The Best Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Recipe for Fall-Apart Goodness

Crafting delectable pulled pork in a slow cooker brings mouth-watering comfort right to your kitchen table.

Tender meat falls apart with minimal effort, creating a feast that feels like a culinary victory.

Succulent flavors meld together during hours of gentle simmering, promising an incredible meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Simple ingredients and low-maintenance cooking make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment, letting you spend more time relaxing and less time working in the kitchen.

Marinating the meat overnight intensifies the rich, smoky flavors that will make this dish an instant favorite.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it a staple in your home cooking repertoire.

Why Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Is A Crowd Favorite

• Conquer Busy Weeknights: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, returning to a deliciously tender meal that requires minimal hands-on preparation.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily swap spices or add your favorite barbecue sauce to create a personalized pulled pork experience that suits your taste buds.
• Family-Friendly Feast: This crowd-pleasing dish brings everyone together, offering a hearty meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its rich, comforting flavors.
• Meal Prep Magic: Enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day, making it perfect for busy families or meal planning enthusiasts who love convenient, delicious options.

Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Ingredient Guide

• Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt: A tender cut of meat perfect for slow cooking and creating juicy pulled pork.

• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and natural sweetness to the sauce.
• Ketchup: Provides a tangy and slightly sweet base for the pulled pork sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Enhances the richness and thickness of the sauce.
• Vinegar: Helps tenderize the meat and adds a bright, acidic note to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Spices: Create a robust and well-balanced flavor profile for the pulled pork.

Simple Steps For Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork Slow Cooker

Step 1: Prepare Flavor-Packed Sauce

Chop the onions finely and combine them in the slow cooker with ketchup, tomato paste, vinegar, and a blend of aromatic spices. Whisk everything together until the mixture creates a rich, tangy base that will infuse the pork with incredible depth of flavor.

Step 2: Add Succulent Pork

Gently place the pork into the slow cooker, ensuring it’s completely coated with the sauce. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the meat to enhance its natural taste and help the seasoning penetrate deeply.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to HIGH for 5-6 hours or LOW for 8-10 hours. The low and slow method will break down the meat’s connective tissues, creating melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork that’s incredibly juicy and tender.

Step 4: Shred and Combine

Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker. Using two forks, pull the meat apart into delicate, soft shreds. Return the shredded pork to the sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated with the delicious cooking liquid.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pile the pulled pork onto soft buns or rolls. Top with creamy coleslaw, pickles, or your favorite barbecue accompaniments. This versatile dish is perfect for casual dinners, game day gatherings, or weekend family meals.

Helpful Tips For Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork Slow Cooker

• Choose Fatty Cuts: Select pork shoulder or boston butt with good marbling for juicier, more tender pulled pork.
• Prep Night Before: Combine sauce ingredients and rub pork with spices the evening prior to enhance flavor absorption.
• Control Moisture: Add minimal liquid since meat releases natural juices during slow cooking to prevent soggy texture.
• Shred While Warm: Remove meat when still slightly warm for easier, more consistent shredding and better sauce integration.
• Reduce Sauce: Simmer remaining liquid after shredding to create thicker, more concentrated flavor for coating pulled pork.

Ways To Customize Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork Slow Cooker

• Spicy Chipotle Pulled Pork: Replace ketchup with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, fiery kick.
• Tropical Hawaiian Pulled Pork: Swap vinegar with pineapple juice and add crushed pineapple to the sauce for a sweet island flavor.
• Gluten-Free Herb-Infused Pulled Pork: Use gluten-free tamari instead of ketchup and add fresh rosemary and thyme for an aromatic version.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Option: Skip buns and serve pulled pork in crisp lettuce leaves with a side of fresh cucumber salad for a lighter meal.

Perfect Pairings For Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork Slow Cooker

• Unleash Tangy Coleslaw Companion: Creamy, crisp coleslaw cuts through the rich pork's richness, balancing flavors with its zesty crunch and cool texture.
• Pair with Craft Beer Magic: Select a hoppy IPA or smooth amber ale to complement the smoky, tender meat – the beer's maltiness enhances the pork's deep, savory notes.
• Southern-Style Cornbread Delight: Serve warm, buttery cornbread alongside the pulled pork, its slightly sweet and crumbly texture soaking up the delicious sauce perfectly.

Store Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Easily

• Store pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Frozen pulled pork stays fresh for 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Spread pulled pork in baking dish. Cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm at 325°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure consistent temperature.

Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork Slow Cooker FAQs

• What cut of pork works best for this recipe?

Pork shoulder or pork butt are ideal because they have enough fat content to become tender and juicy during slow cooking.

• Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, apple cider vinegar is recommended, but white vinegar or red wine vinegar can also work well in this recipe.

• How do I know the pork is fully cooked?

The pork is done when it easily shreds with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe as written is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to increase heat if desired.

Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hr 10 min – 10 hr 10 min (LOW) or 5 hr 10 min – 6 hr 10 min (HIGH)
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pulled pork slow cooker magic brings Southern comfort right to your kitchen, blending tender meat with rich barbecue flavors. Succulent pork shoulder simmers in a perfect spice blend, creating a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 3/4 pound (340 grams) pork shoulder, trimmed

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Sauce and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Serving (Optional):

• Buns
• Coleslaw

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Instructions

1. Combine diced onions, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and aromatic spices in the slow cooker, whisking until thoroughly blended.
2. Place pork roast into the seasoned sauce, ensuring complete coverage and generously seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Set slow cooker to HIGH temperature and allow meat to cook for 5-6 hours, or alternatively use LOW setting for 8-10 hours until meat becomes tender and easily pulls apart.
4. Carefully remove pork from slow cooker, transfer to cutting board, and use two sturdy forks to meticulously shred the meat into delicate, succulent strands.
5. Return shredded meat back into the rich, flavorful cooking liquid, gently stirring to distribute sauce evenly and enhance overall taste and moisture.
6. Warm soft hamburger buns and pile high with pulled pork, optionally topping with tangy coleslaw or preferred accompaniments for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Test meat tenderness by gently pulling with forks; it should easily fall apart when fully cooked.
• Trim excess fat before cooking to reduce greasiness and create leaner pulled pork.
• For gluten-free option, use gluten-free ketchup and serve on lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns.
• Refrigerate leftovers in sauce to maintain moisture and enhance flavor for next-day meals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 hours (on LOW) or 5-6 hours (on HIGH)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 366 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg