Plunge into making easy crock pot pulled pork, a dish steeped in Southern tradition with roots tracing back to indigenous cooking. You’ll need simple ingredients like pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, and spices. Start by trimming fat and rubbing the pork with a medley of fragrant spices. Then, place it in the crock pot with a tangy sauce, letting it slow-cook for 8-10 hours to achieve mouthwateringly tender meat. The result? Pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches or tacos, offering a rich, smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness. There’s more to discover about this recipe’s delightful versatility and convenience.
Key Takeaways
- Use pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and spices for a simple ingredient list.
- Trim fat and season the pork for enhanced flavor before cooking.
- Slow cook for 8-10 hours to achieve tender and flavorful meat.
- The crock pot method saves time and requires minimal preparation.
- Pulled pork is versatile for sandwiches, tacos, or as a standalone dish.
History
Although pulled pork is often associated with American barbecue traditions, its origins trace back to indigenous cooking techniques. You’d find that long before barbecues became weekend events, Native Americans were slow-cooking meat over open fires. This method, which preserved the meat’s tenderness and flavor, laid the foundation for the dish you love today.
Over the years, this technique spread, blending with European influences, especially in the Southern United States where it became a staple.
Imagine the aroma of smoky pork wafting through the air, inviting everyone to gather around. Cooking pulled pork connects you to centuries of culinary history, where every simmering pot tells a story.
Embrace this tradition, knowing that each delicious bite brings you closer to a shared heritage of community and flavor.
Recipe
Pulled pork is a tasty and comforting dish that’s perfect for hectic days when you desire a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Cooking pulled pork in a crock pot allows the meat to become incredibly tender and flavorful, as it slowly absorbs the rich blend of spices and sauces throughout the day. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish that’s great for sandwiches, tacos, or even as a standalone entrée. The slow cooking process not only guarantees that the pork is cooked to perfection but also fills your home with an enticing aroma that will have everyone eagerly looking forward to dinner.
Using a crock pot to make pulled pork is perfect for anyone looking for a convenient and hassle-free cooking method. Simply prepare the ingredients in the morning, set the crock pot, and by dinnertime, you’ll have succulent pulled pork ready to serve. This recipe combines the savory flavors of barbecue sauce with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a blend of spices, resulting in a tangy and smoky taste that complements the richness of the pork. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, this easy crock pot pulled pork is certain to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds of pork shoulder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
To prepare the pulled pork, start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, then rub this mixture all over the pork. Place the seasoned pork in the crock pot. In another bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour this liquid mixture over the pork in the crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the pork and shred it with two forks, then return it to the crock pot and mix with the juices.
For best results, let the shredded pork sit in the crock pot on the “keep warm” setting for about 30 minutes. This extra time allows the flavors to meld further, enhancing the overall taste. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub.
Pulled pork can be served on buns with coleslaw, or it can be used as a filling for tacos or quesadillas. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or frozen for longer storage. Enjoy your easy and delicious meal!
Cooking Steps
To start making your crock pot pulled pork, trim any extra fat from the pork shoulder to make sure it cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.
Next, rub the pork with a mix of spices, including paprika and garlic powder, which will imbue the meat with a smoky and savory taste.
After preparing the pork, combine the sauce ingredients and pour them over the meat in the crock pot, then let it cook on low for 8-10 hours, enabling the pork to become tender and juicy.
Step 1. Trim Excess Pork Fat
When preparing your pulled pork, start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder. This step is essential for achieving that perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. While some fat is necessary for moisture, too much can make the dish greasy. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut away thick layers, leaving just enough to enhance the meat’s juicy texture.
As you work, visualize the end result: perfectly cooked, tender pork that’s ready to melt in your mouth. Imagine your family and friends gathering around, eagerly anticipating the first bite.
With each slice, you’re one step closer to creating a dish that will bring everyone together, filling your home with warmth, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of slow-cooked goodness.
Step 2. Rub Pork With Spices
Seasoning the pork shoulder is an essential step that sets the foundation for a flavorful dish. Start by mixing your spices in a small bowl, creating a blend that will infuse the pork with rich flavors. As you rub the mixture onto the pork, imagine each granule embedding itself into the meat, promising a taste sensation with every bite.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky, sweet depth.
- Garlic powder: Brings a savory warmth.
- Onion powder: Provides subtle sweetness.
Be generous with your rub, ensuring every inch of the pork is covered. This step not only enhances flavor but also creates a beautiful crust as it cooks, sealing in moisture.
As the aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll know this is the start of something delicious and special.
Step 3. Combine Sauce Ingredients
With your pork shoulder well-seasoned and ready, it’s time to create the sauce that will envelop the meat in rich, tangy flavors throughout the cooking process.
In a mixing bowl, pour in one cup of your favorite barbecue sauce. Watch as the thick, dark liquid swirls around, promising a smoky sweetness.
Add half a cup of chicken broth; it will lend a subtle, savory depth.
Stir in a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar, offering that crisp, tangy bite.
Sprinkle in a tablespoon of brown sugar, which will melt into the mixture, adding a hint of molasses sweetness.
Mix well until everything is combined.
This sauce is the heart of your pulled pork, making it a dish everyone will savor.
Step 4. Pork Into Crock Pot
Start by nestling the seasoned pork shoulder into the crock pot, making sure it fits snugly without crowding. This is where the magic begins, as the crock pot becomes a cozy home for your pork to transform into something extraordinary. Let the anticipation build as you set the stage for this comforting dish.
- Pour the mixed sauce over the pork, letting it cascade down, enveloping the meat in a rich, flavorful embrace.
- Gently turn the pork to confirm every inch is coated, inviting the flavors to seep deeply.
- Make certain the lid fits securely on the crock pot, sealing in all the goodness.
As you prepare the pork, imagine the delightful aroma that will soon fill your kitchen, bringing everyone together.
Step 5. Cook on Low 8-10 Hours
Once you’ve nestled the pork in its flavorful bath, set your crock pot to low and let it work its magic over the next 8-10 hours.
This slow dance of flavors transforms the pork into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece.
As the hours pass, your kitchen will fill with the warm, inviting aroma of savory spices and smoky barbecue sauce, wrapping you in a comforting embrace.
There’s something special about gathering with loved ones, knowing a delicious meal awaits with minimal effort.
This simple process allows the pork to soak up every ounce of flavor.
Final Thoughts
A crock pot full of tender, flavorful pulled pork is a demonstration of how a little planning can yield a delicious, hassle-free meal. Picture the comforting aroma filling your home, inviting everyone to gather around the table. You’ve created more than just a dish; you’ve crafted an experience that brings people together.
This recipe offers:
- Ease: Minimal prep and the crock pot does the work.
- Versatility: Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or simply on its own.
- Flavor: A balance of smoky, tangy, and sweet notes.
