Description
Dive into the flavors of the Lone Star State with this Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork recipe. It's a fuss-free method to create tender, succulent pulled pork that's infused with a rich blend of spices and smoky goodness, ideal for sandwiches, tacos, or as a hearty main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 (4 to 5-pound) pork shoulder roast (pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pork:
- Mix together salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Rub this seasoning mix all over the pork shoulder roast.
-
Mix Cooking Liquids:
- In the slow cooker, combine chicken broth, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Stir to blend well.
-
Add Pork to Slow Cooker:
- Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker. Add chopped onions and minced garlic around the pork.
-
Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
-
Shred the Pork:
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Remove any excess fat.
-
Finish with Sauce:
- Skim off any fat from the juices left in the slow cooker. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir into the juices. Let it soak up the flavors for an additional 30 minutes on low.
-
Serve:
- Serve the pulled pork on toasted buns with extra barbecue sauce, coleslaw, or your choice of sides.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, you can sear the pork on all sides in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper, or add a chopped jalapeño for an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Texan, American BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 55g
- Cholesterol: 170mg