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The Best Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Recipe

Pulled pork is a classic dish that’s both delicious and incredibly easy to prepare, making it a favourite for gatherings, family dinners, or simply a cosy night in. With a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while the flavours meld beautifully over several hours, resulting in tender, juicy meat that practically falls apart. Here’s the best pulled pork slow cooker recipe that will have your friends and family asking for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Pork

• 1.5 to 2 kg pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 240 ml chicken stock (or beef stock)
• 60 ml cider vinegar
• 60 ml Worcestershire sauce
• 60 g brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)

For Serving

• Brioche buns or rolls
• Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
• Pickles
• Extra BBQ sauce (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Shoulder

Start by patting the pork shoulder dry with kitchen paper. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick more effectively. Next, season the meat generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork shoulder on all sides until it develops a lovely golden-brown crust. This step enhances the flavours and adds depth to your pulled pork. Once seared, transfer the pork to your slow cooker.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant. You can deglaze the skillet with a splash of chicken stock to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom, adding even more flavour.

Step 4: Combine the Sauce Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the remaining chicken stock, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the pork in the slow cooker. Top with the sautéed onions and garlic, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Pork

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easy to shred. If you’re short on time, you can also set it to high for 4 to 5 hours, but for the best results, low and slow is the way to go.

Step 6: Shred the Pork

Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a large plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices to keep it moist.

Step 7: Serve

Your pulled pork is now ready to serve! Scoop generous amounts of the tender meat onto brioche buns or rolls. Top with coleslaw for a delightful crunch and balance the richness of the pork. Add pickles and a drizzle of BBQ sauce if desired.

Tips for the Best Pulled Pork

• Marinate Overnight: For an extra flavour boost, consider marinating the pork shoulder in the spice rub the night before.
• Store Leftovers: Like many slow-cooked dishes, pulled pork tastes even better the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for later use.
• Experiment with Flavours: Feel free to tweak the spices and sauce to suit your taste. You can add apple juice for sweetness or chipotle for a smoky heat.

Conclusion

This pulled pork slow cooker recipe is not just simple but also yields mouth-watering results. The combination of spices, a long cooking time, and the magic of a slow cooker makes for a dish that’s bound to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue party or enjoying a quiet dinner with loved ones, this pulled pork is sure to be a hit. Grab your ingredients, fire up that slow cooker, and enjoy a hassle-free culinary experience!