Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
8 hrs
-
Total Time
8 hrs 5 mins
-
Servings
8 servings
-
Calories
691 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Description
The recipe starts by patting the pork shoulder dry before liberally applying a barbecue dry rub seasoning all over its surface. This seasoning creates a crust of flavor that penetrates during the long cooking process. The pork is placed in a slow cooker and cooked on low temperature for 7-8 hours until it is tender enough to pull apart effortlessly with forks or tongs. This method allows connective tissues to break down slowly, resulting in juicy and tender meat.
After cooking, the pork is removed from the cooking liquid and shredded to serve. The pulled pork pairs well with coleslaw, a drizzle of barbecue sauce, and traditional barbecue side dishes, making it suitable for casual meals or gatherings.
Adjust the amount of rub seasoning to the size of your pork cut, generally about one tablespoon per pound. Both bone-in and boneless pork shoulder or pork butt can be used but choose cuts with appropriate fat content for juiciness. Excess fat can be trimmed to reduce greasiness. Leftovers store well refrigerated for several days and can be frozen for longer-term storage. The method is forgiving for different cut sizes and kitchen schedules.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. pork shoulder bone-in or boneless, or pork butt
- ¼ cup barbecue dry rub seasoning more to taste if need be
Instructions
- Use a paper towel to pat the pork dry after taking it out of its packaging.
- Liberally season the pork with the barbecue dry rub. The entire exterior of the meat should be coated.
- Place the pork into the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours. (To test to see if the pork is done, gently insert a fork or a knife into the meat, and see if it pulls apart. If it does this easily, it's done.)
- Pull pork out of its juices and place on a cutting board/platter/baking sheet.
- Shred the pork using tongs or forks.
- Serve warm with coleslaw, a drizzle of BBQ sauce and your favorite sides.
Notes
- Adjust rub seasoning quantity based on the weight of the pork; about 1 tablespoon per pound is recommended.
- Choose bone-in or boneless pork shoulder or butt for optimal flavor and texture.
- Trim excess fat to prevent greasy-tasting pulled pork, but some fat adds juiciness.
- Shred the pork after it is tender enough to pull apart easily following slow cooking.
- Serve with coleslaw and barbecue sauce along with classic barbecue sides.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the pulled pork for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 691 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 691kcal | 35% |
| Protein | 55g | 110% |
| Fat | 51g | 78% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 27g | 159% |
| Cholesterol | 213mg | 71% |
| Sodium | 161mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.