Get tender, shreddable pulled pork every time with this easy slow cooker recipe. It is perfect for meal prep and family barbecue.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:8 hours
Total Time:8 hours 10 min
Yield:8 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Slow Cooking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (for serving)
Instructions
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over all surfaces of the pork shoulder.
Place the seasoned pork shoulder in your slow cooker.
Pour the chicken broth or water around the base of the pork.
Cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it in a large bowl. Discard any large pieces of fat.
Shred the pork using two forks.
If desired, skim any excess fat from the liquid remaining in the slow cooker. Add about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid back to the shredded pork for moisture.
Toss the shredded pork with your favorite BBQ sauce just before serving, or keep sauce separate for meal prep.
Serve hot on hamburger buns for easy slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches.
Notes
For the best flavor, look for a pork shoulder with good marbling.
This recipe is freezer friendly; store shredded pork and sauce separately for up to three months.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the remaining cooking liquid during the last 30 minutes on HIGH setting until thickened.