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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Perfect BBQ Sandwiches

Close-up of tender, shredded Slow Cooker Pulled Pork glistening with sauce on a white plate.
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Make incredibly tender, set-and-forget crockpot pulled pork perfect for BBQ sandwiches or meal prepping. This simple pork shoulder recipe requires minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt or picnic roast)
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Place the pork shoulder in your slow cooker.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Pour the liquid mixture over the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
  5. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  6. Use two forks to shred the pork completely.
  7. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss it with some of the cooking liquid remaining in the pot to keep it moist.
  8. Serve hot on buns for delicious BBQ pulled pork sandwiches.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, rub the pork shoulder with the dry spices 30 minutes before adding the liquid and starting the slow cooker.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove about 1 cup of the cooking liquid after shredding and simmer it on the stovetop until it reduces by half, then mix it back into the shredded meat.
  • This recipe freezes well; cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to three months.

Nutrition

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