Making pulled pork in a slow cooker is easy and requires just a few simple steps. Here's a basic recipe to guide you through the process:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds of pork shoulder or pork butt (boneless or bone-in)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the pork: Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder or pork butt and season it with salt and pepper on all sides.
Sear the pork (optional): For added flavor, you can sear the seasoned pork in a hot skillet with a little oil for a few minutes on each side until browned. This step is optional but can enhance the overall taste.
Place the ingredients in the slow cooker: Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, place the seared or seasoned pork on top.
Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until well combined.
Pour the sauce over the pork: Pour the sauce mixture over the pork, making sure it covers the meat evenly.
Slow cook the pork: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the pork for 8 to 10 hours or on high heat for 4 to 6 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker's model and the size of the pork.
Shred the pork: Once the pork is tender and cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large cutting board or a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. If the pork has a bone, remove it before shredding.
Adjust the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can pour the remaining liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and simmer it on the stovetop until it thickens slightly.
Mix the shredded pork with the sauce: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce until the meat is coated evenly.
Your delicious pulled pork is now ready to serve! Enjoy it in sandwiches, tacos, or served with your favorite side dishes. Leftovers can be refrigerated for a few days or frozen for later use.