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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for BBQ Sandwiches

A close-up of tender, shredded Slow cooker pulled pork piled high and generously coated in thick barbecue sauce on a white plate.
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Make tender, flavorful pulled pork using your slow cooker. This set and forget recipe is perfect for meal prep and family barbecue.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 bottle (18 oz) your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Place the pork shoulder in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the water, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create the cooking liquid.
  3. Pour the liquid mixture over the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is easily shredded with a fork.
  5. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Discard any excess liquid from the slow cooker.
  6. Shred the pork using two forks.
  7. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Pour the entire bottle of BBQ sauce over the meat and stir well to coat.
  8. Cook on the warm setting for an additional 30 minutes to allow the meat to absorb the sauce.
  9. Serve hot on hamburger buns for BBQ pulled pork sandwiches.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use a pork shoulder with a good amount of fat marbling.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the shredded pork, simmer the remaining liquid on the stovetop until reduced, then mix back into the meat before adding the BBQ sauce.
  • This recipe makes excellent freezer friendly dinners; cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://alchemychef.com/slow-cooker-pulled-pork/