Description
This BBQ Pulled Pork recipe features tender, smoky pork shoulder slow-cooked with a flavorful spice rub and served with rich barbecue sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or on its own, it offers a juicy and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt): 4 to 5 pounds, well-marbled for maximum juiciness
- BBQ Spice Rub:
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Liquid for Cooking:
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- BBQ Sauce: 1 cup of your favorite rich, smoky barbecue sauce
- Optional: Hamburger buns, coleslaw, pickles for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Score the fat cap lightly in a crisscross pattern to help the rub penetrate.
- Apply the Spice Rub: Combine all the spice rub ingredients. Massage the rub thoroughly over the entire pork shoulder. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: In a slow cooker, mix apple cider vinegar, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Place pork on top. Cook on low 8 to 10 hours or high 4 to 5 hours until tender.
- Shred the Pork: Remove pork, reserving cooking liquid. Shred meat with two forks, discard excess fat. Mix some cooking liquid into pork to keep moist.
- Heat the BBQ Sauce: Stir barbecue sauce into shredded pork. Warm over low heat 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve on hamburger buns or preferred sides. Add coleslaw or pickles if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Choose a pork shoulder with good marbling for juiciness.
- Slow cooking unlocks deep flavor and tender meat.
- Spice rub can be adjusted to taste for heat or sweetness.
- Leftovers make great sandwiches or quick meals.
- Serve with coleslaw or pickles for crunch contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: BBQ pulled pork, slow cooker pulled pork, pork shoulder recipe, barbecue pork, pulled pork sandwich