Pulled pork, oh how you tantalize our taste buds! The tender, juicy texture and rich flavors that come from slow cooking a pork shoulder are simply irresistible. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a mouthwatering pulled pork dish that will impress your family and friends.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world with 18 tender slow cooker pulled pork recipes that pack bold flavors. From classic BBQ to international twists like Korean Gochujang and Japanese-inspired Teriyaki, there’s something for everyone. So grab your apron, get cozy with your slow cooker, and let’s dive into the world of deliciously tender pulled pork!
Classic BBQ Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Classic BBQ Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Get ready to tenderly slow cook a mouth-watering pulled pork dish that’s smothered in tangy BBQ flavor. This easy recipe is perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or simply a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to cover it evenly.
4. Place the pork in the slow cooker and add apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, and water.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Shred the pork with two forks and serve with additional BBQ sauce, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low), 4-6 hours (high)
Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This sweet and savory recipe transforms pork shoulder into tender, flavorful pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served with your favorite sides. With minimal prep work, this slow cooker recipe is a stress-free solution for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the pork in the slow cooker, drizzle with olive oil, and cook for 8-10 hours or overnight.
5. After 8 hours, use two forks to pull apart the pork into shreds. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low heat)
Spicy Chipotle Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This recipe combines the rich flavor of slow-cooked pork with a spicy kick from chipotle peppers, perfect for a delicious and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the pork shoulder and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Transfer the pork to the slow cooker. Add the chopped chipotle peppers, sliced onion, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook for 8-10 hours or overnight.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and serve on a bun or with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Apple Cider Vinegar Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Moisture-rich apple cider vinegar adds a unique twist to traditional slow-cooked pulled pork, making it perfect for sandwiches or served with your favorite sides. This easy recipe is a game-changer for any BBQ lover!
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the pork in the slow cooker and pour in the remaining vinegar mixture.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Shred the pork with two forks and serve.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Brown Sugar Bourbon Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Brown Sugar Bourbon Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of this slow-cooked pulled pork, infused with the richness of brown sugar and bourbon. Perfect for a cozy dinner or party.
- Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (or substitute with apple cider or water)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a slow cooker, combine the pork shoulder, brown sugar, bourbon (or substitute), Worcestershire sauce, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
- After 8 hours, shred the pork with two forks and return it to the slow cooker. Stir to combine with the juices.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours (low or high setting)
Coca-Cola Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Transform your slow cooker into a tenderizer with this Coca-Cola-infused pulled pork recipe. The result is a juicy, fall-apart masterpiece perfect for sandwiches or serving with your favorite sides.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup Coca-Cola
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine pork shoulder, Coca-Cola, brown sugar, vinegar, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on Low for 8-10 hours or High for 4-6 hours.
3. After 8 hours, use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme (optional).
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Dr Pepper Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
A sweet and tangy twist on classic pulled pork, this recipe combines the unique flavor of Dr Pepper with tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder. Perfect for a casual gathering or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup Dr Pepper
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Dr Pepper, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and cumin.
3. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour the Dr Pepper mixture over it.
4. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
5. Cook for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
6. Remove from heat and shred with two forks. Serve on a bun or with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Pineapple Teriyaki Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This recipe combines the tender flavors of slow-cooked pork with the sweetness of pineapple and the tanginess of teriyaki sauce, all in one delicious dish. Perfect for a stress-free Sunday dinner or a crowd-pleasing party.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, whisk together pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the pork shoulder and coat evenly with the sauce mixture.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Shred the pork with two forks and serve with additional teriyaki sauce, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Maple Dijon Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This sweet and tangy slow cooker recipe brings together the classic flavors of pulled pork with the added depth of maple syrup and Dijon mustard. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Season the pork shoulder with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour the maple-Dijon mixture over the top.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and serve.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Smoky Paprika Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
A tender and flavorful pulled pork recipe infused with the deep smokiness of paprika, perfect for a cozy night in. This slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine pork shoulder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, olive oil, onion, garlic, and chicken broth.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
5. Serve immediately on a bun or with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Root Beer Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Elevate your pulled pork game with this unique twist that combines the classic comfort of slow-cooked pork with the creamy sweetness of root beer. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 can (12 oz) of root beer
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 hamburger buns or soft rolls
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together root beer, brown sugar, garlic, and mustard. Pour the mixture over the sliced onion in the slow cooker.
3. Add the pork shoulder to the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
6. Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns or soft rolls, spooning some of that delicious root beer sauce over the top.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Korean Gochujang Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Experience the bold flavors of Korean cuisine with this slow-cooked pulled pork recipe, infused with the sweet and spicy essence of gochujang. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine pork shoulder, gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add sliced onion and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Use two forks to pull apart the pork into shreds.
5. Serve with your favorite sides, such as steamed bok choy or rice.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering. This slow cooker pulled pork is infused with the flavors of garlic, herbs, and spices, resulting in tender and juicy meat that falls apart easily.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, then place it in the slow cooker.
4. Add sliced onion on top of the pork and pour in chicken broth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Jerk Seasoned Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Transform your pork shoulder into tender, flavorful pulled pork with this easy slow cooker recipe. The perfect blend of spices and herbs will transport you to the Caribbean!
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Season the pork shoulder with jerk seasoning, brown sugar, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the pork in a slow cooker and add the pineapple juice and chicken broth.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Shred the pork with two forks and serve.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Orange Ginger Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This Orange Ginger Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe is perfect for a delicious and stress-free meal. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the pork with the sweet and tangy flavors of orange juice, ginger, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, soy sauce, ginger, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over it.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Shred the pork with two forks and serve.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Balsamic Glazed Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Rich and tender pulled pork gets a sweet and tangy twist with the addition of balsamic glaze, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or serving as a main course.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine pork shoulder, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small bowl.
4. Pour the glaze over the pork and continue cooking until the pork is tender and caramelized.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and serve.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
Texas-Style Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Get ready for a mouth-watering, slow-cooked masterpiece that’s perfect for casual gatherings or everyday meals. This recipe combines the classic flavors of Texas with tender, fall-apart pulled pork.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup chili powder
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup beer (optional)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Season the pork shoulder with chili powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the pork in a slow cooker and add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and beer (if using).
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
5. Serve with your favorite barbecue sauce and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Carolina Mustard Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Elevate your slow cooker game with this mouthwatering Carolina Mustard Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe. The sweet and tangy flavors of mustard, brown sugar, and spices will have you hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup Carolina-style mustard (e.g., Duke’s)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together mustard, brown sugar, vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and sprinkle the mustard mixture evenly over it.
4. Add the chopped onion on top of the pork.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Once cooked, use two forks to shred the pork into tender strands.
Cooking Time: Low: 8-10 hours | High: 4-6 hours
Summary
Get ready to elevate your slow cooker game with these mouthwatering pulled pork recipes! From classic BBQ to bold and adventurous flavors, there’s something for every taste bud. Try Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, Spicy Chipotle Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, or Apple Cider Vinegar Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Or go sweet with Brown Sugar Bourbon Slow Cooker Pulled Pork or Maple Dijon Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. And for a twist, try Coca-Cola or Dr Pepper-infused pulled pork! With 18 different recipes to choose from, you’ll never get bored of the same old pulled pork.
