Description
A tender, flavorful pulled pork recipe made in a slow cooker with a tangy Carolina-style BBQ sauce. This set-it-and-forget-it meal is perfect for feeding a crowd on a budget.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 pounds pork shoulder (Boston Butt)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups tangy Carolina BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and trim any large chunks of hard fat. Cut into 2-3 large chunks if necessary to fit in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to create the dry rub.
- Place the pork chunks in the slow cooker or a large bowl. Pour the dry rub over the meat and massage it in thoroughly to coat all sides.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Carolina BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce. Pour half of this mixture over the seasoned pork in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours (LOW is recommended for best texture). The pork is done when it is fork-tender and shreds easily.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks or tongs, discarding any large pieces of fat or bone.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Pour the remaining BBQ sauce mixture over the meat and add the butter. Stir to combine.
- Let the pork sit on LOW for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the butter to melt.
- Serve immediately on toasted buns with coleslaw and extra sauce on the side.
Notes
For best results, cook on LOW heat to break down connective tissues without drying out the meat. Reserve half the sauce to add after shredding to prevent sogginess. Add butter at the end for a richer texture. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup pork + 2 tbsp
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 28
Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, BBQ recipe, Carolina BBQ sauce, pork shoulder, easy dinner, meal prep, freezer friendly