How to Make Pulled Pork in a Slow Cooker - theslowcookinghousewife.com

If you’re wondering how to make pulled pork in a slow cooker that’s succulent and bursting with flavor, you’re in the right place!

Slow cookers are a fantastic tool for creating tender, juicy pork that’s ideal for sandwiches, tacos, or just enjoying on its own.

Table of Contents

What Ingredients Do You Need?

Before we dive into the method of how to make pulled pork in a slow cooker, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients.

To begin, you must prepare the pork for cooking.

Trim the Fat:
– If your pork shoulder has a thick layer of fat, trim some of it off, but leave enough to keep the meat moist during cooking.
Season the Pork:
– In a small bowl, mix together the spices—paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
– Rub this spice mix all over the pork shoulder.
– This step infuses the meat with wonderful flavors.
Sear the Meat (Optional):
– For extra flavor, searing the pork on a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side until browned can enhance the taste.
– However, if you’re pressed for time, this step can be skipped.

Learning how to make pulled pork in a slow cooker means knowing how to properly layer your ingredients.

Add Onions and Garlic:
– Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
– They will add flavor and act as a bed for the pork.
Add the Pork:
– Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic.
– Position it so that it’s sitting flat.
Add Sauce and Liquid:
– Pour BBQ sauce over the pork.
– Then, add chicken broth or apple cider vinegar. This step adds moisture and tanginess.
Add Brown Sugar:
– Sprinkle the brown sugar on top.
– This will caramelize during cooking, giving a sweet glaze to your pulled pork.

Knowing how to make pulled pork in a slow cooker also involves understanding the cooking times needed for perfection.

Cooking on Low:
– Cook on the low setting for 8-10 hours.
– This method allows the meat to become tender and easy to shred.
Cooking on High:
– If you’re short on time, you can cook on the high setting for 4-5 hours.
– However, low and slow is the best way to achieve maximum tenderness.

Determining when your pork is ready is crucial.

Fork Test:
– The easiest way to check if your pulled pork is done is to insert a fork into the meat.
– If it shreds easily and falls apart, it’s ready!
Internal Temperature:
– A meat thermometer can help too. The internal temperature should reach at least 195°F (90°C) for the perfect shredding.

After hours of slow cooking, it’s finally time to enjoy your creation!

Remove and Shred:
– Using two forks, shred the pork directly in the slow cooker.
– Mixing the shredded meat with the remaining juices in the cooker is essential for added flavor.
Serve and Enjoy:
– Serve your pulled pork on hamburger buns for classic sandwiches.
– You can also serve it over rice, in tacos, or as is with your favorite sides.

Once you know how to make pulled pork in a slow cooker, you can get creative with your serving options! Here are a few ideas:

Pulled Pork Sandwiches:
Top with coleslaw for added crunch.
Tacos:
Use corn tortillas and add fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and diced onions.
Over Rice:
Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli.
Pulled Pork Nachos:
Layer chips with shredded pulled pork, cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for a delicious appetizer.

Leftover pulled pork can be a lifesaver for busy weeknights.

Refrigerate:
– Store in airtight containers.
– It will last in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze for Later:
– For long-term storage, you can freeze the pulled pork for up to 6 months.
– Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating Tips:
– Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
– You might want to add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it juicy.

Now that you know how to make pulled pork in a slow cooker, you can whip up this delicious dish anytime.

With minimal effort, you’ll have flavorful pulled pork that your family and friends will love.

Try this method once, and it’ll become a staple in your cooking repertoire!

Enjoy savoring every tender bite of your homemade slow-cooked pulled pork!