20 minutes prep and then let the stew recipe crockpot do the heavy lifting.

Expect to feed about 6-8 hungry mouths with this little beauty.

Why You'll Love This... Loads

One of the best things? pork shoulder is surprisingly good for you. it's a fantastic source of protein. this is great because it’s packed with protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Forget takeout – this is way better and way healthier.

Imagine serving this up at your next bbq, or even a casual sunday dinner. your mates will think you've been slaving away for hours.

Little do they know the crock pot soup and stew recipes magic happens while you're kicking back with a cuppa.

What makes this recipe special is how forgiving it is. you can tweak the spices, the bbq sauce, even the cooking time, and it'll still come out amazing.

Trust me, i've messed it up plenty of times, and it's always been edible!

Next up, let's look at what you'll need.

Alright, let's dive into the heart of this Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork ! This isn’t some fancy restaurant dish. It's proper comfort food. It’s also unbelievably easy.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Essentials

So, what do you need to make this pulled pork recipe sing? Not much, honestly. Let's break it down.

Main Ingredients: Pork Perfection

First, the star of the show: 3-4 lb (1.3 - 1.8 kg) boneless pork shoulder roast. also called boston butt.

Make sure to trim the fat! you want a good marbling, not a solid chunk of lard. aim for a roast that’s firm and pink, not pale and slimy.

Trust your nose!

Next up, 1 large yellow onion, chopped. about 1 cup . plus, 2 cloves of garlic, minced. you will also need 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth (or water).

Finish it with 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar for a bit of zing.

Seasoning Notes: Rub-a-Dub-Dub

Now, for the magic – the dry rub! Don't skip this, it makes the low cooker chicken recipes absolutely divine.

Mix 2 tablespoons (30 ml) brown sugar, packed with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) smoked paprika. add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) kosher salt and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) chili powder.

Then goes in 1 teaspoon (5 ml) black pepper, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) onion powder.

For a kick, add ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper. honestly, the paprika is where the smoky goodness comes from, so don’t skimp!

Substitutions? If you are short on brown sugar, try maple syrup but use less.

Finally, grab 1 ½ - 2 cups (360-480 ml) of your favorite bbq sauce. store-bought or homemade. sweet, tangy, or spicy – your call! and of course, hamburger buns and coleslaw for serving.

I like a sweet coleslaw, myself.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

For this stew recipe crockpot , you'll need a 6-quart slow cooker (or larger). then a small mixing bowl for the rub.

Of course, measuring cups and spoons. lastly a fork (or two!) for shredding.

Don't have a slow cooker? while not the same, you could try this stew chicken crockpot recipe in a dutch oven.

Just keep a very close eye on it and reduce cooking time.

That's it! Now you're all set to create some seriously delicious pulled pork. This recipe will work well with your favorite hearty dinner recipes crock pot . Let's get cooking!

Okay, let's do this! here's that piece on slow cooker bbq pulled pork . honestly, i've made this so many times, it's practically muscle memory at this point.

It's so forgiving, it's unreal!

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork – Effortless Weeknight Dinner

Fancy some fall-off-the-bone tender pork, all while barely lifting a finger? this slow cooker pulled pork recipe is your new best friend.

It's that easy. we're talking maximum flavour, minimum effort. i’m not kidding, this recipe is even better with low and slow crockpot meals .

Forget fancy barbecue joints – this is better than franklin barbecue! well, maybe not better , but definitely easier, and a close second.

It's perfect stew chicken crockpot style.

Prep Steps: The Secret to Success

Good prep work makes all the difference. think of it like your favourite band preparing before they get on the stage.

This recipe, like all slow cooker recipes , is about doing all the work upfront.

Essential Mise en Place

Get all your bits ready. chop 1 large yellow onion (about 1 cup). mince 2 cloves of garlic. mix your dry rub: 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you're feeling brave!).

Honestly, measuring everything out before you start speeds things up so much.

Time-Saving Organization

Honestly, the best tip is to prep the rub the night before . that way, all you need to do in the morning is chuck everything in the slow cooker.

Talk about winning! consider low cooker chicken recipes using the same method.

Safety First

Just a reminder: pork shoulder can be a bit hefty. Be careful lifting it! And always wash your hands after handling raw meat. You know the drill.

Step-by-Step: Let's Get Cooking!

Here's the super easy bit:

1. Rub Time: In a small bowl, mix the dry rub ingredients. Then, generously rub it all over your 3-4 lb (1.3 - 1.8 kg) pork shoulder. Get in all the nooks and crannies!
2. Veggies First: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker.
3. Pork on Top: Place the pork shoulder right on top of that onion and garlic bed.
4. Liquid Gold: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth (or water) and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. It really tenderizes the meat.
5. Slow Cook, Baby!: Cover and cook on low for 8- 10 hours , or on high for 4- 5 hours . You'll know it's ready when it's easily shreddable with a fork.
6. Shred It: Take the pork out and shred it using two forks. Discard any tough bits.
7. Sauce It Up: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Add 1 ½ - 2 cups of your favourite BBQ sauce and stir.
8. Melt the Flavours: Cook on low for another 30 mins - 1 hour to let those flavours mingle.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pork

Okay, so here's the inside scoop on turning good pulled pork into amazing pulled pork.

Sear It First (Optional)

Honestly, searing the pork shoulder in a hot pan before it goes in the slow cooker adds such a depth of flavour.

You don't have to, but trust me, it's worth the extra five minutes.

Don't Peek!

Resist the urge to open the slow cooker! Each time you lift the lid, you let out heat, and it takes longer to cook. Patience is key, my friend!

Taste and Adjust

Once it's shredded, taste the pork and adjust the bbq sauce to your liking. maybe you want a bit more spice? a dash of hot sauce works wonders! this is how you can make hearty dinner recipes crock pot your own.

This makes about 6-8 servings, by the way. And if you're looking for something to do with leftover, this could be incorporated in crock pot soup and stew recipes . Enjoy!

Alright, let's dive into those recipe notes for the slow cooker bbq pulled pork. i can't wait to share my tips with you.

Honestly, this bit is almost as important as the actual recipe. it is so valuable to learn it.

Recipe Notes for a Perfect Pulled Pork

Serving Suggestions: Gettin' Fancy (or Not!)

Okay, so plating... i always think, how would grandma do it? serve it piled high on a bun. simple! coleslaw on top? oh my gosh, yes! it adds the perfect crunch.

Think simple hearty dinner recipes crock pot ideas. for sides, you can't go wrong with classic corn on the cob.

Baked beans are awesome, too.

And drinks? Sweet tea, a good old root beer, or if you're feeling fancy, a light ale. The kind of Low And Slow Crockpot Meals deserves a nice beverage.

Storage Tips: Making it Last (If You Can!)

So, leftover pulled pork? This happens to me sometimes. Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container. It'll be good for like, 3-4 days.

Freezing? totally doable! portion it out first. freeze flat in freezer bags. then, just thaw it out in the fridge overnight.

To reheat it, microwave is fine, but honestly, warming it back up in the slow cooker on low is the best.

Add a splash of broth or sauce. keeps it moist. it is really amazing.

Variations: Gettin' Creative with Your Pork

Dietary adaptations? Easy peasy. Gluten-free? Just use gluten-free buns and a gluten-free BBQ sauce. Bob's your uncle!

Seasonal swaps? In summer, maybe a lighter vinegar-based sauce. Winter? A richer, smokier flavour works wonders. You can also try to make Stew Recipe Crockpot with pulled pork.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Alright, let's talk about the numbers. honestly, it's pulled pork. so, the nutritional information can vary. roughly, think of moderate calories, with a good amount of protein, and yes, some sugar from the sauce.

But hey, pork is a great source of protein. it keeps you full! just watch that bbq sauce. this makes for great crock pot soup and stew recipes ideas.

Also, stew recipe slow cooker meals.

So, there you have it! all my little notes and secrets for making the best slow cooker recipes . don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Now go and nail that slow cook chicken casserole . oh yes, and also, stew chicken crockpot version. you've got this! now tell me how did yours turn out!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork for these slow cooker recipes?

While pork shoulder (Boston butt) is ideal for slow cooker pulled pork due to its fat content, you can use pork loin. However, pork loin is leaner, so reduce the cooking time to prevent it from drying out, and consider adding a bit more liquid to the slow cooker. It won't be quite as melt-in-your-mouth tender as pork shoulder, but it's a good option if you're watching your fat intake. Think of it as the difference between a David Beckham free kick and a Sunday league hoof – both get the job done, but one's a bit more graceful!

How do I prevent my slow cooker pulled pork from being dry?

Nobody wants dry pulled pork! Ensure there's enough liquid in the slow cooker (at least 1 cup), and don't overcook it. Pork shoulder is forgiving, but even it can dry out if cooked for too long, especially on high heat. If you are worried, add 1/2 cup of apple juice for extra moistness and flavour. Remember, low and slow is the way to go – like queuing for a Banksy exhibition; patience is key!

What's the best way to store leftover slow cooker BBQ pulled pork?

Leftovers are a blessing! Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or BBQ sauce to prevent it from drying out – it'll taste just as good as the first time, like a good cup of tea the next morning!

Can I make this slow cooker recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is one of the beauties of slow cooker recipes. You can cook the pork a day or two in advance, shred it, and store it in the refrigerator. Then, just reheat it with the BBQ sauce when you're ready to serve. It's like having a ready-made roast dinner whenever you fancy it – perfect for busy weeknights, a bit like having a pre-recorded episode of your favourite sitcom ready to go.

I'm watching my sodium intake. Any tips for a lower sodium slow cooker pulled pork?

Sodium can sneak into BBQ sauce and even some spice rubs, so read the labels carefully and opt for low-sodium versions if possible. You can also make your own BBQ sauce from scratch and control the amount of salt you add. Using fresh herbs and spices can also boost flavour without needing to rely on salt. It's all about being savvy in the kitchen – a bit like haggling at a car boot sale for a bargain!

What are some creative ways to use leftover slow cooker pulled pork besides sandwiches?

The possibilities are endless! Use leftover pulled pork as a topping for nachos, baked potatoes, or pizza. You can also add it to tacos, quesadillas, or even mac and cheese for a BBQ twist. Think of it as a blank canvas – a bit like Doctor Who's TARDIS; smaller on the outside, infinitely versatile on the inside!

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