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Tender No-Fail Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe Easy and Perfect for Beginners

slow cooker pulled pork sandwich - featured image

A beginner-friendly slow cooker pulled pork sandwich recipe that is tender, juicy, and packed with smoky, tangy flavors. Perfect for busy days and gatherings with simple ingredients and fuss-free cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), well-marbled
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) barbecue sauce
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 68 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
  • Optional: coleslaw for topping

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some marbling for flavor. Pat it dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly all over the pork shoulder.
  3. Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  4. Lay the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic.
  5. Mix the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and barbecue sauce in a measuring cup. Pour this mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
  6. Cover and set the slow cooker to low. Cook for 7 to 8 hours until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  7. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
  8. Skim excess fat from the slow cooker liquid, then return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and let soak for 10-15 minutes on warm.
  9. Toast buns if desired, pile on pulled pork, and top with coleslaw if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

Cooking on low for 7-8 hours yields the best tenderness. High setting for 4-5 hours is possible but less tender. Do not lift the lid frequently to avoid extending cooking time. Skim fat from cooking liquid before mixing with shredded pork. Toast buns fresh before serving. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, crockpot, sandwich, barbecue, easy recipe, beginner-friendly, comfort food