How to Make the Perfect Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
American · Easy · 495 min · 8 servings
Tender smoky pork shoulder slow cooked all day in a rich spice rub and tangy barbecue sauce. It falls apart effortlessly and piles high onto soft buns.
Why this recipe works
This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 495 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 510 calories with 42g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 9 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 lb boneless pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cups barbecue sauce
- 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar
- 8 pieces brioche buns
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Apply the Spice Rub
Mix brown sugar smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder and black pepper in a bowl. Pat pork shoulder dry with paper towels then rub the spice mixture all over the meat.
Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker
Place the rubbed pork shoulder into the slow cooker. Pour apple cider vinegar and half of the barbecue sauce over the top.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cook on low heat for 8 hours or on high heat for 5 hours. The pork is ready when it pulls apart easily with a fork.
Step 4: Shred the Pork
Remove pork from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat completely. Discard any large pieces of fat.
Step 5: Sauce and Serve
Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir in the remaining barbecue sauce. Mix well and let sit for 5 minutes. Serve on toasted brioche buns.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- pork shoulder → pork butt or bone in pork shoulder
- apple cider vinegar → white wine vinegar or orange juice
- brioche buns → Hawaiian rolls or sandwich bread
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Opening the slow cooker lid repeatedly which releases heat and extends cook time
- Using pork loin instead of pork shoulder which results in dry stringy meat
- Skipping the resting period before shredding which causes moisture loss
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 510 calories, 42g protein, 28g carbs, 22g fat, 1g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →