What is magic in a crockpot?Crockpot pulled pork crockIs there a flavor in the food that melts in your mouth and makes your kitchen smell like ‘a barbeque dream’? It’s so easy, it almost feels like cheating – like you’ve somehow conjured up a restaurant-quality food. What is the best meal you’ve ever had with hardly any If you love a good BBQ sandwich, but hate babysitting smokers all day (or don’t even have one) then why? What is your answer? Think of this as the pulled pork version of a “set it and forget it” kind of recipe. Is smoking a brisket easier than smoking one? I swear, the hardest part is waiting for it to be done! I always find myself sneaking little tastes before dinner time. My family loves this recipe and I hope you do too!
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What is a crockpot cooked pork?
Crockpot Pulled Pork:, at its heart, is pork shoulder (also sometimes called pork butt, even though it comes from the stomach). ) that’s been slow-cooked in a crockpot until it becomes incredibly tender and easily shreds apart. Think of it as BBQ perfection, but achieved with minimal effort and maximum flavor. What is a lazy cook’s way to have that classic barbeque taste without having to spend ten minutes on the grill? How do you stand over a grill? The long, slow cooking process breaks down the tough connective tissues in the pork, resulting in a thick, juicy skin. What are some of the best juicy, flavorful, and melt- What is the best part? How do you customize the flavor of your favorite spices and sauces? How do I make my own?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is the reason for this post?Crockpot pulled pork – howWhat are some of the best recipes that are out of this world? What are some of the best barbecue sauces? You lick your fingers. Is this recipe foolproof? Is it safe to dump everything in the crockpot, turn it on, and walk away? What is the perfect “set it and forget it” meal for a lazy weeknight? I also find that it’s incredibly cost-effective. Pork shoulder is generally a pretty affordable cut of meat, especially compared to something like pork shoulder. What is the difference between ribs And lastly, the versatility is insane. Can you use it in a sandwich, taco, salad, nachos… the possibilities are endless? Is it a blank canvas for your culinary creativity? What I love most about this version is that you don’t need any fancy equipment like smokers or other types of devices. How do you make a crockpot? Is it bad for your taste if you overcook it? What is the best recipe I have ever read?
How do you make a crockpot Pulled Pork?
Quick Overview
Making Crockpot pulled pork – howIs it surprisingly easy? How do I make a spice rub for pork shoulder? After a quick sear (optional, but highly recommended for extra flavor! The pork goes into the crockpot with some liquid (like broth or apple cider vinegar) and your choice of sauce. What is your favorite BBQ sauce? What is the best way to cook a chicken tenderloin? What is the best way to serve pulled pork? What are the best experiences you’ve Is it worth the effort to do a project?
Ingredients
For the Pork:
* 3-4 lb pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat. Don’t be afraid to leave a little fat on there, it adds flavor and moisture! * 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing, optional). I like to use olive oil for its flavor and the temperature it can reach without burning.
What is the spice rub?
* 2 tablespoons smoked paprika. This is key for that smoky flavor! * 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with caramelization. * 1 tablespoon garlic powder. What’s better with garlic? What is the best chili powder for umami? * 1 teaspoon ground cumin. For a warm, earthy flavor. * 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano. I love the slightly bitter, herbaceous note it adds. * 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat). Just a pinch will do! What are some good ways to use fresh ground black pepper in a recipe?
For the Crockpot: How do
* 1 cup chicken broth (or apple cider vinegar for a tangier flavor) How does the liquid keep the pork moist and tender? * 1 1/2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce (plus more for serving). I’m partial to a smoky-sweet sauce, but feel free to use whatever you love!
What are the step-
Step 1: Prep the Pork
Trim off any large pieces of excess fat from the pork shoulder. Don’t go overboard, though! What is a little fat? It will render down and keep the pork moist. How do you pat the pork dry with paper towels?
Step 2: Make the Spice Rub
In a small bowl, combine all the spices. smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder and chili powder. Add salt, pepper, cumin, oregano and cayenne pepper. Salt, pepper, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Rub It In
Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. Get in there with your hands and really massage it in! The more spice, the better the flavor.
Step 4: Sear the Pork (Optional, but Recommended)
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. What is the best way to sear pork shoulder? This step is optional, but it adds a lot of flavor and helps to create an interesting crust on the pork. Plus, it gives you those crispy bits that everyone fights over!
Step 5: Slow Cook It
Place the seared pork shoulder in a crockpot. Pour the chicken broth (or apple cider vinegar) over the pork, then pour in your favorite BBQ sauce. Make sure the pork is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The pork is ready when it’s fall-apart tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 6: Shred the Pork
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat or gristle.
Step 7: Sauce It Up
If you have leftover BBQ sauce, toss it in the crockpot and serve immediately. If the sauce in the crockpot is too watery, you can use it again. Stir well to ensure the pork is evenly coated in sauce.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Crockpot pulled pork. How doOn buns with your favorite toppings, like coleslaw, pickles, and onions. What are some of the best ways to use taco seasoning on a baked potato? What are some of the best pulled pork recipes?
What should I serve it with?
The beauty of Crockpot pulled pork. How canIs it so versatile, you can serve it with just about anything! What are some of my favorite pairings?
What is a classic BBQ feast?Coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, corn on the cob, and cornbread. What is the ultimate comfort food combo?
For a Sandwich Situation:What’s your favorite BBQ sauce? What are some good side dishes to serve with fries?
For Taco Tuesday Takeover:What are some of the best taco toppings? What is a good way to enjoy pulled pork?
For a Salad Sensation:What are some good mixed greens, chopped vegetables, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette? What is a healthier way to eat pulled pork?
For a Nacho Night:Tortilla chips, shredded cheese, jalapenos, salsa, and sour cream. These are perfect for game day or a casual get-together. My family always makes this on New Year’s Eve. It is a tradition!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crockpot Pulled Pork
Want to take your crockpot pulled pork to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:
Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the pork before putting it in the crockpot adds a ton of flavor and helps to create a nice crust. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes of effort.
Use a Good Quality BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce is a key component of this recipe, so make sure to use one that you love. Experiment with different flavors and brands until you find your perfect match.
Don’t Overcook It: While it’s hard to overcook pork in a crockpot, it is possible. If the pork is too dry, it means it’s been cooked for too long. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness after about 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
Adjust the Spices to Your Liking: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spice rub! If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add more brown sugar. Make it your own!
Let It Rest: Once the pork is cooked, let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before shredding it. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the pork moist and tender. I learned this the hard way after shredding it immediately and it always resulted in drier pork. So be patient!
Save the Leftover Sauce: Don’t throw away the sauce from the crockpot! It’s packed with flavor and can be used to make a delicious gravy or added to soups and stews. I often save it to make BBQ beans.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your crockpot pulled pork:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the pork completely before storing it. I like to use glass containers because they don’t absorb odors.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the pulled pork in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Tip: I portion out the pork into smaller bags before freezing so that it is easy to grab only what I need.
Reheating Methods: You can reheat the pulled pork in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. For the microwave, heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For the stovetop, heat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little broth or BBQ sauce to keep it moist. For the oven, wrap it in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. My personal favorite is the stovetop method, because I can control the moisture level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, friends! My go-to crockpot pulled pork recipe that never fails to impress. It’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a delicious weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit. If you love this, you might also enjoy my crockpot ribs recipe – another family favorite! I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Feel free to leave a comment below with your own variations and tips. And don’t forget to rate this recipe if you loved it!
