Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Shoulder
In short: Pork shoulder rubbed with smoky spices and cooked low and slow with onions and cider vinegar until it shreds with a fork. It takes about 8 h 15 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 8 h
- Total
- 8 h 15 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 330 kcal
Pulled pork is one of the best reasons to own a slow cooker. A cheap pork shoulder goes in with a spice rub, onions and a splash of vinegar, and eight hours later it falls apart into juicy strands. The vinegar cuts the richness, and the cooking juices keep the meat moist. Pile it into soft rolls with slaw, spoon it over rice or stuff tortillas. A single batch feeds a crowd and the leftovers freeze well.
Instructions
- Mix the sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pat the pork dry and rub the spice mixture all over every chunk. For more flavor, wrap it and chill it overnight.
- Scatter the sliced onion and garlic over the base of the slow cooker and set the pork on top. Pour the vinegar and water around the meat, not over it, so the rub stays in place.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the pork shreds with very little pressure. The center should read 90 to 95°C (195 to 205°F).
- Lift the pork onto a board and shred it with two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Skim the fat from the cooking juices, then stir 120 to 180 ml (1/2 to 3/4 cup) of juices back into the meat to moisten it.
- Serve piled on rolls or tortillas with slaw and pickles.
Tips
- Do not add extra liquid. The pork and onions release plenty of juice, and a watery pot dilutes the flavor.
- For a crisp edge, spread the shredded pork on a tray, drizzle with some juices and broil for 3 to 5 minutes.
Questions and answers
Can I cook pulled pork on high instead of low?
Yes. High takes about 5 to 6 hours, low 8 to 10. Low gives slightly more tender, juicier meat, so use it when you have the time.
How do I freeze leftover pulled pork?
Cool it, pack it with some of the cooking juices in freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Should I use bone-in or boneless pork shoulder?
Either works. Bone-in adds flavor but needs about an hour longer and yields a little less meat. Remove the bone before shredding.
How long does it take to make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Shoulder?
About 8 h 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 8 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Shoulder?
About 330 kcal per serving, with 32 g of protein, 5 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 330 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
