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Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe with Easy Zesty BBQ Sauce

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A comforting and easy pulled pork recipe cooked low and slow in a slow cooker, served with a fresh and zesty homemade BBQ sauce added at the end for bright flavor and tender texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat but not too lean
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, for seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup cider vinegar (120 ml)
  • 1 cup ketchup (240 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup apple juice or water (240 ml)
  • Optional: a few drops liquid smoke

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar.
  2. Pour the apple juice or water into the bottom of the slow cooker to create a moist environment.
  3. Place the seasoned pork shoulder fat-side up in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
  5. While the pork cooks, whisk together ketchup, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, hot sauce, and optional liquid smoke in a bowl to make the BBQ sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Remove the pork from the slow cooker, reserving some cooking liquid. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized strands, discarding large chunks of fat.
  7. Pour the zesty BBQ sauce over the shredded pork. If dry, add a splash of reserved cooking liquid to moisten. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  8. Serve warm on soft buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides.

Notes

Searing the pork before slow cooking adds flavor but is optional. Keep the lid on tight during cooking to retain moisture. Add BBQ sauce at the end to keep it fresh and vibrant. Reserve some cooking liquid to moisten shredded pork if needed. For gluten-free, check Worcestershire sauce and ketchup labels. Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, BBQ sauce, tender pork, easy recipe, homemade BBQ sauce, slow cooker pulled pork, comfort food

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/tender-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-recipe-with-easy-zesty-bbq-sauce/