Nothing says comfort food quite like a good helping of slow-cooked pulled pork. The marriage of tender, juicy pork shoulder with a tangy BBQ sauce creates a symphony of flavors in your mouth. As the pork simmers in the slow cooker for hours, you’ll be welcomed by a rich, savory aroma wafting through your home—there’s just something about it that warms the soul. Imagine gathering with friends or family around the table, sharing stories and savoring each bite of these tender shredded pork sandwiches. It’s truly a dish that has the power to bring people together.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

I first stumbled upon this slow cooker pulled pork recipe during a casual summer gathering. The laughter and chatter blended perfectly with the enticing aromas of the cooking pork filling the air. What sold me was how effortless it was. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal hands-on time, I was able to dive into the art of creating flavorful sandwiches while spending quality time with loved ones. This recipe is simply a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 15 minutes of prep before you set your slow cooker and relax while it works its magic!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of herb and garlic seasoning mixed with sweet and smoky BBQ sauce brings a punch of flavor in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The sight of beautifully shredded pork nestled in a bun makes for a visually impressive dish.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a family dinner, a backyard barbecue, or even as game day snacks!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for various dietary needs, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 pounds boneless pork shoulder: This cut is ideal for pulled pork thanks to its marbling, leading to incredibly tender meat when slow-cooked. If unavailable, pork butt can be used as a substitute.
2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning: This blend adds aromatic depth and flavor to the pork as it cooks. Feel free to use a homemade version or any favorite seasoning blend you have.
½ cup BBQ sauce: Choose your preferred variety, whether sweet, tangy, or spicy, to tailor the flavor to your liking. If you prefer a healthier option, look for sugar-free or homemade sauces.
¼ cup apple cider vinegar: The acidity of the vinegar balances the richness of the pork and adds a tangy zing. White vinegar can be substituted if need be.
¼ cup chicken broth: A splash of broth helps keep the meat moist and infuses additional savory flavor. Vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian twist.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

Rub the Pork: Start by rubbing your 3-pound boneless pork shoulder with 2 tablespoons of herb and garlic seasoning. Make sure to coat it evenly so that every bite bursts with flavor. This simple yet vital step is crucial for creating that savory crust as it cooks.

Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together ½ cup of BBQ sauce, ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, and ¼ cup of chicken broth. This spicy-sweet combination will infuse the pork with incredible moisture and flavor. Feel free to adjust the sauce according to your taste; a little more vinegar can lend a tangy kick!

Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker, and pour the sauce mix over it. Look for the sauce to coat the pork generously, creating a wonderful pool of flavor.

Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 205°F, ensuring it’s fork-tender. As it cooks, you’ll want to check occasionally, as the aroma fills your kitchen with mouthwatering scents!

Shred the Pork: Once cooked, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. It’s satisfying to see how the pork falls apart effortlessly at this point.

Return Juices: Add about ¼ to ½ cup of the juices back to the shredded pork and discard the rest. The retained liquid will keep the meat moist and flavorful. Don’t hesitate to add more BBQ sauce if you’d like—even the most ardent sauce fans will love it saucy!

Serve: Now it’s time to assemble your sandwiches! Pile that savory, tender pulled pork into your favorite buns, and don’t forget to offer extra BBQ sauce for those who love an additional drizzle. Enjoy every bite!

Storing & Reheating

Once you’ve enjoyed all those delicious sandwiches, store any leftovers at room temperature for up to two hours before refrigerating. Transfer the pulled pork to an airtight container for refrigeration, where it can last up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it in suitable freezer bags or containers. It will maintain quality for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw and reheat in a slow cooker or microwave until heated through, but be aware that the texture might change slightly; a splash of broth or extra sauce can help revive its moisture!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid tough meat by making sure the pork is cooked to the proper internal temperature of 205°F before shredding.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, offering peace of mind that your pork is just right.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sliced onions or garlic cloves to the slow cooker with the pork.
If you find the shredded pork to be a bit dry, mix in additional BBQ sauce or a bit of drippings for moisture.
Extra sauces or toppings, like coleslaw or pickles, can complement the flavors and add crunch to your sandwiches.
Feel free to prep this recipe ahead of time; simply follow all steps until it’s time to start cooking, then refrigerate overnight.

Those seeking comfort food at its best will find a warm welcome in this easy and crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging on a cozy night in, this tender pulled pork will impress. Feel free to experiment with spices, sauces, and side dishes; the world of flavors is yours to explore! Enjoy every savory bite and make this recipe a staple in your culinary adventures.

Recipe FAQs

How do I know when the pork is done cooking?

The best way to determine if your pork is done is to use a meat thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 205°F for easy shredding. Another sign of doneness is the pork easily falling apart when pulled with a fork.

Can I cook this recipe on high?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook the pulled pork on high for 4-5 hours. However, for the most tender results, cooking on low for 8-10 hours is highly recommended.

What can I serve with pulled pork sandwiches?

These sandwiches pair beautifully with various sides like coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, or even sweet potato fries. It’s a versatile dish that can complement many flavors!

Can I make pulled pork ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pulled pork ahead and store it in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. Reheat before serving for the best experience.

More Main Dishes Recipes

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 255 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with its mouthwatering flavor and easy prep. This dish features succulent pork shoulder, zesty BBQ sauce, and is perfect for a quick dinner or family gathering.

Ingredients

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3 pound boneless pork shoulder
2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning
1/2 cup bbq sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

Rub the pork shoulder with herb and garlic seasoning and place it in the slow cooker.
In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth, then pour the mixture into the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 205 degrees.
Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
Return about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the cooking juices to the shredded pork, discarding the rest.
Add extra BBQ sauce to taste, if desired.

Notes

For a spicier version, incorporate hot sauce into the BBQ mixture.
Serve on buns with coleslaw for a classic pulled pork sandwich.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.