There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty sandwich made with slow cooker pulled pork. Picture tender, juicy pork shoulder that falls apart with just a fork, lovingly simmered in a rich, tangy sauce until the flavors meld for a taste that warms your whole being. Each bite offers a delightful balance between sweetness and a hint of smokiness, making these sandwiches a fantastic choice for any gathering or a cozy night in. Whether it envelopes a fluffy bun or simply sits on a plate alongside some coleslaw, it’s an impressive dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become a staple in your home.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

I first discovered slow cooker pulled pork during a casual gathering with friends. We spent the day chatting, laughing, and before we knew it, dinnertime snuck up on us. I had prepared a generous batch of pulled pork, assuming it would be a nice side option—little did I know, it would steal the show! The way everyone flocked to the kitchen for seconds while I basked in the praise was both fulfilling and motivating. Now, it’s my go-to dish for parties, potlucks, and even just a family dinner. You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and the incredible flavor it brings to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prepping takes just 15 minutes, and the slow cooker does the rest.
Irresistible Flavor: Tender, savory pork infused with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A delightful, piled-high sandwich that looks as good as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or even a cozy weeknight dinner.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with thoughtful substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 pounds boneless pork shoulder: This cut is ideal for slow cooking due to its high-fat content, which breaks down beautifully and keeps the meat juicy.
2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning: A flavorful blend that adds depth; feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade mix.
½ cup BBQ sauce: Select your preferred flavor—sweet, spicy, or tangy—this ingredient gives the pork its signature taste.
¼ cup apple cider vinegar: Helps tenderize the meat while adding a zesty brightness to the overall flavor.
¼ cup chicken broth: Keeps the pork moist during cooking and adds additional flavor. Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

Rub the Pork: Start by rubbing the 3 pounds of boneless pork shoulder with the 2 tablespoons of herb and garlic seasoning to coat it evenly. This step is crucial for infusing flavor from the very beginning.

Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup of BBQ sauce, ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, and ¼ cup of chicken broth. Stir until well blended; this flavorful mixture will create a delicious base for your pulled pork.

Prep the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it, ensuring the meat is well coated. This is the magic sauce that will transform the pork into a flavorful delight.

Cook Low & Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The pork is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 205°F, making it incredibly tender and easy to shred.

Shred the Pork: Once cooked, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart effortlessly; this is key to achieving that mouthwatering texture.

Integrate the Juices: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix in about ¼ to ½ cup of the juices. Use just enough to keep the meat moist, then discard the remaining liquid.

Add Extra BBQ Sauce: If you love that extra punch of flavor, feel free to add more BBQ sauce at this stage. Mix well to incorporate every flavor before serving.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer preservation, refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a slow cooker on low for about 1-2 hours or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Don’t worry if the texture seems a little dry; adding a splash of warm BBQ sauce can refresh its flavor beautifully.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the meat; pulling it too soon from the heat can lead to dryness.
Make sure to let your pork shoulder sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you cook it; this helps in even cooking.
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the pork shoulder overnight in the seasoning.
Adding sliced onions or minced garlic to the sauce can intensify the flavor profile.
Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces; each type brings a unique twist to the dish.
If you’re cooking for a large group, don’t hesitate to double the recipe!

Enjoying this slow cooker pulled pork at a gathering or family dinner always evokes a cozy, homey vibe. It’s a dish anyone can appreciate, and with very little effort, it delivers immense flavor. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, don’t hesitate to play around with spices or sauces to create a unique spin that suits your personal taste.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

Absolutely! While boneless pork shoulder is the preferred choice for its fat content and tenderness, you could use pork butt, picnic shoulder, or even pork loin. Just note that leaner cuts may not yield the same tenderness without adjustments in cooking time.

How do I know when the pork is done cooking?

The pork is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 205°F. It should offer minimal resistance when shredded with forks. A dependable meat thermometer is your best friend in achieving the ideal texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pulled pork a day or two in advance. Let it cool when it’s done cooking, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the slow cooker or on the stove, adding a little broth or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.

What can I serve with pulled pork sandwiches?

Pulled pork sandwiches pair beautifully with a range of sides. Classic accompaniments include coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob. You could also serve it over rice for a different twist or with a fresh side salad for a lighter option.

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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork | Tender Shredded Pork Sandwiches

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Author: Lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 255 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: 101|Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe features tender meat mixed with flavorful BBQ sauce, making it perfect for quick dinners or gatherings. The easy prep and scrumptious flavor will impress everyone at your table!

Ingredients

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3 pound boneless pork shoulder
2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning
1/2 cup bbq sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

Rub the pork shoulder with herb and garlic seasoning, then place it in the slow cooker.
In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth; pour this mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 205 degrees.
Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
Return 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the cooking juices back to the shredded pork, discarding the rest.
If desired, stir in additional BBQ sauce to taste.

Notes

For best results, let the pulled pork rest for a few minutes before shredding.
You can adjust the amount of BBQ sauce based on your taste preference.
Serve on buns with coleslaw for a classic pulled pork sandwich.