Slow cooker pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together! This delicious dish features tender, flavorful pork that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to game day gatherings. The homemade spice rub adds a unique touch, making this slow cooker pulled pork stand out among other recipes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Just mix the spices and let your slow cooker do all the work.
Rich Flavor: The combination of spices creates a mouthwatering taste that enhances the pork.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on buns, alongside coleslaw, or with your favorite barbecue sauce for endless possibilities.
Perfect for Entertaining: This recipe serves a large group, making it ideal for parties and gatherings.
Leftover Friendly: Pulled pork tastes even better the next day, so you can enjoy it multiple times!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing slow cooker pulled pork even easier. Here are some essential items you’ll need to create this tasty dish.

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Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Large skillet or pot
Mixing bowl
Forks (for shredding)

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Large skillet or pot: Perfect for browning the pork before slow cooking, enhancing flavor through caramelization.
Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining spices evenly before applying them to the pork.

Ingredients

For the Pork

3-4 pounds pork shoulder, bone in or boneless, can also use country style pork ribs
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1-2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
1 onion, chopped

Optional for Serving

Buns
Coleslaw
Barbecue sauce

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Rub

In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, and brown sugar. Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder to ensure it’s well-coated.

Step 2: Brown the Pork

Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat with 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until it develops a golden-brown crust.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Pork

Place the browned pork shoulder into your slow cooker along with the chopped onion. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Shred and Serve

After cooking time is complete, use two forks to shred the pork inside the slow cooker. Mix it with the pan juices for added flavor. Serve on toasted buns with coleslaw for a delicious meal!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow cooker pulled pork is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many delicious ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a family meal, here are some tasty serving suggestions to make the most of your dish.

On Buns

Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Load the tender pulled pork onto toasted buns and top with coleslaw for a classic sandwich.
Sliders: Serve smaller portions on mini buns for easy-to-eat sliders at parties.

With Coleslaw

Creamy Coleslaw: A side of creamy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the pork.
Vinegar-Based Coleslaw: For a tangier option, serve with vinegar-based coleslaw that complements the flavors of the pork.

As Tacos

Pulled Pork Tacos: Fill soft tortillas with pulled pork and your choice of toppings like avocado, salsa, and cilantro for a fun twist.
Nachos: Layer pulled pork over tortilla chips, then top with cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for a hearty nacho dish.

With Barbecue Sauce

BBQ Pulled Pork Bowls: Serve the shredded pork over rice or quinoa and drizzle with barbecue sauce for a satisfying bowl meal.
Dipped Fries: Use pulled pork as a topping for loaded fries drizzled with barbecue sauce and melted cheese.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

To achieve the best slow cooker pulled pork, follow these handy tips. Each step will help ensure your dish is flavorful and tender every time.

Choose the Right Cut: Select pork shoulder or country-style ribs for optimal tenderness. These cuts have enough fat to keep the meat juicy.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the spice rub! A good seasoning blend enhances flavor throughout the cooking process.
Brown the Meat First: Searing the pork before placing it in the slow cooker adds depth to the flavor. It’s worth the extra few minutes!
Use Low Heat: Cooking on low for 8 hours allows the meat to break down properly, resulting in perfectly shredded pork.
Let It Rest: After cooking, let the meat rest before shredding. This helps retain moisture in the pulled pork.
Mix with Pan Sauce: Incorporate any juices left in the slow cooker when shredding for added flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Pairing side dishes with slow cooker pulled pork can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans complement pulled pork perfectly, adding texture and flavor.
Cornbread: The sweetness of cornbread balances out spicy flavors from your BBQ sauce.
Potato Salad: A classic summer side that provides creaminess against hearty pulled pork.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add freshness and color to your plate while being healthy.
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is always a hit; it’s comforting alongside rich pulled pork.
Pickles: Tangy pickles offer a refreshing contrast that cuts through richness while adding crunch.
Colcannon: This Irish mashed potato dish mixed with cabbage is filling and pairs well with BBQ flavors.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add a sweet note that complements savory meats beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your slow cooker pulled pork turns out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls.

Skipping the spice rub: Not using a homemade spice rub can lead to bland meat. Always coat the pork well for maximum flavor.
Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking for too long can dry out the pork, while not enough time leaves it tough. Stick to the recommended 8 hours on low.
Not browning the meat: Skipping the browning step reduces flavor depth. Take the time to sear the pork in oil for a richer taste.
Ignoring resting time: Shredding immediately after cooking can make the pork dry. Let it rest briefly to retain moisture before shredding.
Neglecting to mix with pan sauce: Failing to incorporate the pan sauce leaves the meat dry. Mix it with shredded pork for added juiciness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

You can freeze pulled pork in freezer-safe containers or bags.
It will remain good for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered with foil until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I season my Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?

You can use a mix of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder to create a flavorful rub that enhances your pulled pork.

Can I use other cuts of meat for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?

Yes, you can substitute pork shoulder with country-style ribs or other cuts that are suitable for slow cooking.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?

This dish pairs well with toasted buns, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce for a delicious meal.

How long does Slow Cooker Pulled Pork last?

Properly stored, it lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator or up to 2-3 months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

Slow cooker pulled pork is an incredible dish perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Its versatility allows you to customize flavors and toppings. Whether served with classic buns and coleslaw or as part of a hearty meal, it’s sure to impress!

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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: About 8 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe. Perfectly tender and bursting with flavor, this dish is a guaranteed hit for family dinners, game-day gatherings, or any occasion. The secret lies in a homemade spice rub that infuses the pork with rich taste while the slow cooker works its magic, ensuring each bite is succulent and juicy. Serve it on toasted buns with coleslaw or over rice for a satisfying meal. With minimal prep time and a hands-free cooking process, you’ll have more time to enjoy with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 onion (chopped)
Olive or avocado oil

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Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, and brown sugar. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the pork shoulder.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides for about 3-4 minutes until browned.
Transfer the browned pork shoulder to the slow cooker and add the chopped onion. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
Once cooked, shred the pork using two forks and mix it with pan juices before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 480 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American