Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork: Tender and Flavorful BBQ Goodness

Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork is a classic Southern dish that’s all about tender, juicy meat infused with smoky barbecue flavor. This recipe delivers succulent pulled pork cooked low and slow in the crockpot until it’s fall-apart tender, making it perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served alongside your favorite sides. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork is perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends when you want a delicious meal without much effort. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy the incredible aroma of barbecue filling your home as the pork cooks to perfection. Plus, this recipe yields a generous amount of pulled pork, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or for meal prep throughout the week.

Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork: Tender and Flavorful BBQ Goodness

Recipe by Alesia IonaCourse: LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

400

kcal

Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork is a mouthwatering dish featuring tender, juicy pork infused with smoky barbecue flavors. With just 15 minutes of prep time and slow-cooking for 8-10 hours, this recipe yields approximately 8 servings, each containing around 400 calories. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served alongside your favorite sides, this pulled pork is sure to impress with its rich taste and fall-apart tenderness. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the aroma of barbecue filling your home!

Ingredients

• 1 (4 to 5 pounds) pork shoulder roast (also known as pork butt or Boston butt)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls, for serving

Directions

• In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder roast.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned pork roast and sear on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
• Transfer the seared pork roast to the slow cooker.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Pour the mixture over the pork roast in the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
• Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss it in the cooking juices to coat.
• Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns or sandwich rolls, topped with extra barbecue sauce if desired.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Forks for shredding

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pulled Pork

• Choosing the Right Cut: Look for a pork shoulder roast with good marbling for the most flavorful and tender pulled pork.
• Searing the Meat: Searing the pork before slow cooking helps lock in moisture and enhances the flavor.
• Low and Slow: Cooking the pork on low heat for a long time ensures it becomes tender and easily shreds.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

• Different Sauces: Experiment with different barbecue sauces to customize the flavor of your pulled pork. Try sweet and tangy, spicy, or smoky varieties.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and black pepper to suit your preference for spiciness.
• Pork Loin: If you prefer a leaner option, you can use pork loin instead of pork shoulder, but keep in mind that it may not be as juicy or flavorful.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the pulled pork in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Pairing Suggestions

Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork pairs perfectly with:

• Classic BBQ sides: Serve with coleslaw, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, or cornbread for a complete Southern meal.
• Pickles: Add a tangy crunch with pickles or pickled onions on top of the pulled pork sandwich.
• Corn on the cob: Enjoy the sweetness of corn on the cob as a side dish or as part of a barbecue spread.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use pork shoulder, pork butt, or pork loin for this recipe, but keep in mind that each cut may result in slightly different texture and flavor.

Q: Can I cook the pulled pork on high heat for a shorter time? A: While it’s possible to cook the pork on high heat for a shorter time, it’s best to cook it low and slow for the most tender and flavorful results.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare the spice rub and sear the pork in advance. Store the seasoned pork in the refrigerator until ready to cook in the slow cooker.

Q: Can I use homemade barbecue sauce instead of store-bought? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade barbecue sauce recipe for added flavor and customization.

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Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork, a quintessential Southern dish that’s perfect for any occasion!