Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bbq Sandwiches

Recipe Introduction: Get Ready for Pulled Pork Perfection!
Fancy some slow cooker recipes that are proper lush? Then get ready. This BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe will become your new go-to.
Ever had a craving that only tender, juicy, BBQ-soaked pork can satisfy? Yeah, me too.
This recipe is all about turning a humble pork shoulder into something spectacular. It is one of those Crock Pot Family Meals Easy Recipes you can make on a Sunday for a relaxed meal.
The Lowdown on this BBQ Beauty
Pulled pork, originally from the southern US, is proper comfort food. Think Slow Cooker BBQ meets Crockpot Pork Roast heaven.
It’s one of the Easy Weeknight Dinners . Prep takes 15 mins, then the Crock Pot does all the work. This recipe makes 8 hefty servings.
Why You'll Love This Pulled Pork
This recipe is a winner because it's healthy ish and tastes amazing. Healthy Dinner Ideas Crockpot can become a reality. It's perfect for casual get-togethers, game day grub, or even just a satisfying Crock Pot Recipes For 2 People situation if you fancy leftovers.
What makes it special? It is the combo of smoky paprika, tangy vinegar, and sweet brown sugar.
Now, let's talk ingredients. This is what makes the magic happen for these Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Recipes . This leads to amazing Pulled Pork Sliders and Slow Cooker Sandwiches .
Getting Down to Business: Ingredients & Equipment
Right then, let's talk about what you actually need to make these amazing slow cooker recipes happen. This Slow Cooker BBQ recipe will become a staple.
Trust me! It's perfect for those crazy weeknights. I love finding Crock Pot Family Meals Easy Recipes .
Main Ingredients for Bangin' BBQ Pulled Pork
Here's the shopping list. Make sure you have it all before you start. No one wants a mid-cookin' trip to the shops, right?
- Pork Shoulder: 3 lbs (1.36 kg) , boneless is best. Quality indicators? Look for good marbling (that's the fat running through the meat)
- Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 cup / 140g ). Yellow onions are the way to go here.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced ( 1 teaspoon / 3g ). Don't skimp on the garlic!
- BBQ Sauce: 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) . Go for your fave. I like a smoky one.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . It adds a little tang, ya know?
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) , packed. Light or dark, your call.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Adds a lovely smoky depth.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) , ground.
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) (optional, for a lil' kick).
- Salt: To taste.
- Hamburger Buns: 8 . Pulled Pork Sliders are incredible!
- Optional Toppings: Coleslaw, pickles, extra BBQ sauce.
Seasoning Like a Pro
The secret is in the sauce. Honestly, the BBQ sauce does most of the work. But the apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce add that special something.
Smoked paprika is a must for that authentic BBQ flavour.
Spice it up with cayenne pepper if you're feeling brave. And if you don't have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or lemon juice works fine.
Brown sugar ran out? Honey or maple syrup will do in a pinch!
Equipment Essentials
You don't need fancy stuff. These easy weeknight dinners should be simple.
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker is key. Obviously. I got mine years ago, and it's still going strong. Crock pot makes awesome Crockpot Pork Roast too! It's great for Crock Pot Recipes For 2 People and for the entire family.
- Large Fork: For shredding that delicious pork.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Gotta get those measurements right!
- Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping the pork and onion.
Alright, you're all set. You can even make Slow Cooker Sandwiches . Now, let's get cookin'! This BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe rocks! It will be easy with these Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Recipes .
Cooking Method: Low and Slow BBQ Pulled Pork
Right then, let's talk about my fave way to make pulled pork! Forget slaving over a hot grill. We're diving headfirst into the world of slow cooker recipes .
Honestly, it's the easiest thing since sliced bread. Especially if you want Crock Pot Family Meals Easy Recipes . I have tried this dish on Sundays for a delicious and effortless family feast and have plenty of Healthy Dinner Ideas Crockpot .
Prep Steps: Getting Sorted
Mise en place, you know? It's just a fancy way of saying "get your stuff together." Chop one large yellow onion.
Mince two cloves of garlic. Don’t be shy with it! Trim any excess fat off your 3 lb pork shoulder.
This helps avoid a greasy mess later on. This is an essential part of Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Recipes .
For time saving, measure out all your spices beforehand. It makes things flow so much better. As for safety? Just watch those knives, yeah? No one wants a trip to A&E.
Remember to keep raw meat separate.
step-by-step: Slow Cooker Magic
- Place the chopped onion in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Put the pork shoulder on top of the onion.
- Mix 1 1/2 cups of BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne (if you like a kick) in a bowl.
- Pour the saucy mixture over the pork.
- Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or on high for 3- 4 hours. You’ll know it's ready when it shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred the pork with two forks on a cutting board.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Let it soak in the sauce for 10- 15 minutes .
- Pile it high on hamburger buns. Get ready for Pulled Pork Sliders .
Pro Tips for Pulled Pork Perfection
Want to level up your Slow Cooker BBQ ? Here's a sneaky tip: sear the pork in a hot pan before it hits the slow cooker.
Adds a wicked crust. Don't overcook it! Overcooked pork is dry and sad. Aim for an internal temperature of 195- 205° F (90- 96° C) .
The biggest mistake? Not tasting and adjusting the seasoning at the end. You know, give it a little zing if it needs it!
make-ahead? Absolutely! Cook the pork. Shred it. Then, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days . Just reheat it in the slow cooker with a bit more BBQ sauce before serving, It is perfect for Easy Weeknight Dinners .
Recipe Notes for the Best Slow Cooker Recipes
Alright, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs for your slow cooker pulled pork! These tips will help you level up your slow cooker recipes , even if you’re a complete beginner.
Trust me, these are the things I wish I knew when I started!
Serving it Up Proper!
Thinking about plating? Pulled pork sliders are always a winner. They are the perfect way to show off the succulent BBQ pulled pork.
Honestly, who can resist them? Also, a dollop of homemade coleslaw on top takes it to another level. Don't forget the sides! Think classic Crock Pot Family Meals Easy Recipes , like creamy coleslaw, cornbread, or even just a simple potato salad.
And for drinks? Iced tea is a must, or maybe a cold beer if you're feeling fancy.
Storing for Later (or Midnight Snacks!)
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This is a good opportunity to cook Crock Pot Recipes For 2 People , you can keep the pulled pork in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Just whack it in an airtight container. Freezing is also an option. It will last for about 2-3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
A little goes a long way!
Mix it Up a Bit: Variations on a Theme
Feeling adventurous? Let's talk about Healthy Dinner Ideas Crockpot with a twist! For a lower sugar version, ditch the brown sugar for a sugar-free alternative.
If you’re feeling spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Want a tropical vibe? Chuck in some crushed pineapple! Trust me, it works.
It is easy to use different seasonal ingredient swaps, too.
Nutrition: The Basics (Without the Boring Bits!)
Okay, let's get real. This isn't exactly health food. It is not the healthiest dinner ideas crockpot! BUT, it's packed with protein, which is great for building muscles.
Also, it provides slow release energy from the pork, keeping you fuller for longer. Remember, enjoy it in moderation, like all good things in life!
So there you have it! All the extra bits and bobs to make your Slow Cooker BBQ pulled pork even more amazing.
Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! You've got this! These are the best Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Recipes you'll ever try!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really just bung everything in the slow cooker and leave it? Seems too good to be true!
Essentially, yes! That's the beauty of slow cooker recipes. As long as you follow the recipe and don't overfill the slow cooker (no more than 2/3 full), you're golden. Just pop the ingredients in, set the timer, and walk away it's like having a personal chef, only quieter!
My pork is a bit dry. What did I do wrong?
Overcooking is the most common culprit for dry pulled pork. Every slow cooker is different, so yours might cook faster than the recipe suggests. Start checking the pork for doneness (easily shredded with a fork) towards the end of the recommended cooking time. If it's done, get it out of there!
You could also try adding a bit more liquid maybe a splash of apple juice towards the end of the cooking time.
I'm trying to be healthy. Are there any lighter variations of these slow cooker recipes I can try?
Absolutely! Trim as much visible fat as possible from the pork shoulder before cooking. You can also use a sugar-free BBQ sauce to cut down on sugar content. Serve the pulled pork on whole wheat buns or even lettuce wraps instead of the classic white buns, and load up on coleslaw (go easy on the mayo though!).
It's all about making small swaps.
Help! I don't have apple cider vinegar. Can I use something else in these slow cooker recipes?
No worries, we've all been there! You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or lemon juice in equal amounts. It just adds a little bit of tanginess to balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. Don't sweat it if you haven't got any though; it will still taste delicious!
How long can I store leftover pulled pork?
Properly stored, leftover pulled pork will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to cool it down completely before refrigerating or freezing, and when reheating, ensure it's piping hot all the way through think a proper Sunday roast level of heat!
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bbq Sandwiches

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |