This easy “set it and forget it” slow cooker pulled pork is super tender and juicy, made from scratch with my homemade barbecue sauce.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
BBQ pulled pork is one of those dishes you can enjoy all year round. It's perfect for feeding a large group of people at a potluck or large gathering and doesn't require a lot of time in the kitchen. I used boneless pork loin roast to make this lean pulled pork recipe. Homemade BBQ Saucegave me complete control over what was added. try this Pork Carnitas Learn about Mexican Pulled Pork and check out my information. slow cooker recipes more easy dinner ideas.
This was really delicious. My husband loves your recipes, Gina. But this recipe had me going “mmmm” as soon as I took my first bite. Definitely a keeper. I made BBQ sauce and coleslaw and both were fantastic. I ate it with frozen corn. It's a real winner. thank you!
– 5 star review
Why I Love This Pulled Pork
I'm pretty picky about barbecue sauce and pulled pork, but the first time I made this recipe a few years ago using my own sauce, I fell in love! This is the only pulled pork I will eat right now. Here are a few reasons why I like this:
- Homemade BBQ Sauce – Look on the back of most sauce bottles at the supermarket and you’ll find a long list of ingredients, including high fructose corn syrup. Therefore, it is important to use an easy barbecue sauce recipe here. Of course, if you have your favorite barbecue sauce, feel free to use it instead.
- less saturated fat – For health reasons, I prefer grilled boneless sirloin from the lean center, which has less saturated fat than pork, and is also delicious.
- Great for parties! If you need a recipe to feed a crowd, this is great. Grab some bread, coleslaw, extra barbecue sauce, and let everyone prepare their own.
I really want to see you make this! Tag me in your photos on Instagram or Facebook!
Pulled Pork Ingredients
Here's what you need to make this slow cooker pulled pork. See recipe card below for measurements and recipe.
- pork: The best cuts of meat are usually the thicker cuts, but I like to use thinner, center-cut, boneless pork loin roasts, which are lower in saturated fat and have great flavor. Pork butt or Boston butt also work. If you have bones, add 1 hour to the cooking time.
- Liquid: Add 2 teaspoons each of red wine vinegar and hickory liquid smoke for a tangy, smoky flavor.
- Seasoning Spices: Garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste.
- BBQ Sauce: I highly recommend making this homemade Kansas City BBQ sauce. However, if you have a favorite BBQ sauce that you want to buy, you can use that instead.
How to Make Pulled Pork in a Slow Cooker
Here are some easy step by step photos. See recipe card for full recipe.
- To season the pork: Place the meat in the slow cooker and season with vinegar, liquid smoke, salt, and garlic powder.
- Cover and cook Boil the pork over low heat for 8 to 12 hours until tender.
- piece: Remove the pork, transfer to a large plate and pour all the liquid into the cup. Shred the pork with two forks and return to the slow cooker along with remaining ½ cup liquid and barbecue sauce.
- To finish cooking: Simmer the pork over high heat for another hour.
What to serve with pulled pork
- Pulled Pork Sandwich: Make a quick cabbage by placing the meat between bread and adding chopped cabbage, carrots, a little vinegar, salt, and a little olive oil.
- Traditional barbecue dinner: If you're hosting a party, add coleslaw, mashed potatoes, Mac and CheeseGreen beans, potato salad, baked beans.
- BBQ Roasted Potatoes: Stuff roasted potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes with pork and add your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, green onions, etc.
- Pulled Pork Tacos: Serve with flour or corn tortillas and top with quick slaw.
- BBQ side dishes included: Serve Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with my homemade coleslaw recipe. Grilled Corn on the Cob, corn saladOr cornbread muffins.
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- vinegar: This is apple cider vinegar as a supplement to white wine vinegar.
- Smokey: If liquid smoke is not available, season the pork with smoked paprika to give it a smoky flavor.
- Pork Exchange: If you wish, you can use pork shoulder.
- BBQ Chicken: If you want to try this recipe with chicken, use boneless thighs and cook on low for 4 hours.
- BBQ Sauce: If you don't have time to make pulled pork sauce, buy store-bought barbecue sauce. Make sure it doesn't contain high fructose corn syrup.
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork: In the same way, cut the meat into 4 pieces, use the 'Meat/Stew' function on the Instant Pot, add a cup of chicken broth, and simmer at high pressure for about 40 minutes until the pork is easily mashed with a fork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pork is best for pulled pork?
Pulled Pork is usually made from pork shoulder, but I used pork loin to cut the meat thinner. If you want to use shoulder meat, definitely!
Should I cover pulled pork with liquid in my slow cooker?
The low heat setting releases the juices while cooking, so slow cooking pork doesn't require as much water. I use just enough to flavor the pork with the pork's saved juices and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side. If you want to add broth, just add 1 cup of chicken broth.
Do you spread BBQ sauce on your pulled pork before cooking?
My recipe adds BBQ sauce to the shredded pork at the end. The size of your pork loin will determine how much sauce you add. Two things to keep in mind are:
- Pork shrinks when cooked, So you'll want to measure the weight of the cooked meat. I added 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce and reserved pork juice for every 3 ounces of cooked pork.
- If your kids don't like BBQ sauce, Set the pork aside before adding it back to the crock pot with the sauce.
What’s the secret to pulled pork?
The secret to tender pulled pork is low and slow cooking. That's why a slow cooker is the perfect way to make it. Cooking time depends on the size of the pork. Since I was making this for my family, I used the smallest roast I could find, so it took about 8 hours, but could have taken up to 12 hours. Here are some tips:
- If your slow cooker gets too hot You may need to add half a cup of water or broth or replace the appliance.
- barbecue pork All you need is 5-6 hours. It is recommended to check at 5 hours. If it breaks easily, it's ready.
Which slow cooker do you use?
i have this 6 Quart Hamilton Beach Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker. I really like it because I can control how long the crock pot cooks, and it automatically warms up when it's done. It also has a meat probe that automatically turns off when finished. I love this slow cooker so much I have several!
How to Freeze Pulled Pork
You can eat leftover pulled pork for up to 4 days after cooking. Reheat in the microwave until warm. In the freezer, you can store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. You can store it in one large container or in several small, disposable containers. The day before eating, place it in the refrigerator to thaw.
More slow cooker pork recipes you'll love:
Produce: 8 Servings
Serving Size: three 1 ounce pork + 2 tablespoons sauce
Place the pork in the slow cooker and season with salt, vinegar, garlic powder, and liquid smoke.
Cover and cook until tender, 8 to 12 hours.
Remove pork and transfer to a large plate. Place all liquid in a cup and set aside.
Shred the pork with two forks and return to the slow cooker along with about 3/4 cup of the remaining liquid and the barbecue sauce (I used 2 tablespoons of the barbecue sauce for every 3 ounces of cooked pork).
Cook on high for 1 hour more.
Last step:
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*Nutritional information applies to pork only; bread is separate.
clothing material: three 1 ounce pork + 2 tablespoons sauce, calorie: 203 calorie, carbohydrate: 12.5 g, protein: 30.5 g, province: three g, Saturated Fat: One g, cholesterol: 92 mg, salt: 593.5 mg, fiber: 0.5 g, sugar: 10.5 g
