Delicious Crock Pot Barbecued Pulled Pork
I have made this a number of times over the years, a long marinating time and slow cooking is the secret here! This is an easy recipe with wonderful results! You must plan ahead; the roast needs to marinate for 24 hours or even up to 3 days. If you are a garlic lover, cut slits in the roast and stuff with whole garlic cloves if desired. If you have plastic gloves, then use them to rub the spices into the meat; if not, be careful, the cayenne is very hot. You will love this!
I have made this a number of times over the years, a long marinating time and slow cooking is the secret here! This is an easy recipe with wonderful results! You must plan ahead; the roast needs to marinate for 24 hours or even up to 3 days. If you are a garlic lover, cut slits in the roast and stuff with whole garlic cloves if desired. If you have plastic gloves, then use them to rub the spices into the meat; if not, be careful, the cayenne is very hot. You will love this!
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 onions thinly sliced
- 3 teaspoons seasoning salt
- 1 1/2-2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 (4 lb) pork shoulder or 1 (4 lb) pork butt
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (or mix in 3 teaspoons garlic
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder (use if omitting the fresh garlic)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1 large green bell pepper seeded and cut into strips
- 2 (18 ounce) bottlesfavorite barbecue sauce
- Carbohydrate 23.0544141818687 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.166246666666667 g
- Fiber 1.32241670576731 g
- Protein 0.754197500018598 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0453766666666667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (86g)
- Sodium 1170.39033333767 mg
- Sugar 21.7319974761014 g
- Trans Fat 0.0308325 g
- Calories 92 calories
Step-by-step
- If you are using fresh garlic then rub onto the roast (you may use both the fresh and garlic powder if you are a lover of garlic).
- In a small bowl mix together seasoning salt, black pepper and 3 teaspoons garlic powder (if using) cumin, paprika, and cayenne, then using clean hands rub the roast well with the spices using pressure to make certain that the spices penetrate deep into the meat.
- Place the roast in a bowl, cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 24 hours or up to 3 days.
- Place the onions and bell pepper strips in the bottom of the crock pot, then place the roast over the onions and peppers.
- In a bowl mix together barbecue sauce and brown sugar, then pour over the roast.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, or until the roast is cooked and tender.
- Transfer the roast to a cutting board.
- Pull pork into coarse shreds using 2 forks.
- Serve the pork on a bun or over cooked rice topped off with the sauce.
My Go-To Crock Pot Pulled Pork: A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present dinner dilemma. That's why I rely heavily on my trusty crock pot. It's my secret weapon against weeknight cooking stress, and this Crock Pot Barbecued Pulled Pork recipe is a star player in my repertoire. It's incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy, and best of all, it practically cooks itself!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. The long marinating time – I usually let it sit for at least 24 hours, sometimes even longer – is key to developing that deep, rich barbecue flavor that everyone craves. While the pork is marinating, I can focus on other things; prepping lunches for the week, catching up on emails, or just enjoying a rare moment of peace. Then, it’s simply a matter of tossing everything into the crock pot in the morning before heading out for the day. The aroma that greets me when I come home is enough to make the whole day worthwhile.
One of the things I love about this recipe is its adaptability. I’m a firm believer in customizing recipes to fit your tastes and preferences. Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper depending on how spicy you like things; a little goes a long way! If you’re a garlic fiend like me, don’t hesitate to add extra cloves to the roast. And if you want to add a touch of your own personal flair, experiment with different types of barbecue sauce. I've tried everything from tangy Carolina vinegar-based sauces to sweet and smoky Kansas City styles, and each one offers a unique flavor profile.
Beyond weeknight dinners, this recipe is a lifesaver for parties and gatherings. It's easily scaled up to feed a crowd, and it’s always a huge hit. I’ve served it at family reunions, potlucks, and even casual get-togethers with friends, and it’s consistently praised for its tender, juicy meat and addictive smoky barbecue flavor. The leftovers, if there are any, are just as delicious the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead option.
The best part? The cleanup is a breeze! The crock pot does most of the work, leaving you with minimal dishes to wash. This is crucial for a busy mom like me who doesn’t have time for hours of kitchen clean-up after a long day.
This Crock Pot Barbecued Pulled Pork recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple, flavorful cooking. It’s a recipe that embodies the spirit of effortless elegance, allowing me to spend quality time with my family without sacrificing on delicious, home-cooked meals. So, whether you're a seasoned home cook or a culinary novice, I encourage you to try this recipe. You won't be disappointed.
Tips and Tricks for Pulled Pork Perfection:
- Marinate it longer: The longer the pork marinates, the more flavorful it will be. I often marinate mine overnight or even for a couple of days.
- Don't overcrowd the crock pot: Make sure there's enough space for the pork to cook evenly. If needed, cook it in batches.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) for ultimate tenderness.
- Shred it gently: Use two forks to gently shred the pork, avoiding over-shredding which can make it dry.
- Get creative with the toppings: Experiment with different toppings like coleslaw, pickled onions, or even a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
- Make it your own: Feel free to adjust the seasonings and spices to your liking. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a sprinkle of brown sugar, or whatever strikes your fancy.
This recipe is a true kitchen staple, perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. So, go ahead and give it a try – you won’t regret it!
