Make the Best Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork for a Fantastic Meal!

Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork is the ultimate comfort food – tender, juicy pork that practically falls apart, smothered in a rich, smoky barbecue sauce. This hands-off recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd at your next backyard barbecue. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have mouthwatering pulled pork ready to go with hardly any effort. Let’s dive into how to make the best Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork ever!

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The Magic of Cooking Pork in a Crockpot

One of the biggest advantages of making pulled pork in a crockpot is the convenience factor. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it! The low, steady heat gently breaks down the tough connective tissues in the pork shoulder, resulting in incredibly tender, shreddable meat. Plus, the long cooking time allows the flavors of the seasonings, onions, garlic, and barbecue sauce to meld together into pure pork perfection.

Another perk of using a crockpot is the hands-off simplicity. While the pork is happily simmering away, you can focus on other tasks around the house or spend time with friends and family. No need to constantly monitor a pot on the stove or worry about burning your meal. The crockpot does all the hard work for you!

Ingredients for Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork

To make this delectable Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork, you’ll need just a few key ingredients:

• Pork Shoulder (or Pork Butt) – This cut of pork is ideal for pulled pork recipes, as the high fat content and connective tissues break down beautifully during the long cooking process.
• BBQ Sauce – Use your favorite store-bought variety or whip up a homemade barbecue sauce (see our tips below!). Look for sauces with a blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors.
• Onion – Sliced onions add depth of flavor and moisture to the pork as it cooks.
• Garlic – Minced garlic enhances the savory, umami notes in the dish.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth – This liquid helps the pork stay moist and tender as it cooks.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – A bit of vinegar helps tenderize the meat and balance out the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
• Brown Sugar (optional) – For a touch of extra sweetness, you can add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the mix.
• Spices – A blend of smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper seasons the pork to perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork:

1. Prepare the Pork: Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder, then generously season it all over with the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin.
2. Sear the Meat (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor, you can sear the pork in a hot skillet for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely browned before adding it to the crockpot.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Place the sliced onions in the bottom of your crockpot. Top with the minced garlic, then add the seasoned pork on top. Pour in the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and barbecue sauce, making sure the pork is well-coated.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook the pork on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until the meat is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Shred and Serve: Remove the pork from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Mix the shredded pork back into the sauce in the crockpot. Serve the Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork on toasted buns with your favorite toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or extra barbecue sauce.

Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork

To achieve the best results with your Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork, here are a few expert tips:

• Choose the Right Cut: Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is the ideal cut for pulled pork. It has the perfect balance of fat and connective tissue that breaks down beautifully during the long cooking time.
• Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Resist the temptation to rush the process by cooking the pork on high. The low, steady heat is essential for developing the most tender, flavorful pulled pork.
• Customize the Barbecue Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own unique blend. Add a touch of honey, molasses, or Dijon mustard to create your signature flavor profile.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Pulled pork will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The versatility of Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork makes it the perfect centerpiece for all sorts of delicious meals and gatherings. Here are some tasty serving ideas:

• Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Serve the shredded pork on toasted buns or slider rolls with your favorite toppings like coleslaw, pickles, and extra barbecue sauce.
• Pulled Pork Tacos: Use the pork as a flavorful filling for soft corn or flour tortillas, topped with diced onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
• Pulled Pork Platters: Create a pulled pork platter with baked beans, potato salad, cornbread, and crunchy slaw on the side.
• Loaded Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with the shredded pork, melted cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and chives.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken
• BBQ Beef Brisket in the Slow Cooker
• Spicy Pulled Pork Tacos

FAQs About Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork

How do I know when the pulled pork is done cooking in the crockpot?

The pulled pork is done cooking when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 190°F to 205°F (88°C to 96°C). This temperature range ensures that the collagen in the meat breaks down, resulting in tender, easily shredded pork. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Additionally, the meat should easily pull apart with a fork; if it resists shredding, it may need more time in the crockpot.

Can I use frozen pork shoulder in a crockpot, and if so, how should I adjust the cooking time?

Yes, you can use frozen pork shoulder in a crockpot, but it’s important to note that it will take longer to cook. Generally, you should add an extra hour or two to the cooking time, depending on the size of the roast. However, it’s recommended to thaw the pork in the refrigerator overnight before cooking, as this allows for more even cooking and better flavor absorption. Always ensure that the pork reaches the safe cooking temperature mentioned earlier.

What can I do if my pulled pork turns out too dry?

If your pulled pork turns out too dry, you can rehydrate it by adding a bit of moisture back into the dish. Start by shredding the pork and then mixing in some additional BBQ sauce, broth, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar to enhance the flavor. You can also serve it with a side of sauce to dip into. For future cooks, make sure to monitor the cooking time closely and avoid overcooking, as well as ensuring there is enough liquid in the crockpot during the cooking process.

How can I make my BBQ sauce from scratch for pulled pork?

Making BBQ sauce from scratch is simple and allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. Start with a base of ketchup (about 1 cup), then add 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Feel free to add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness and acidity by adding more sugar or vinegar as needed. Simmer the mixture on the stovetop for about 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors together before adding it to your pulled pork during or after cooking.

Conclusion

Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers melt-in-your-mouth tender, flavorful pork every single time. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a delicious main dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as tasty leftovers throughout the week. Give this easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork recipe a try, and get ready to savor the savory, smoky perfection!

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