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Tender Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Meals

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A fuss-free, flavorful slow cooker pulled pork recipe featuring a smoky, sweet, and tangy homemade BBQ sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dry rub by mixing 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using) in a small bowl.
  2. Trim any large pieces of excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some marbling intact. Pat the meat dry with paper towels.
  3. Generously coat the entire pork shoulder with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat. Optionally refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight for better flavor.
  4. Pour 1 cup chicken broth or water into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the pork shoulder fat side up in the crockpot.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily. Alternatively, cook on high for 4 to 5 hours if short on time.
  6. While the pork cooks, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Remove the cooked pork from the crockpot and shred it using two forks or meat claws, discarding any large chunks of fat.
  8. Pour the prepared BBQ sauce over the shredded pork and toss until well-coated. Return the sauced pork to the crockpot to keep warm for 15 to 20 minutes.
  9. Serve the tender BBQ pulled pork on buns, over rice, or as a filling for tacos. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

For best results, use pork shoulder with good fat marbling. You can refrigerate the rubbed pork for 1 hour or overnight before cooking. If the sauce is too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. Broil shredded pork briefly for caramelized edges if desired. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ketchup for a gluten-free version. Reheat gently to keep pork moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, crockpot, slow cooker, BBQ, barbecue, pork shoulder, easy recipe, family meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/tender-crockpot-bbq-pulled-pork-recipe-for-easy-slow-cooker-meals/