Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Try this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 3-4 lbs pork loin as much of the fat trimed off as possibl
- 1 1/2 cup of bbq sauce - i highly recommend using one that h
- at least 4 tbsp of the pork rub seasoning below - i use the entire amount below for a 3-4 lb pork loin but feel free to reduce the amount if you'd prefer a little less for your tastes
- 1 tbsp black pepper ground
- 4 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tbsp onion powder
- Carbohydrate 26.7626956492591 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.59205854474529 g
- Fiber 4.34835221250369 g
- Protein 2.21596250423203 g
- Saturated Fat 0.249712979639535 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -4 lbs of Pulled pork (10-12 servings) (53g)
- Sodium 18.5101250275983 mg
- Sugar 22.4143434367554 g
- Trans Fat 0.188302792029125 g
- Calories 115 calories
Step-by-step
- Cover the pork loin in the desired amount of the pork rub. Make sure that it covers all surfaces of the meat.
- Place the meat into the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients and cook on LOW for 8 hours. You can also set this to cook on HIGH for 6 Hours.
- Once the pork loin has cooked, turn off the slow cooker and remove the meat.
- Cut the meat into 4-6 large chunks so it's easier to work with when shredding.
- If you have a stand mixer, place 2-3 chunks of the meat into the bowl and turn on to the lowest speed using the paddle attachment. Keep a close eye on it so that it doesn't get "over-shred". This will shred the pork without much effort. Take the pork out of the stand mixer and mix with the liquid in the slow cooker. Continue to shred the remaining pork in the mixer, remove and combine with the liquid in the slow cooker.
- If you don't have a stand mixer, The pork should be tender enough that you can shred the pieces with two forks. It will take a little longer to shred using this method but it won't be too difficult since the meat will be tender. Once the meat is shredded combine with the liquid in the slow cooker.
- You can use the pulled pork on a sandwich, pulled pork pizza, pulled pork tacos, etc. There are so many options for using pulled pork!
My Go-To Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Juggling work, kids' activities, and keeping a semblance of order in my household leaves little room for elaborate cooking projects. That's why I've become completely reliant on my slow cooker. It's my culinary secret weapon, transforming even the most mundane weeknights into opportunities for delicious, home-cooked meals. This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe is a perfect example – it's incredibly simple, requires minimal prep time, and yields incredibly tender, flavorful pork that’s perfect for a variety of meals.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. I often adjust it based on what's in my pantry and what my family is craving. Sometimes I add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick, other times I experiment with different BBQ sauces – from smoky chipotle to sweet and tangy. The possibilities are endless! I’ve even been known to sneak in a few finely diced jalapeños for a little heat, much to the delight (and sometimes surprise!) of my family.
The process itself is remarkably straightforward. I usually prep everything the night before – measuring out the spices, trimming the pork loin, and giving it a good rub down with the seasoning blend. This way, all I have to do in the morning is toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic throughout the day. The aroma that wafts through the house as it cooks is pure comfort – a delicious promise of a satisfying dinner awaiting us after a long day. It’s a small gesture, but it makes our evenings feel so much more special.
Once the pork is cooked, the shredding process is relatively quick. I usually use two forks, but if I’m feeling extra efficient (or lazy!), I might even enlist the help of my stand mixer. It's amazing how effortless this makes the shredding process. The result is perfectly tender and juicy pulled pork, ready to be used in countless ways.
This slow cooker pulled pork is so versatile; it's become a staple in my meal rotation. One day it might be piled high on toasted brioche buns with coleslaw for delicious pulled pork sandwiches. Another day, I'll use it to create flavorful pulled pork tacos, loaded with fresh cilantro, onions, and a dollop of sour cream. And when I'm feeling adventurous, I transform it into a unique pulled pork pizza topping – a family favorite that always disappears in a flash.
Beyond the convenience and adaptability, this recipe offers a deep sense of satisfaction. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients, slow cooking, and a little bit of love. It’s a meal that nourishes not only our bodies, but also our souls, reminding me that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, there’s always time for a comforting, delicious home-cooked meal. It's a small act of self-care that brings our family together, one forkful at a time.
I've experimented with various pork rubs, and my current favorite is a combination of paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper. The blend provides a beautifully balanced profile of sweet, smoky, and savory notes that perfectly complement the rich flavor of the pork. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking; the beauty of cooking is that it's a journey of personal discovery and flavor exploration.
The slow cooker is more than just a kitchen appliance; it’s a time-saver, a stress reliever, and a catalyst for creating delicious memories. This pulled pork recipe is a prime example of how it helps me navigate the everyday demands of life while still providing my family with hearty, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meals. This recipe, in its simplicity, perfectly embodies the spirit of home-cooked goodness: comforting, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the rub for extra heat.
- Sweet and smoky: Use a smoky BBQ sauce for a richer flavor profile.
- Citrus twist: Add a tablespoon of orange or lime juice to the slow cooker for a bright, refreshing touch.
- Make it a meal prep staple: Double or triple the recipe and freeze portions for busy weeknights.
This slow cooker pulled pork isn’t just a recipe; it’s a lifeline for busy individuals like myself. It's a testament to the idea that delicious, home-cooked meals are attainable, even when time feels like the most precious commodity. Give it a try – I promise you won't regret it!
