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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for BBQ Sandwiches

Close-up of tender, shredded Slow cooker pulled pork generously drizzled with dark BBQ sauce on a white plate.
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Make tender, flavorful pulled pork with this simple set and forget slow cooker pork shoulder recipe, perfect for BBQ sandwiches or meal prep.

Ingredients

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  • 4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup water or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Place the pork shoulder in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create the dry rub.
  3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the pork shoulder.
  4. Pour the water or broth and apple cider vinegar around the pork in the slow cooker.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
  6. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Shred the meat using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  7. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Stir in about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker and your favorite BBQ sauce.
  8. Stir well to coat. Cook on the warm setting for another 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
  9. Serve hot on hamburger buns for easy slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use a pork shoulder with a good fat cap. The fat renders down during cooking, keeping the meat moist.
  • This recipe makes excellent freezer friendly dinners; cool completely, then store portions in airtight containers for up to three months.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the shredded pork, reduce the remaining liquid on the stovetop until thickened, then mix back into the meat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mayaplate.com/slow-cooker-pulled-pork-recipe/