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Cozy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe Easy Set It And Forget Comfort Food

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This slow cooker pulled pork recipe is a cozy, effortless, and delicious comfort food that requires minimal prep and delivers tender, juicy, smoky, and tangy pulled pork perfect for gatherings or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), with good marbling
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth or water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dry Rub: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1½ teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to evenly blend the spices.
  2. Season the Pork: Pat the 3-4 pound pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, pressing it into the meat to coat thoroughly. Optionally, wrap and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Optional Sear the Pork: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Sear the pork on all sides until brown and caramelized, about 3 minutes per side. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped.
  4. Add to Slow Cooker: Place the pork shoulder into the slow cooker. Pour ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and ½ cup chicken broth or water around the pork.
  5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is tender enough to shred easily. Alternatively, cook on high for 4-5 hours if short on time.
  6. Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks or meat claws. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir into the juices.
  7. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot on buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides.

Notes

For juicier pork, mix shredded pork back into cooking juices. Searing the pork before slow cooking adds extra flavor but is optional. Avoid opening the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain heat. Refrigerate the seasoned pork overnight for deeper flavor if time allows. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce for gluten-free version. Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, pulled pork recipe, easy pulled pork, comfort food, BBQ pulled pork, slow cooker recipes, pork shoulder, set it and forget it

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