Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of tender, flavorful pulled pork, then this is the recipe for you. This slow cooker pulled pork recipe takes a classic Southern dish and makes it even easier to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll have juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork that will impress anyone
The key to making the best Southern pulled pork is to use a slow cooker. This allows the pork to cook low and slow, resulting in tender meat that practically falls apart. The slow cooking process also allows the flavors to develop and meld together, giving you a dish that is packed full of deliciousness.
To make this recipe, you’ll need a pork shoulder or pork butt, which are both perfect for slow cooking. The pork is seasoned with a blend of spices, including paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder, which adds a delicious smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
Once the pork is seasoned, it’s placed in the slow cooker and cooked on low for several hours. This slow cooking process allows the pork to become tender and infused with all the flavors from the spice rub. After cooking, the pork is easily shredded with a fork, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork.
When it comes to serving the pulled pork, you have several options. You can serve it on a bun with your favorite BBQ sauce for a classic pulled pork sandwich. You can also serve it on its own with a side of coleslaw and cornbread for a complete Southern meal. The options are endless, and no matter how you choose to serve it, this slow cooker pulled pork is sure to be a hit.
How to Make the Best Southern Pulled Pork Recipe in a Slow Cooker
If you’re looking to make the best Southern-style pulled pork, using a slow cooker is the perfect method. Slow cooking allows the pork to become tender and juicy, while developing rich and smoky flavors. With a few simple steps and the right ingredients, you can create a delicious pulled pork that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds of pork shoulder or Boston butt
- 1 cup of BBQ rub (a mixture of salt, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and other spices)
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke (optional)
Instructions:
- Start by rubbing the pork shoulder with the BBQ rub, making sure to coat it evenly. Let the pork sit in the rub for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
- In a slow cooker, combine the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and liquid smoke (if using). Stir to combine.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the pork shoulder.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir in the BBQ sauce. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the pulled pork on toasted buns with extra BBQ sauce, coleslaw, or your favorite toppings.
By following these steps and using a slow cooker, you can easily make the best Southern pulled pork recipe. The slow cooking process allows the pork to become incredibly tender and infused with delicious flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue or for a family dinner, this pulled pork is sure to be a hit.
Gather the Ingredients
Before diving into making the best Southern pulled pork in a slow cooker, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. These ingredients are essential for creating the delicious flavors that are characteristic of this classic Southern dish. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- Pork Shoulder: This cut of meat is ideal for pulled pork, as it becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- Barbecue Rub: A blend of spices, such as paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and chili powder, will add the perfect combination of flavors to the pork.
- Barbecue Sauce: Choose a high-quality barbecue sauce to coat the pulled pork and add a tangy and savory element to the dish.
- Onion: Chopped onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the pulled pork.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic complements the other flavors and adds a delicious aroma to the dish.
- Chicken Broth: This liquid will help keep the pork moist during the slow cooking process.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity and enhances the overall flavor profile of the pulled pork.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This savory sauce adds an extra layer of flavor to the pulled pork, enhancing the overall taste.
- Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings bring out the flavors of all the other ingredients and should be adjusted to taste.
Once you have all these ingredients, you’ll be ready to start preparing the best Southern pulled pork in your slow cooker!
Prepare the Pork
Before you can start cooking your delicious Southern pulled pork in a slow cooker, you need to properly prepare the pork. This step is crucial to ensuring that your meat turns out tender, flavorful, and juicy.
First, choose the right cut of pork. Opt for a boneless pork shoulder or pork butt, as these cuts are perfect for slow cooking. They are well-marbled with fat, which helps keep the meat moist during the long cooking process.
Next, trim any excess fat from the pork. While some fat is necessary for flavor, too much fat can make the dish greasy. Use a sharp knife to remove any thick chunks or excessive layers of fat. Leave a thin layer of fat on top to add flavor and moisture.
Once trimmed, season the pork with a dry rub. The rub can be a simple mix of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar, or you can get creative and add other spices like cayenne pepper, onion powder, or even coffee grounds. Massage the rub into the pork, ensuring that every inch is coated with the flavorful mixture. The dry rub will not only add flavor but also help form a delicious crust on the outside of the meat.
After seasoning, refrigerate the pork for at least a few hours, or even overnight. This will allow the flavors of the dry rub to infuse into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent final product.
Create the Spice Rub
Creating the perfect spice rub is essential for a delicious and flavorful Southern pulled pork recipe. The spice rub consists of a combination of various herbs and spices that will enhance the taste of the pork and give it a unique Southern flair.
To create the spice rub, start with a base of brown sugar, which will add a subtle sweetness to the pork. Then, add in a combination of spices such as paprika, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder to give the meat a smoky and savory flavor.
For an extra kick, consider adding some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice rub. This will add a touch of heat to the pork, making it perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spiciness in their barbecue.
Once you have mixed all the spices together, ensure you evenly coat the pork with the spice rub. Use your hands to massage the rub into the meat, allowing the flavors to penetrate and infuse the pork. Let the pork marinate in the spice rub for at least an hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop.
By creating a well-balanced and flavorful spice rub, your Southern pulled pork recipe will have a delicious and mouth-watering taste that will impress your family and friends. The combination of spices will elevate the flavors of the pork, creating a truly memorable and authentic Southern barbecue experience.
Cooking the Pork in the Slow Cooker
One of the best ways to achieve tender and juicy pulled pork is by using a slow cooker. Slow cooking allows the pork to cook low and slow, resulting in meat that is fall-apart tender and infused with flavor. It also requires minimal effort, making it an ideal method for busy home cooks.
To begin, you’ll want to season your pork with a blend of spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks. You can also add a barbecue sauce or marinade for an extra layer of flavor, if desired.
Next, place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker, along with any additional ingredients such as sliced onions or minced garlic. Cover the slow cooker with a lid and set it to cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is fully cooked and easily shreds apart with a fork.
Throughout the cooking process, it’s important to resist the temptation to lift the lid and check on the pork. Doing so can cause the temperature to drop and prolong the cooking time. Instead, trust the slow cooker to do its job and let it work its magic.
Once the pork is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any excess fat. At this point, you can mix the shredded pork with your favorite barbecue sauce or seasonings, if desired, to further enhance the flavor.
When serving, consider pairing the pulled pork with soft buns, coleslaw, or pickles for a classic Southern-style pulled pork sandwich. Alternatively, you can use the pulled pork in tacos, wraps, or even as a topping for salads. The possibilities are endless, and the result is guaranteed to be delicious.
Shred and Serve the Pulled Pork
Once the Southern pulled pork has finished cooking in the slow cooker, it’s time to shred and serve it. Follow these simple steps to enjoy tender, flavorful pulled pork:
- Remove the pork roast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
- Using two forks, gently shred the pork roast. The meat should easily fall apart into tender strands.
- Transfer the shredded pork back into the slow cooker, allowing it to soak up the remaining juices and flavors.
- For an extra touch of Southern flavor, mix in some of the cooking liquid or your favorite BBQ sauce.
Now that the pulled pork is shredded and infused with delicious flavors, it’s time to serve it. There are many ways to enjoy Southern pulled pork:
- Make a classic pulled pork sandwich by piling the shredded meat on a soft, toasted bun. Top it with coleslaw, pickles, or a drizzle of BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
- Add the shredded pork to a platter and serve it alongside traditional Southern sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, collard greens, or cornbread.
- Use the shredded pork as a filling for tacos, quesadillas, or sliders. The versatility of pulled pork makes it the perfect ingredient for a variety of dishes.
However you choose to serve your Southern pulled pork, the result will be a flavorful and satisfying meal that will transport you to the heart of the South. Enjoy!
10 Best Southern Pulled Pork Recipe Slow Cooker
Variety BBQ Seasonings Gift Pack
Features
| Size | 6 Ounce (Pack of 8) |
Bone-In Pork Shoulder 2 Pack
Features
| Size | Large |
Premium Boneless Pork Butt Roast
Features
| Size | 2.5 lbs |
Smoked Boneless Pork Shoulder
Features
| Size | 4 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Big Poppa’s Award-Winning BBQ Rub
Features
| Part Number | 121BPS |
| Model | 121BPS |
| Release Date | 2024-07-17T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 80 Ounce (Pack of 1) |
Crock-Pot 8-Quart Slow Cooker
Features
| Part Number | 43237-2 |
| Model | SCCPVFC800-DS |
| Color | Black |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 8 Quarts |
Head Country Hickory BBQ Sauce
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2017-04-25T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 160 Ounce (Pack of 4) |
FAQ
What is shredded pork?
Shredded pork refers to pork that has been cooked until tender and then pulled apart into small, thin pieces.
What is the best cut of pork for pulled pork?
The best cut of pork for pulled pork is typically the shoulder, also known as the pork butt or Boston butt. It has a good amount of marbling and connective tissue, which helps it become tender and juicy when cooked low and slow.
How do you shred pork?
To shred pork, you can use a pair of forks to pull the meat apart into small, thin pieces. Another method is to use your hands, wearing food-safe gloves, to easily tear the meat into shreds.
What is the easiest way to serve pulled pork?
The easiest way to serve pulled pork is by piling it onto buns to make delicious pulled pork sandwiches. You can also serve it with coleslaw, barbecue sauce, or as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.
How should shredded pork be stored?
Shredded pork should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Conclusion
In conclusion, shredding and serving pulled pork is a delicious and versatile way to enjoy this tender and flavorful meat. Whether used in sandwiches, tacos, or served alongside classic Southern sides, pulled pork is sure to satisfy any meat lover’s craving. With a little time and effort, anyone can master the art of shredding and serving pulled pork, creating a dish that is perfect for gatherings or solo indulgence. So fire up the grill or slow cooker, grab your favorite BBQ sauce, and get ready to enjoy the mouthwatering goodness of pulled pork at home.
