This Classic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork features tender pork shoulder in a smoky, tangy sauce. Perfect for gatherings, it’s an easy recipe that blends rich flavors into a hearty, healthy slow-cooked dish loved by all.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This classic slow cooker pulled pork is a flavorful, healthy dish that transforms tender pork shoulder into a smoky, tangy delight with a rich sauce, making it a crowd favorite for gatherings or family meals. Easy to prep and hands-off with slow cooking, it’s versatile—serve on buns or with sides—and packed with protein. The slow cooker’s gentle simmering creates a guilt-free indulgence that’s both delicious and satisfying.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Sear Pork First: Adds depth of flavor before slow cooking.
- Use Fresh Spices: Enhances the smoky sauce taste.
- Shred While Warm: Makes pulling pork easier.
- Check Doneness: Pork should be fork-tender.
- Thicken Sauce: Simmer on high if too thin.
- Avoid Overfilling: Leave space for even cooking.
- Rest Before Serving: Allows juices to redistribute.
- Serve Warm: Maximizes the pork-sauce contrast.
- Store Sauce Separately: Keeps pork moist if needed.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste and tweak brown sugar to preference.
Classic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork A Crowd Favorite
Tender pulled pork, classic slow cooker crowd favorite meal.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups coleslaw (optional)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 lbs pork shoulder
Instructions
- Prep the Pork: Pat pork shoulder dry with paper towels and season with salt.
- Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 3-4 minutes per side until browned, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and smoked paprika until smooth.
- Pour Over Pork: Pour the sauce over the pork in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Set the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
- Shred the Pork: Remove the pork to a plate and shred with two forks while warm.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir the sauce in the slow cooker, then cook on high for 10 minutes if a thicker consistency is desired.
- Coat the Pork: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Rest the Dish: Let the pulled pork rest for 10 minutes with the lid off to absorb flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm on buns or with sides, top with coleslaw if desired, and savor this crowd-pleasing treat!
Notes
- Sear pork for extra flavor; use fresh spices for best taste.
- Shred pork while warm for ease; stir sauce occasionally for even coating.
- Store leftovers promptly to maintain freshness; reheat gently to preserve moisture.
- This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free or low-carb diets with appropriate swaps.
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 649Total Fat 45gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 26gCholesterol 167mgSodium 688mgCarbohydrates 15gFiber 1gSugar 12gProtein 43g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Pork Shoulder (3-4 lbs): Boneless, for tenderness.
- Ketchup (1 cup): Base for homemade sauce.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (¼ cup): Adds tangy kick.
- Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): For sweet depth; adjust to taste.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp): Enhances umami flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves): Minced for aromatic richness.
- Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): For smoky flavor.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): For searing the pork.
- Coleslaw (2 cups, optional): For topping and crunch.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances flavor; adjust to taste.
Variations and Substitutions
- Pork Swap: Use pork butt or loin; adjust cooking time.
- Ketchup Swap: Replace with tomato sauce and extra spices.
- Vinegar Swap: Use red wine vinegar for a twist.
- Sweetener Swap: Substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup.
- Sauce Swap: Omit Worcestershire for soy sauce if needed.
- Oil Swap: Use avocado oil or omit for oil-free.
- Topping Swap: Use pickles or onions instead of coleslaw.
- Low-Sodium: Reduce or skip salt based on ketchup.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat on stovetop.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge.
- Reheating: Warm on low heat to avoid drying out.
Dish Gallery
Please share this Classic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork A Crowd Favorite with your friends and do a comment below about your feedback.
We will meet you on next article.
Until you can read, Classic Crockpot BBQ Chicken with Homemade Sauce