Ah, pulled pork! The epitome of slow cooker magic, perfect for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a satisfying sandwich piled high with tender, juicy goodness. Here’s how to achieve pulled pork perfection in your trusty crockpot:
Ingredients:
- 4-5 pound boneless pork shoulder roast (choose one with good marbling for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind!)
Instructions:
- Prep the pork: Preheat your slow cooker to low. Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels and trim off any excess fat. Rub the roast with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
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Build the flavor base: Pour the onion and garlic mixture into the slow cooker. Add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, chili powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Nestle the roast: Place the seasoned pork roast in the slow cooker, nestled amongst the flavorful sauce.
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Slow cook to perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and falls apart easily.
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Shred and sauce: Transfer the cooked pork to a large bowl or cutting board. Using two forks, shred the pork, discarding any large pieces of fat or connective tissue. Stir in the BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve and savor: Pile the pulled pork onto toasted buns, hamburger rolls, or even lettuce wraps. Top with your favorite BBQ sauce, coleslaw, pickles, red onion, and any other desired toppings. Dive in and enjoy!
Tips:
- For extra smoky flavor, add a few hickory or mesquite wood chips to the slow cooker when cooking.
- If your pork roast is lean, you can add a cup of chicken broth or beer to the slow cooker for extra moisture.
- Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
So there you have it – the recipe for perfect slow cooker pulled pork! With a little time and patience, your slow cooker will transform a humble pork shoulder into a thing of shredded, saucy, and utterly delicious beauty. Go forth, crockpot warriors, and conquer the world of pulled pork!
