The sweet and tangy flavors of BBQ pulled pork are a staple of American cuisine, and with the help of a slow cooker, you can create a mouth-watering dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to make a deliciously tender and flavorful slow cooker BBQ pulled pork that’s perfect for any occasion.
Understanding the Basics of Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Before we dive into the recipe, it’s essential to understand the basics of slow cooker BBQ pulled pork. This dish is all about tenderizing the pork shoulder, which is a tougher cut of meat, to create a juicy and flavorful final product. The slow cooker is the perfect tool for this job, as it allows the pork to cook low and slow, breaking down the connective tissues and infusing the meat with a rich, tangy BBQ sauce.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to slow cooker BBQ pulled pork, the right cut of meat is crucial. You’ll want to choose a pork shoulder, also known as a Boston butt or pork butt, which is a tougher cut of meat that’s perfect for slow cooking. This cut is typically less expensive than other cuts of pork, and it’s packed with flavor.
What to Look for When Buying a Pork Shoulder
When buying a pork shoulder, look for the following:
- A boneless or bone-in pork shoulder with a thick layer of fat on the surface
- A weight of around 2-3 pounds, which is perfect for a slow cooker
- A relatively inexpensive price point, as pork shoulders are often cheaper than other cuts of meat
Preparing the Pork Shoulder for Slow Cooking
Before you can start slow cooking your pork shoulder, you’ll need to prepare it for the slow cooker. This involves seasoning the meat, applying a dry rub, and searing the surface to create a crispy crust.
Seasoning the Pork Shoulder
To season the pork shoulder, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
Mix these ingredients together in a small bowl and rub them all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat the meat evenly.
Applying a Dry Rub
A dry rub is a mixture of spices and herbs that’s applied to the surface of the pork shoulder to add flavor and texture. To make a dry rub, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
Mix these ingredients together in a small bowl and apply them to the surface of the pork shoulder, making sure to coat the meat evenly.
Searing the Pork Shoulder
To sear the pork shoulder, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Sear the pork shoulder for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until a crispy crust forms on the surface.
Slow Cooking the Pork Shoulder
Now that the pork shoulder is prepared, it’s time to slow cook it. To do this, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and add the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, then cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Shredding the Pork Shoulder
After the pork shoulder has finished cooking, it’s time to shred it. To do this, use two forks to pull the meat apart into tender, juicy strands.
Adding More BBQ Sauce
Once the pork shoulder is shredded, it’s time to add more BBQ sauce. To do this, place the shredded pork in a large bowl and add 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir to combine, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving the Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Now that the slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is ready, it’s time to serve it. To do this, place the shredded pork on a bun and top with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, and barbecue sauce.
Popular Toppings for Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Here are some popular toppings for slow cooker BBQ pulled pork:
- Coleslaw: a creamy, tangy slaw made with shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and vinegar
- Pickles: thinly sliced dill pickles that add a tangy, crunchy texture
- Barbecue sauce: a sweet, tangy sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over the pork
Conclusion
Slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is a deliciously tender and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a mouth-watering dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal effort. So why not give it a try and see for yourself just how delicious slow cooker BBQ pulled pork can be?
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork shoulder | 2-3 pounds |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Smoked paprika | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Black pepper | 1 tablespoon |
| BBQ sauce | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
Note: You can adjust the quantity of the ingredients according to your preference and the number of people you are serving.
What is the best type of pork to use for slow cooker BBQ pulled pork?
The best type of pork to use for slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is a tougher cut, such as a pork shoulder or Boston butt. This type of cut is ideal because it becomes tender and falls apart easily after slow cooking. You can also use other tougher cuts like pork butt or picnic shoulder.
When selecting a pork shoulder, look for one that is around 2-3 pounds in size. This size will yield enough meat for 4-6 servings. You can also use a larger or smaller pork shoulder, depending on your needs. Just keep in mind that a larger pork shoulder may take longer to cook.
How do I prepare the pork shoulder for slow cooking?
To prepare the pork shoulder for slow cooking, start by seasoning it with your desired spices and rubs. You can use a store-bought BBQ rub or create your own using a combination of spices like paprika, brown sugar, and chili powder. Rub the spices all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork shoulder on all sides until it is browned. This step is optional, but it helps to create a crispy crust on the pork shoulder. After searing the pork shoulder, place it in the slow cooker and add your desired BBQ sauce and other ingredients.
What is the best BBQ sauce to use for slow cooker BBQ pulled pork?
The best BBQ sauce to use for slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is a matter of personal preference. You can use a store-bought BBQ sauce or create your own using a combination of ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. If you’re using a store-bought BBQ sauce, look for one that is low in sugar and has a thick, syrupy consistency.
Some popular BBQ sauce styles for slow cooker BBQ pulled pork include Kansas City-style, Carolina-style, and Texas-style. Kansas City-style BBQ sauce is thick and sweet, while Carolina-style BBQ sauce is vinegar-based and tangy. Texas-style BBQ sauce is thin and beef-based, but can also be used for pork.
How long does it take to cook slow cooker BBQ pulled pork?
The cooking time for slow cooker BBQ pulled pork will depend on the size of your pork shoulder and the temperature of your slow cooker. Generally, it takes around 8-10 hours to cook a 2-3 pound pork shoulder on low heat. You can also cook the pork shoulder on high heat, which will reduce the cooking time to around 4-6 hours.
It’s essential to check the internal temperature of the pork shoulder to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 190°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Once the pork shoulder is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it with two forks.
Can I cook slow cooker BBQ pulled pork on high heat?
Yes, you can cook slow cooker BBQ pulled pork on high heat, but it’s not recommended. Cooking the pork shoulder on high heat can result in a less tender and less flavorful final product. High heat can also cause the BBQ sauce to burn and stick to the sides of the slow cooker.
If you’re short on time, you can cook the pork shoulder on high heat, but make sure to check on it frequently to avoid overcooking. It’s also essential to stir the BBQ sauce occasionally to prevent it from burning. However, for the best results, it’s recommended to cook the pork shoulder on low heat for 8-10 hours.
How do I shred the cooked pork shoulder?
To shred the cooked pork shoulder, use two forks to pull it apart into tender, juicy strands. Start by removing the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and letting it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will help the juices to redistribute, making the pork shoulder easier to shred.
Once the pork shoulder has rested, use two forks to pull it apart into strands. You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a meat claw to shred the pork shoulder. Be gentle when shredding the pork shoulder, as it can be tender and prone to breaking apart.
How do I serve slow cooker BBQ pulled pork?
Slow cooker BBQ pulled pork can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences. Some popular ways to serve slow cooker BBQ pulled pork include on a bun, with coleslaw and pickles, or as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.
You can also serve slow cooker BBQ pulled pork with a variety of sides, such as collard greens, baked beans, or cornbread. For a more substantial meal, you can serve the pulled pork with a side of mac and cheese or roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different serving options.