Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork

Why Make This Recipe

Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork is a perfect dish for gatherings, parties, or a cozy family dinner. It’s easy to make and yields delicious, tender meat that everyone will love. Plus, using a Crockpot means minimal effort on your part—just set it and forget it! This recipe captures the rich, smoky flavor of BBQ while keeping the pork juicy and flavorful.

How to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt): This cut is known for its marbling, providing excellent flavor and tenderness. For a leaner option, you could use pork loin, though it may not be as juicy.
• 1 cup BBQ sauce: Select your favorite brand or homemade variety. You can opt for sweet, tangy, or spicy sauce depending on your preference.
• 1 medium onion, sliced: Onions add depth to the flavor of the pulled pork. You may also use shallots for a milder taste.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic enhances the overall taste profile.
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth: This keeps the meat moist while it cooks. You can substitute it with apple juice or cider for a touch of sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity that balances the richness of the pork.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Optional, but it adds a layer of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the BBQ sauce.
• Spices (1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper to taste): These enhance flavor without overpowering the dish.

Directions

◉ Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Begin by trimming excess fat from your pork shoulder, then season it generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. This will ensure the meat is infused with flavor from the start.

◉ Step 2: Sear the Meat (Optional)
If you want to enhance the flavor further, sear the pork shoulder in a hot skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. This step is optional but can add a delicious crust.

◉ Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place the sliced onion at the bottom of your Crockpot, followed by the minced garlic. Place the pork shoulder on top, and then pour in the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and BBQ sauce, ensuring the pork is well-coated.

◉ Step 4: Cooking
Cover the Crockpot with the lid and set it to cook for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. The longer cooking time allows the meat to break down and become tender. As the pork cooks, the aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!

◉ Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once cooked, remove the pork from the Crockpot and shred it using two forks. Mix it with the remaining sauce in the pot for extra flavor. Serve on toasted buns with additional BBQ sauce, coleslaw, or your favorite toppings!

How to Serve Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork

Serve the pulled pork on warm toasted buns with extra BBQ sauce. It pairs well with coleslaw and pickles for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside baked beans, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad for a complete feast.

How to Store Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze the pulled pork for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork

• Choose the Right Cut: For the best flavor and tenderness, stick with pork shoulder or pork butt.
• Don’t Skip the Searing: If you have time, searing the meat before slow cooking can add a wonderful depth of flavor.
• Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to customize BBQ sauce to your liking. You can add honey for sweetness, hot sauce for heat, or even mustard for tang.

Variation

For a different twist, try adding different spices or swapping out BBQ sauce for a different type of sauce, like teriyaki or Hawaiian-style sauce. You can even add diced peppers or other vegetables to the Crockpot for added flavor and nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different meat?
Yes, while pork shoulder is recommended for its tenderness, you can also use chicken or beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. What should I do if the meat is dry after cooking?
Make sure to mix the meat with the leftover sauce in the Crockpot. If it’s still dry, consider adding a little more broth or BBQ sauce before serving.

3. Can I cook this recipe overnight?
Yes, you can cook this overnight on low. Just ensure that your Crockpot is safe for long cooking times, and keep in mind that the pork will be ready by morning!

Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork

This easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork recipe delivers tender, flavorful meat with rich, smoky BBQ goodness, perfect for any gathering.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt) Known for its marbling, providing excellent flavor and tenderness.
• 1 cup BBQ sauce Choose your favorite brand or homemade variety.
• 1 medium onion, sliced Adds depth to the flavor; shallots can be used for a milder taste.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced Enhances overall taste.
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth Keeps the meat moist; can substitute with apple juice or cider.
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Adds acidity to balance richness.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar Optional, adds sweetness.

Spices

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Preparation

1. Trim excess fat from pork shoulder and season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin.

Searing (Optional)

1. Sear the pork shoulder in a hot skillet for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned.

Layering Ingredients

1. Place sliced onion at the bottom of the Crockpot, followed by minced garlic.
2. Place the pork shoulder on top, then pour in chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and BBQ sauce.

Cooking

1. Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

Shredding and Serving

1. Once cooked, remove pork from the Crockpot and shred using two forks.
2. Mix with remaining sauce and serve on toasted buns with additional BBQ sauce and toppings.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.