Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Homemade Seasoning
This Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is a mouthwatering, melt-in-your-mouth dish packed with flavor from a homemade seasoning blend. Perfect for busy days, it’s easy to prepare, cooks low and slow, and yields juicy, shreddable pork ideal for sandwiches, tacos, or platters, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pulled pork recipe is a game-changer for home cooks who crave bold flavors with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming a simple pork shoulder into a tender, succulent masterpiece. The homemade seasoning blend, featuring smoky paprika, garlic, and a hint of brown sugar, creates a perfectly balanced sweet-savory-spicy profile that elevates every bite. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, feeding a family, or meal-prepping for the week, this versatile dish delivers restaurant-quality results at home. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks is irresistible!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for pork shoulder or Boston butt for the best texture and fat content, which ensures juicy results.
- Sear for Flavor: Browning the pork before slow cooking adds a caramelized depth to the dish.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Let the pork rest for 15 minutes after cooking to lock in juices before shredding.
- Adjust Liquid: If the pork seems dry, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or broth during shredding.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the seasoning mix in advance and store it in an airtight container for quick assembly.
- Shredding Hack: Use two forks or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for effortless shredding.
Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Homemade Seasoning
Tender, juicy pulled pork with smoky, sweet homemade seasoning, slow-cooked to perfection for sandwiches or tacos.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth or apple juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 4 lbs pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. This vibrant blend will give your pork its irresistible flavor.
- Season the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the seasoning mix generously over all sides, pressing it into the meat to ensure it sticks.
- Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side until golden-brown. This step locks in flavor!
- Set Up the Slow Cooker: Place the seared pork in a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour chicken broth and apple cider vinegar around (not over) the pork to keep the seasoning intact.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
- Rest the Pork: Carefully transfer the pork to a large cutting board or platter. Let it rest for 15 minutes to retain its juices.
- Shred the Pork: Using two forks or a stand mixer, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, discarding excess fat or bone if present.
- Mix with Juices: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss it with the cooking juices for extra flavor and moisture.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the pork and add a splash of apple cider vinegar or extra seasoning if desired. You can also mix in barbecue sauce for a saucier version.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pulled pork on buns for sandwiches, in tacos, or alongside coleslaw and mashed potatoes. Garnish with pickles or hot sauce for a fun twist!
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F for optimal tenderness.
- If the pork is too fatty, trim excess fat before seasoning, but leave some for flavor.
- Double the seasoning recipe and store extras in a jar for future use.
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 584Total Fat 42gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 23gCholesterol 164mgSodium 460mgCarbohydrates 6gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 43g
The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
The pork shoulder is the star of this dish, providing rich flavor and tenderness when cooked slowly. Opt for a bone-in cut for extra depth, though boneless works well too. The homemade seasoning blend is key: smoked paprika adds a smoky warmth, garlic and onion powders provide savory notes, and brown sugar brings a subtle sweetness to balance the spice. Apple cider vinegar enhances the tanginess, complementing the pork’s richness. Chicken broth or apple juice keeps the meat moist during cooking, and you can swap broth for beer for a bolder flavor profile.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to make it milder or spicier based on your preference.
- Sweetness: Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different sweet note.
- Liquid Options: Use cola, root beer, or orange juice instead of broth for a unique twist.
- Dietary Needs: For a low-sodium version, reduce salt and use low-sodium broth.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your broth for hidden gluten.
- BBQ Style: Add your favorite barbecue sauce after shredding for a saucier pulled pork.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store shredded pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
- Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a slow cooker, oven (covered, at 300°F), or microwave with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
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