Slow Cooker Carolina-Style Pulled Pork (Finger-Lickin' Good!)

Looking for the best slow cooker recipes? This Carolina pulled pork is fall-apart tender and bursting with flavour! An easy Crock Pot Dinner the whole family will love. Get the recipe!

Alright, let's get stuck in, shall we? fancy some proper grub? i'm talking about best slow cooker recipes that are easy as pie and taste amazing.

We're diving headfirst into slow cooker carolina-style pulled pork. i'm telling you, this is the business.

Quick Hook

Ever walked into a bbq and instantly been hit with that incredible smoky smell? this crock pit dinner recipe brings that vibe straight to your kitchen.

It’s all about the flavour and minimal effort. porky perfection, if you ask me.

Brief Overview

Pulled pork is basically a gift from the american south. the carolina style adds a vinegar-based tang that’s miles away from that thick, sweet bbq sauce you’re used to.

It's easy crockpot dinners for two or a crowd and needs about 8- 10 hours on low, or 4-6 on high.

This recipe yields 8-10 servings. ideal for a lazy sunday or even a cheeky bank holiday bbq.

Main Benefits

Honestly, aside from the taste, the best bit is how easy it is. pork shoulder, which this recipe uses, is a good source of protein.

Serve it up at your next garden party. what makes this recipe really special is the carolina bbq sauce . that sweet/sour balance is spot on, and it will give you some slow cooker supper ideas .

Right, lets talk about the ingredients you will need.

Ingredients matter

You'll need roughly 2 kg of boneless pork shoulder (boston butt) - that's your star. for the rub, grab brown sugar, paprika, garlic and onion powder, salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch of cayenne if you're feeling brave.

The carolina bbq sauce needs apple cider vinegar, ketchup, yellow mustard, more brown sugar, worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes.

Basically, it's a flavour explosion. the kind that will linger for 9 hour crockpot recipes . you can even use these for long crockpot recipes ! i have found that with crock pot all day recipes it is best to use a lower temperature to ensure you get the most tender result!

Now, i know what you're thinking. "another pulled pork recipe?" but trust me, this one's different. once, i tried rushing this and cooking it on high the whole time.

Big mistake. the pork was tough as old boots. low and slow is the key, trust me. you will get the most tender pork chops tender , when you leave them to slow cook and tenderise.

If you follow my instructions, your end result will rival the best slow cooker recipes , and you will be left wanting more pork chop recipes crockpot ! and it makes plenty for leftovers, which are banging on sandwiches the next day!

This also makes great quick dinner ideas crockpot !

Okay, let's dive into what you need to make some killer best slow cooker recipes , particularly that carolina-style pulled pork! honestly, even i can manage this one, and i once set fire to toast.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Right, first up, the stuff that makes it pulled pork .

• Pork Rub:
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) paprika
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper (optional)
• Pork:
  • 4-5 pound (approx. 2 kg) boneless pork shoulder. Get a decent one; it matters!
• Carolina BBQ Sauce:
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider vinegar. This is key.
  • ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup. Go easy on the cheap stuff, yeah?
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) yellow mustard. Classic.
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce. Gotta have it.
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) hot sauce. I like Tabasco!
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) red pepper flakes (optional)

The pork quality impacts Crock Pot Dinner . Look for good marbling. More marbling equals juicier Pork Chops Tender – even after a Long Crockpot Recipes cooking time!

Seasoning Notes

This is where the magic happens! Paprika and garlic are essential. It is what makes it good.

Don't skip the worcestershire sauce. it is the umami bomb. for a bit more oomph , add a dash of liquid smoke.

You know? like if you want it to taste like it came off a smoker. no stress if you don't have it.

Subbing stuff? White vinegar works if you're out of apple cider. But apple cider is the bees knees. You can adapt this Quick Dinner Ideas Crockpot .

This Crock Pot All Day Recipes allows flavor melding.

Equipment Needed

Honestly, you don't need much!

• 6-quart or larger slow cooker . This is key for Easy 4 Hour Crockpot Recipes on high. A standard Crock Pot will do.
• Large mixing bowl. Get one that's big enough, I swear.
• Whisk. For the sauce.
• Two forks, for shredding. You know the drill.

Don't have a whisk? fork it. need a bigger slow cooker? split the recipe and use two! this is easy crockpot dinners for two .

You may want to double it. honestly, the beauty of the best slow cooker recipes is their simplicity. i've made this pulled pork in my oldest crock pot , and it always comes out amazing.

Alright, let's chat about the best slow cooker recipes . honestly, my slow cooker is basically my best mate in the kitchen.

You know? it just gets me. i love it for easy crock pit dinner creations. i’ve found some amazing ways to make tender and succulent pork chops tender .

It's perfect for busy weeknights when you fancy quick dinner ideas crockpot style.

Slow Cooker Carolina-Style Pulled Pork (Finger-Lickin' Good!)

Fancy some pulled pork? this easy recipe is proper lush. it’s basically a crock pot all day recipes situation. set it and forget it, mate! this pork crockpot recipe uses a tangy carolina-style bbq sauce.

Hours later, the pork is fall-apart tender. this is slow cooker supper ideas sorted.

Prep Steps: Ace Your Mise en Place

First, get your act together. essential mise en place is key. dice those onions, crush the garlic and measure all the spices.

Time-saving organization tips? pre-chop veg the night before. honestly, it's a lifesaver. safety reminders? don’t lick the raw pork! sounds obvious, i know.

Step-by-Step: Slow Cooking to Perfection

Here's how to boss this Pork Crockpot Recipes :

1. Mix the rub. Brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
2. Rub that pork! Slather it all over your 4-5 pound pork shoulder.
3. Whisk the sauce. Apple cider vinegar, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes.
4. Chuck it all in. Pork goes in the slow cooker, sauce goes on top.
5. Slow cook it! 8- 10 hours on low or 4- 6 hours on high .
6. Shred it up. Use two forks to pull that pork apart.
7. Mix and serve. Toss the shredded pork in the remaining sauce.

Visual cues for doneness? the pork should be super easy to shred. critical temperature? 195- 205° f is where the magic happens.

It's great for long crockpot recipes and even 9 hour crockpot recipes .

Pro Tips: Secrets to Success

My two cents? sear the pork first. adds amazing flavour. don't overfill the slow cooker, or it will taste a bit bland.

A very common mistakes is lifting the lid frequently, stop peeking and let it cook. you can make the sauce ahead of time.

So good for easy crockpot dinners for two or feeding a crowd.

This recipe is adaptable. feeling spicy? add more cayenne. want it sweeter? a little honey never hurt. serve it on brioche buns, in tacos, or even on a jacket potato.

It goes well with creamy coleslaw, baked beans, and a cold beer. if you try this pork chops and potatoes recipe or a similar slow cooker pork chops recipes version, let me know how it goes!.

Don't forget to check out the crock pot pork chops too. enjoy!

Alright, so you've got your crock pot dinner ready to go, yeah? now what? here are a few notes to help you make the best slow cooker recipes even better, because honestly, a little extra thought goes a long way.

Recipe Notes

Honestly, I always think about the little things. They can turn a good meal into a great one. It is what separates you from other cooker creators, right?

Serving Suggestions: Plate It Up!

Presentation matters, yeah? Don't just slap that gorgeous Pork Crockpot on a plate.

• Plating Ideas: Think vibrant. A bed of bright green slaw. A few sprigs of fresh coriander. That sort of thing. Little details, make a big difference.
• Sides and Sips: Some creamy coleslaw is an absolute must . Don't forget some crusty bread. Oh, and for drinks? A crisp apple cider or a refreshing iced tea. Lovely.

Storage Secrets: Keep It Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here's how to store them properly:

• Fridge Rules: Keep that Slow Cooker Supper Ideas in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll be good for about 3-4 days.
• Freezer Fun: Freeze the pulled pork in freezer-safe bags. It will last up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: Pop it in the microwave or back in the Crock Pot with a splash of water to keep it moist. Honestly , it might even taste better the next day!

Variations: Make It Your Own!

Feeling a bit adventurous? Here's how to tweak the recipe:

• Low-Carb Life: Swap the brown sugar for a sugar substitute for a Dietary Adaptation . Easy peasy.
• Seasonal Swaps: In autumn, add a diced apple or some pumpkin puree to the sauce for a touch of seasonal magic. Autumn flavors works so well!.

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty

Let's keep it simple, yeah?

• Basics: This Pork Crockpot Recipes is packed with protein. It provides some good fat.
• Health Boost: The slow cooking method helps retain nutrients. Plus, pork is a good source of iron. 9 Hour Crockpot Recipes keeps the nutritional value to the max. You know?

So there you have it. a quick dinner ideas crockpot recipe, made even better with these little tips. now go forth and conquer your kitchen! whether its easy 4 hour crockpot recipes or long crockpot recipes , enjoy.

And remember, cooking should be fun! have a go at easy crockpot dinners for two . you can make it. enjoy these slow cooker ideas and make it yours! let's make some fantastic pork chops tender using slow cooker pork chops recipes .

Get ready for crock pot pork chops magic! or go to pork crockpot for something different.

Give this recipe a shot and give me a shout back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these best slow cooker recipes ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavor of this slow cooker pulled pork often improves overnight. Once cooked and shredded, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of apple juice or broth if needed to keep it moist - no one wants dry pork, do they?!

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

To store leftover pulled pork, let it cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, consider portioning it out for easy individual servings. Think of it as batch cooking like your nan used to do, only tastier!

I don't have apple cider vinegar – what can I substitute in this slow cooker recipe?

No worries, mate! While apple cider vinegar gives that signature Carolina tang, you can substitute it with white vinegar or even rice vinegar in a pinch. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. You could also add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for a bit of extra zing to compensate. Just don't go using balsamic vinegar – that's a bridge too far!

Can I use a different cut of pork for this slow cooker recipe?

While pork shoulder (Boston butt) is the traditional choice for pulled pork because of its high fat content which renders down beautifully during the long cooking time, you can use other cuts. Pork loin is a leaner option, but be aware it may result in drier pulled pork, so reduce the cooking time. You might also consider adding some extra moisture to the slow cooker if using a leaner cut, like a cup of chicken broth.

Is there a way to make this slow cooker pulled pork healthier? What are the nutritional considerations?

You bet! To make it healthier, trim as much visible fat as possible from the pork shoulder before cooking. Also, use a sugar substitute like Erythritol instead of brown sugar to lower the sugar content. Serve it on whole-wheat buns with a light coleslaw, or even skip the bun altogether and serve it as a salad topping for a lower-carb meal. Remember portion control is key to a balanced diet, regardless of what you're eating!

How do I get the most flavor out of my best slow cooker recipes like this pulled pork?

Flavor is king, isn't it? First, don't skimp on the rub – generously coat the pork and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) to allow the flavors to penetrate. Secondly, consider searing the pork before adding it to the slow cooker; this creates a lovely crust and adds depth. Finally, taste and adjust the sauce – a little extra hot sauce or a splash of Worcestershire sauce can make all the difference. It's all about building those flavour layers, like a good Victoria sponge!

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