Description

Craving a smoky, tender, and finger-licking good meal that’s perfect for any gathering? Look no further than Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork! This classic Southern dish transforms pork shoulder into melt-in-your-mouth perfection, coated in tangy BBQ sauce and infused with spices, onions, and garlic. The slow cooker makes it effortless, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal prep

Ingredients

Pork Shoulder (3 lbs): A fatty, flavorful cut that becomes tender and shreddable when slow-cooked.
- Substitution: Pork butt (similar cut), pork loin (leaner but less juicy), or jackfruit for vegetarian (reduce cooking time).
BBQ Sauce (1 cup, your favorite brand): Provides tangy, smoky flavor.
- Substitution: Homemade BBQ sauce, a mix of ketchup and molasses with spices, or a spicier/sweeter sauce to taste.
Onion (1, sliced): Adds sweet, savory depth to the cooking liquid.
- Substitution: Yellow or red onion, shallots, or 1 tsp onion powder.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the pork with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Substitution: 1 tsp garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Brings smoky, earthy notes.
- Substitution: Regular paprika or chili powder for a different flavor.
Cumin (1 tsp): Adds warm, nutty depth.
- Substitution: Ground coriander or taco seasoning.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors.
- Substitution: Sea salt or low-sodium options for dietary needs.
Buns or Rice (for serving): Perfect for sandwiches or bowls.
- Substitution: Slider rolls, tortillas, or quinoa for alternative bases.
Coleslaw (optional, for topping): Adds crunchy, creamy contrast.
- Substitution: Pickles, sliced jalapeños, or no topping.

Why They’re Important: The pork shoulder is the juicy, flavorful star, BBQ sauce delivers the signature tang, and onions and garlic add depth. Spices enhance the smokiness, and buns or rice with coleslaw complete the dish with texture and balance.

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Instructions

Step 1: Season the Pork

Place the 3 lb pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Trim excess fat if desired, but leave some for flavor.
Season the pork generously with salt, pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp cumin, rubbing the spices evenly over all sides.
- Tip: Pat the pork dry with paper towels for better spice adhesion and flavor absorption.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Sauce

Scatter 1 sliced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves around the pork in the slow cooker.
Pour 1 cup BBQ sauce over the pork, ensuring it’s well-coated. Use a spoon or tongs to spread the sauce evenly.
- Tip: For extra flavor, mix 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or mustard into the BBQ sauce before pouring.

Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Check at the lower end of the time range to avoid overcooking; the pork should be juicy and falling apart.
- Tip: If possible, turn the pork halfway through to ensure even coating with the sauce, but avoid lifting the lid too often.