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Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe Easy Perfect BBQ Sauce Included

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A simple and tender slow cooker pulled pork recipe with a rich, tangy barbecue sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful pork with minimal prep and fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat but not too much
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • ½ cup water or broth

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat but keep a good layer for flavor and moisture.
  2. Season the pork generously all over with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and chili powder. Massage the dry rub into the meat.
  3. Optional: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke if using. Stir until smooth.
  5. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour the barbecue sauce over the pork, coating it evenly. Add water or broth around the pork to keep it moist.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  7. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred the meat with two forks, discarding any large chunks of fat.
  8. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly with the sauce.
  9. Keep the slow cooker on warm for 15-20 minutes to let the pork soak up the sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

Browning the pork before slow cooking is optional but adds extra flavor. Keep the slow cooker lid sealed as much as possible to retain moisture. If the sauce is too thin, remove the pork and simmer the sauce until thickened before returning the pork. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 190-205°F for tender shredding. Adjust sauce seasoning to taste before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, barbecue sauce, easy dinner, pork shoulder, BBQ, comfort food

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/tender-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-recipe-easy-perfect-bbq-sauce-included/