Description

Tender, juicy pulled pork slow-cooked in rich BBQ sauce—perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or serving at your next backyard BBQ!

Ingredients

To create the perfect Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork, you’ll need the following ingredients:

3-4 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt): This cut is known for its marbling, providing excellent flavor and tenderness. For a leaner option, you could use pork loin, though it may not be as juicy.
1 cup BBQ sauce: Select your favorite brand or homemade variety. You can opt for sweet, tangy, or spicy sauce depending on your preference.
1 medium onion, sliced: Onions add depth to the flavor of the pulled pork. You may also use shallots for a milder taste.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic enhances the overall taste profile.
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth: This keeps the meat moist while it cooks. You can substitute it with apple juice or cider for a touch of sweetness.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity that balances the richness of the pork.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Optional, but it adds a layer of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the BBQ sauce.
Spices (1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper to taste): These enhance flavor without overpowering the dish.

Instructions

◉ Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Begin by trimming excess fat from your pork shoulder, then season it generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. This will ensure the meat is infused with flavor from the start.

◉ Step 2: Sear the Meat (Optional)
If you want to enhance the flavor further, sear the pork shoulder in a hot skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. This step is optional but can add a delicious crust.

◉ Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place the sliced onion at the bottom of your Crockpot, followed by the minced garlic. Place the pork shoulder on top, and then pour in the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and BBQ sauce, ensuring the pork is well-coated.

◉ Step 4: Cooking
Cover the Crockpot with the lid and set it to cook for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. The longer cooking time allows the meat to break down and become tender. As the pork cooks, the aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!

◉ Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once cooked, remove the pork from the Crockpot and shred it using two forks. Mix it with the remaining sauce in the pot for extra flavor. Serve on toasted buns with additional BBQ sauce, coleslaw, or your favorite toppings!

Nutrition

Calories: 300
Sugar: 6g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g