Description

Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is a tender, juicy, and flavor-packed dish that’s ideal for sandwiches, tacos, and more. Made with a well-seasoned pork shoulder that cooks low and slow, this recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth meat with minimal prep. Topped with creamy slaw and served on soft buns, it’s the ultimate comfort meal that freezes and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

4–5 lbs pork shoulder (Boston Butt)

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp paprika

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)

6 hamburger buns

1 1/2 cups prepared coleslaw (optional)

Instructions

1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some for moisture and flavor.

2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).

3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, covering it completely.

4. Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker and pour apple cider vinegar around the meat (not directly over it).

5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until fork-tender.

6. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and shred with forks or meat claws, discarding any large pieces of fat.

7. Return shredded meat to the slow cooker and stir in the BBQ sauce. Let it warm for an additional 20 minutes.

8. Toast hamburger buns and spoon the pulled pork onto each. Top with coleslaw if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar—it breaks down the pork and adds a tangy depth to balance the sweetness of BBQ sauce.

For extra crispy edges, broil the shredded pork on a baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Use leftover pork in tacos, over baked potatoes, or in grilled cheese for meal variety.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 520
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: pulled pork, crockpot pork, BBQ sandwich, slow cooker dinner