This Southern-Style Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Magic is a jewel among the best pulled pork recipes for slow cookers. Juicy pork shoulder simmers in a crockpot with a smoky, tangy rub and vinegar kick, delivering tender, flavorful meat with true Southern charm, perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder for that Southern juiciness—trim excess fat if needed. Rub spices in overnight for authentic flavor depth. Shred warm pork with forks for ease—cold meat resists pulling. Add vinegar at the end for that tangy zip. Cook on low for melt-in-your-mouth magic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to experience a taste of the South with this Southern-Style Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Magic—it’s a standout among the best pulled pork recipes for your slow cooker, and it’s about to bring some serious Southern charm to your table! This dish is a soul-warming masterpiece: a pork shoulder cooks low and slow in the crockpot, soaking up a smoky, tangy rub that’s pure magic, finished with a vinegar kick that screams authentic Southern BBQ. It’s effortless—minimal prep, set it, and let it simmer—yet delivers tender, juicy meat that’s bursting with flavor and tradition. Whether you’re piling it on buns with coleslaw or serving it up family-style, this pulled pork is a slow-cooked delight you’ll fall for—rich, tangy, and downright magical!
Southern-Style Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Magic
Southern-style pulled pork with smoky, tangy magic—slow cooker perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gear Up for Southern Magic: Grab your slow cooker, a small bowl, a cutting board, and two forks—this pulled pork’s about to bring Southern vibes with ease! Let’s get rolling with a big, excited grin for some crockpot charm!
- Mix the Smoky Rub: In your small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and a hearty pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it up—this smoky, sweet rub’s the start of your Southern magic!
- Rub the Pork: Pat your pork shoulder dry with paper towels—dry meat grabs the rub like a Southern pro! Massage the spice mix all over, pressing it in with your hands—coat every side so it’s ready to soak up that slow-cooked flavor!
- Load the Crockpot: Place the spiced pork into your slow cooker—set it right in the center. Pour 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth around it—keep that rub intact! This broth’s your base for juicy meat with Southern soul!
- Cook Low and Slow: 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. Kick back and let it simmer—your kitchen’s about to smell like a Southern BBQ dream!
- Check the Tenderness: When it’s done, peek inside—the pork should fall apart with a nudge! Lift it onto a cutting board with tongs; if it’s not shred-ready, give it another hour on low. Slow cooking’s the secret to that Southern tenderness!
- Shred with Ease: Take your two forks and pull the pork into bite-sized pieces right on the cutting board—it’ll shred like pure magic! Drizzle a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid back in as you go—this keeps it juicy and ready for that tangy finish!
- Add the Southern Kick: Pour ¼ cup apple cider vinegar over the shredded pork—toss it gently to mix. Taste and add more vinegar, salt, or pepper if you like—this is your moment to nail that smoky, tangy Southern vibe!
- Mix It Back In: Scoop the shredded pork back into the slow cooker with the remaining juices—stir gently to coat. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak up that goodness—it’s turning into the most flavorful pulled pork with Southern flair!
- Serve and Savor: Pile the juicy, tangy pork onto buns with coleslaw, plates, or whatever you’re craving—grab a fork or dive in hands-on and savor the tender meat that’s pure slow cooker magic. It’s Southern, it’s delicious—enjoy every smoky bite!
Notes
- Pick a fatty shoulder for juiciness—lean cuts dry out in the slow cooker.
- Shred warm for easy pulling—cold pork’s tougher to break apart.
- Add vinegar after shredding—keeps the tangy kick fresh and bold!
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 686Total Fat 49gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 26gCholesterol 204mgSodium 231mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 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 heart—its fat ensures juicy, shreddable meat with Southern flair. Apple cider vinegar adds that classic tangy bite—key to the style. Smoked paprika and chili powder bring smoky heat, brown sugar balances with sweetness, and chicken broth keeps it moist and savory.
Variations and Substitutions
Swap pork shoulder for pork loin for a leaner cut (less juicy). Use white vinegar or balsamic instead of apple cider vinegar. Sub smoked paprika with regular paprika or cumin for a twist. Add BBQ sauce or hot sauce for extra flair. Serve with cornbread or rice.
Storage Options
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—juices keep it tender! Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or vinegar. Freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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