Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork

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Craving melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork? This crock pot pulled pork is tender, juicy, flavor-packed, and cooked perfectly. With its easy dry rub, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser, with everyone returning for seconds.

If you don’t have time to cook your pulled pork in a smoker, this crock pot recipe offers the same delicious results without the fuss. Toss the pork in the dry rub, add it to your crock pot, and let it do its magic.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is a must-try. I like to serve it on a slider, as a topper for nachos, or in tacos with some zesty slaw.

Jump Straight To The Recipe

Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe

This hassle-free pulled pork recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights. With minimal prep, you can enjoy tender, flavorful meat cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s the perfect comfort food to please the whole family.

What You Need for Pulled Pork

Pork Shoulder

Yellow Mustard

Apple Juice/ Beer/ Apple Cider

BBQ Sauce

BBQ Rub – You can either use a store-bought rub or use the following ingredients to make your own

Brown Sugar

Chili Powder

Paprika

Garlic Powder

Onion Powder

Salt

Black Pepper

Should You Use Pork Butt or Pork Shoulder?

The ideal cuts for pulled pork are pork butt and pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt. I personally favor pork butt for its rich connective tissue and fat content.

Slow-cooked at a low temperature, the connective tissue melts into succulent gelatin, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat.

How To Make Crock Pot Pulled Pork

Step 1: Season

Combine all the spices in a small bowl if you’re making your rub. Cover the pork with yellow mustard, then rub the pork with the spice mix

Step 2: Cooking

Place the pork in the crockpot with the apple juice/ apple cider or beer and cook on low for 10-12 hours or high for 5-6 hours.
You want the pork to reach 195°F -205°F or when a knife slides into the meat like softened butter

Step 3: Rest and Shred

When the pork reaches an internal temperature of 195°‒205°F, remove it from the crockpot. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, shred the meat using two forks, your hands, or bear claws, and discard the excess fat. If using your hands, wear protective gloves.

Once shredded, place the pork in a bowl, pour over the BBQ sauce, and combine gently.

How To Store Crock Pot Pulled Pork

Once cooled, store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To reheat, add a small amount of liquid (water, broth, juice, or sauce) and microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

Try Something Different Than Apple Juice or Beer

• Fruity Fizz: For a unique flavor twist, add a can of soda, such as cranberry ginger ale, Sprite, Coca-Cola, or Dr. Pepper.
• Try Broth: Rather than use soda or beer, you can try beef broth.

Sauce Swaps

• Alabama Twist: Try Alabama white BBQ sauce instead of traditional BBQ sauce
• Honey Garlic Delight: Stir in honey garlic sauce and serve with rice or noodles.

Spicing It Up

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper to the dry rub and serve with crushed red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, or hot sauce.
• Sweet Heat: Toss in buffalo sauce for a spicy take on classic buffalo chicken.

What To Serve With Your Pulled Pork

Here are some of my favorite sides for pulled pork

Grilled Cornbread

Grilled Broccoli

Grilled Jalapeno Poppers

Smoked Mac and Cheese

Smoked Beans

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Smoke On!

Charlie

Hungry For More?

Smoke On!

Charlie

Hungry For More?

Smoke On!

Charlie

Hungry For More?