This Classic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Homemade Sauce is a standout among the best pulled pork recipes for slow cookers. Juicy pork shoulder simmers to perfection in a crockpot, paired with a tangy, sweet homemade sauce. Ideal for sandwiches or platters, it’s a crowd-pleasing, hands-off delight.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder for maximum tenderness—fat melts into flavor! Sear the meat for a richer taste before slow cooking. Shred with two forks while warm for easy pulling. Simmer the sauce separately to adjust sweetness and tang. Cook low and slow for the juiciest results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to sink your teeth into this Classic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Homemade Sauce—it’s the ultimate pulled pork recipe that’ll make your slow cooker your new best friend! This dish is pure comfort food heaven: a pork shoulder transforms into melt-in-your-mouth perfection after hours in the crockpot, soaking up savory juices and pairing with a homemade sauce that’s the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky. It’s effortless—toss it in and let it cook while you live your life—yet delivers big, bold flavors that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you pile it on buns, serve it with sides, or snack straight from the pot, this pulled pork is a slow-cooked masterpiece you’ll adore!
Classic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Homemade Sauce
Juicy pulled pork with tangy homemade sauce—slow cooker classic.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Homemade Sauce
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Gear Up for Pulled Pork Bliss: Gather your tools—a slow cooker, a skillet, a cutting board, tongs, and a small saucepan. This classic pulled pork’s about to make your kitchen smell amazing, so let’s get ready for some crockpot greatness with a big, excited grin!
- Season the Pork: Pat your pork shoulder dry with paper towels—dry meat sears better! Sprinkle all sides with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper—rub it in with your hands. This juicy cut’s about to soak up slow-cooked flavor like a champ!
- Sear the Pork: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil until it’s shimmering. Add the pork and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden-brown—this step’s your secret to locking in that rich, savory taste!
- Load the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared pork to your slow cooker—nestle it in the center. Pour 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth around it—this keeps it moist and tender as it cooks low and slow into pulled pork perfection!
- Set It and Forget It: Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 8-10 hours—or high for 4-6 hours if you’re short on time. Let it simmer away while you go about your day—your house is about to smell like a BBQ haven!
- Make the Homemade Sauce: While the pork cooks, grab a small saucepan and combine ½ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring until smooth—your tangy, sweet sauce is ready!
- Check the Pork: When the timer’s up, peek inside—the pork should be fall-apart tender! Use tongs to lift it onto a cutting board; if it’s not shredding easily, give it another hour on low. Slow cooking’s all about patience for that perfect pull!
- Shred the Pork: Grab two forks and shred the pork into bite-sized pieces right on the cutting board—mix in some of the cooking juices from the slow cooker as you go. This keeps it juicy and flavorful—your pulled pork’s coming together beautifully!
- Sauce It Up: Pour half the homemade sauce over the shredded pork and toss it gently—save the rest for serving or dipping! Let it sit for a few minutes to soak up that tangy, smoky goodness—this is where it becomes the best pulled pork recipe ever!
- Serve and Dig In: Pile the saucy pulled pork onto buns, plates, or alongside your favorite sides—grab a fork or go hands-on and savor the tender, juicy meat with that perfect sauce kick. It’s slow cooker heaven—enjoy every delicious bite of this crockpot classic!
Notes
- Sear pork for deeper flavor—don’t skip, it’s worth the extra minutes!
- Shred while warm for easier pulling—cold meat’s tougher to break apart.
- Adjust sauce to taste—add more sugar or vinegar for your perfect balance.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 714Total Fat 50gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 28gCholesterol 204mgSodium 249mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 0gSugar 7gProtein 54g
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 (Boston butt) is the star—its fat content ensures juicy, shreddable meat. Apple cider vinegar in the sauce adds tang—key for balance. Brown sugar brings sweetness, while smoked paprika gives a subtle smoky depth. Chicken broth keeps it moist, and garlic enhances the savory profile.
Variations and Substitutions
Swap pork shoulder for pork loin for a leaner option (less juicy). Use white vinegar or balsamic instead of apple cider vinegar. Sub brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a twist. Add chili flakes or hot sauce for heat. Serve with rice or coleslaw instead of buns.
Storage Options
Store pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—sauce keeps it moist! Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth. Freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Until you can read, Ultimate Tender Slow Cooker Beef Stew