Description
This slow cooker pulled pork recipe delivers fork-tender, juicy meat coated in a smoky, sweet BBQ sauce and topped with a cool, creamy slaw. It’s a low-effort, high-flavor meal perfect for game days, weeknights, or feeding a crowd. The pork cooks to perfection in a flavorful braising liquid and shreds beautifully for sandwiches, tacos, and more.
Ingredients
4 to 5 pounds boneless pork shoulder
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 to 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (Kansas City-style)
Brioche buns, for serving
Coleslaw, for topping
Instructions
1. Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, brown sugar, cayenne, and salt in a small bowl. Rub generously over the pork shoulder, covering all sides.
2. Let the pork sit with the rub for at least 1 hour, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Place the pork in a slow cooker. Add apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth around the meat.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Remove the pork and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid.
6. Shred the pork using two forks in a large bowl, then stir in some of the cooking juices to keep it moist.
7. Gradually add barbecue sauce to coat the pork, mixing well.
8. Toast brioche buns and pile with pulled pork and coleslaw.
9. Serve hot, with extra sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
Let the pork sit with the rub overnight for maximum flavor.
Always add barbecue sauce gradually to avoid oversaturating the meat.
Store pork and slaw separately for best leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, BBQ, pork shoulder, easy dinner