BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

Craving a dish that’s sweet, smoky, and delicious? This BBQ Pulled Pork made in a slow cooker is a game-changer! It’s fall-apart tender, incredibly easy to prepare, and versatile enough to enjoy in sandwiches, over mashed potatoes, or any way you like. With minimal effort, you’ll have a juicy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy days or casual gatherings. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and smoky flavors that meld perfectly.
• Melt-in-your-mouth tender pork with minimal effort.
• Versatile—great for sandwiches, bowls, or sides.
• Simple ingredients and hands-off cooking.
• Ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Tools Needed

To whip up this BBQ Pulled Pork, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Don’t have them on hand? Visit Our Shop for top-quality gear to make your cooking even easier!

• Slow cooker (Crock-Pot): The star of this hands-off recipe.
• Cutting board and knife: For chopping the onion and prepping the pork.
• Mixing bowl: To combine the marinade ingredients.
• Garlic press: For quick, fresh garlic flavor.
• Casserole dish: Perfect for shredding and mixing the pork.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible BBQ Pulled Pork:

For the Pork

• 3-4 lb pork shoulder or butt roast
• 1 large onion, chopped

For the Seasoning Rub

• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika

For the Marinade

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup barbeque sauce (your favorite brand)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp liquid smoke
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 3 garlic cloves, pressed

For Finishing

• Extra barbeque sauce (to taste)

Directions

Follow these simple steps to make your BBQ Pulled Pork:

1. Prep the Base: Chop the onion and spread it evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Season the Pork: In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, and paprika. Sprinkle this rub over the pork roast and massage it in to coat all sides.
3. Add to Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork on top of the onions.
4. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine chicken broth, barbeque sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, brown sugar, and pressed garlic. Pour this mixture over the pork.
5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, until the pork shreds easily with a fork.
6. Shred the Pork: Transfer the pork to a large casserole dish. Remove any excess fat, then shred the meat with two forks.
7. Add Moisture: Spoon some of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker over the shredded pork to keep it juicy. Mix in extra barbeque sauce to taste.
8. Serve: Enjoy as-is or pile it onto buns for sandwiches!

Expert Tips for Perfect BBQ Pulled Pork

• Trim fat after cooking: It’s easier to remove once tender and keeps the meat clean.
• Use liquid smoke sparingly: A little goes a long way for that smoky flavor.
• Rest before shredding: Let the pork sit for 10 minutes for easier handling.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cooking on high: Low and slow is key for tender pork.
• Skipping the onions: They add flavor and moisture.
• Over-saucing: Add barbeque sauce gradually to avoid overpowering the meat.

Variations

Make this BBQ Pulled Pork your own with these ideas:

• Swap chicken broth for apple cider for a sweeter twist.
• Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
• Use a tangy mustard-based barbeque sauce instead.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours or microwave with a splash of broth.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of pork?
   Pork shoulder or butt works best for tenderness and flavor.
2. What if I don’t have liquid smoke?
   Skip it or add smoked paprika for a similar effect.
3. Can I cook this in the oven?
   Yes, bake at 300°F for 6-8 hours in a covered dish.
4. How do I know it’s done?
   The pork should shred easily with a fork.
5. Can I make it ahead?
   Yes, prep and cook a day ahead—it tastes even better the next day!

Conclusion

This BBQ Pulled Pork is a slow-cooker masterpiece, sweet, smoky, and oh-so-tender. Whether you’re making sandwiches, serving it with mashed potatoes, or pairing it with creamy coleslaw, it’s a versatile dish that’s sure to impress. Give it a try, and stock up on kitchen essentials at Our Shop for your next cooking adventure!