Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

If you love my #1 post, The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, then you’ll love this BBQ pulled pork version too! With simple seasoning, this recipe takes only minutes to prepare and cooks all day for fall apart tender, juicy pork oozing with tangy sweet sauce. Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home, this Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With just a few minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Flavorful and Juicy: The combination of BBQ sauce and seasonings creates a rich flavor profile that makes every bite unforgettable.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on buns, over rice, or alongside your favorite sides for a meal that fits any occasion.
• Feeds a Crowd: This recipe yields enough to serve 12 people, making it ideal for parties or potlucks.
• Leftover Friendly: The pulled pork tastes even better the next day, perfect for sandwiches or wraps.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the right tools on hand. A few essential kitchen gadgets will help you whip up this dish without a hitch.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowl
• Meat fork or tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for low-and-slow cooking, ensuring tender meat every time.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing flavors in your BBQ sauce mix.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps you combine ingredients easily before adding them to your slow cooker.
• Meat fork or tongs: These are essential for shredding the cooked pork once it’s done.

Ingredients

For the Pork

• 3 pound boneless pork shoulder

For the Seasoning and Sauce

• 2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Shoulder

1. Rub the pork shoulder generously with herb and garlic seasoning.
2. Place it in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth.
2. Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker

1. Pour the sauce mixture over the seasoned pork in the slow cooker.
2. Cover with lid.

Step 4: Cook

1. Set your slow cooker to cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 205 degrees.

Step 5: Shred the Pork

1. Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker.
2. Use a meat fork or tongs to shred it into pieces.

Step 6: Add Juices and Sauce

1. Pour about 1/4 – 1/2 cup of cooking juices back into the shredded pork.
2. Discard any remaining juices and add additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Enjoy your mouthwatering Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork as part of your next meal!

How to Serve Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Serving Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is a delightful experience. This dish can be enjoyed in many ways, making it perfect for any gathering or family meal. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your BBQ pulled pork experience.

On Sandwiches

• Use soft buns to hold the shredded pork, topped with extra BBQ sauce and coleslaw for added texture and flavor.

In Tacos

• Serve the pulled pork in corn or flour tortillas, garnished with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist.

Over Rice

• Spoon the tender pulled pork over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice, drizzling with more BBQ sauce for a hearty meal.

With Mac and Cheese

• Pair the BBQ pulled pork with creamy mac and cheese for a comforting combination that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

As Nachos

• Layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, cheese, jalapeños, and your favorite toppings for a delicious game-day snack.

In Salads

• Top mixed greens with pulled pork, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a lighter yet satisfying meal option.

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How to Perfect Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

To achieve the best Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork, follow these simple tips that ensure tenderness and flavor.

• Choose the right cut: A boneless pork shoulder is ideal as it becomes incredibly tender during cooking.

• Season generously: Don’t skimp on the herb and garlic seasoning to enhance the overall flavor of the pork.

• Cook low and slow: Cooking on low for 8-10 hours allows the meat to become fork-tender and soak up all those delicious juices.

• Shred properly: Use two forks to shred the pork effectively; this helps distribute juices evenly throughout the meat.

• Save your juices: Adding back some cooking liquid keeps the meat moist. Discard excess fat but save enough to maintain flavor.

• Experiment with sauces: Try different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor profile; feel free to mix them if you’re adventurous!

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Complementing your Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork with tasty side dishes enhances your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options:

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw balances out the richness of pulled pork, adding freshness and texture.

2. Cornbread: This sweet bread pairs well with savory flavors and soaks up any extra sauce from your pulled pork.

3. Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans complements the tangy barbecue sauce beautifully.

4. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad offers a cool contrast that balances out the heat from any spicy BBQ sauce you might use.

5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add color and healthiness to your plate while enhancing flavors.

6. French Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit; try dipping them into leftover BBQ sauce for an extra kick!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Ignoring the seasoning: Failing to rub the pork shoulder with seasoning can lead to bland meat. Always season your pork well for maximum flavor.
• Using too much liquid: Adding excessive liquid can result in a watery sauce. Stick to the measurements for BBQ sauce, vinegar, and broth.
• Not shredding properly: If you don’t shred the pork correctly, it won’t soak up enough sauce. Use two forks to shred thoroughly for that delicious flavor.
• Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking time is crucial; overcooking can dry out the meat while undercooking may leave it tough. Aim for an internal temperature of 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Skipping the rest period: Rushing to serve after cooking can affect texture. Let the meat rest briefly before shredding for best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the pulled pork to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

• Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Be sure to label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover the pork with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring often until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of BBQ sauce or broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cut of meat for Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork?

The best cut is boneless pork shoulder due to its fat content and tenderness when cooked low and slow.

Can I use a different type of barbecue sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different sauces, such as sweet or spicy varieties, to suit your taste.

How long should I cook Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork?

Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 205 degrees Fahrenheit.

How do I know when my pulled pork is done?

The pork should easily shred apart with forks when it’s fully cooked, indicating it’s tender and ready.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite sauces and spices, making it suitable for any gathering or family dinner. Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love!