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Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient BBQ Sauce

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A fuss-free slow cooker pulled pork recipe with a tangy, easy-to-make 5-ingredient BBQ sauce that yields tender, juicy meat perfect for gatherings or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice mix all over the pork evenly.
  2. Optional: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork on all sides until a caramelized crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. Transfer the pork shoulder to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork shreds easily with a fork.
  4. While the pork cooks, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce in a bowl. Adjust sweetness or tang to taste.
  5. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it into bite-size pieces using two forks or meat claws.
  6. Pour the BBQ sauce into the slow cooker juices and stir to combine. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss well to coat. Let warm for 15-20 minutes on low.
  7. Serve the pulled pork on buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides.

Notes

Let the pork rest for 10 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices. Reserve some cooking liquid before shredding to add back if pork looks dry. Searing the pork before slow cooking adds flavor but is optional. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce for a gluten-free version. Adjust hot sauce to control spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, BBQ sauce, easy recipe, pork shoulder, tender pork, 5-ingredient sauce, comfort food

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/tender-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-bbq-sauce/