Are you dreaming of tender, juicy pulled pork, but short on time? This Southern Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe is your answer! Forget hours spent tending a barbecue; this easy recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend gathering, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a delicious example of homemade cooking at its finest – a truly satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb boneless pork shoulder (butt roast)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Your favorite BBQ sauce (for serving)
- Hamburger buns (optional)
- Coleslaw (optional)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Season the pork shoulder generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin.
Slow Cooking the Pork:
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the mixture over the pork shoulder.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
Shredding and Serving:
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Using two forks, shred the pork.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the cooking liquid.
- Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns with your favorite BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and any other desired toppings.
Tips for the Best Pulled Pork:
- Don't overcrowd your slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the pork to cook evenly.
- Trim excess fat: While some fat is good for flavor, trimming excess fat will help prevent the finished product from being too greasy.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own unique flavor profile. A dash of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick!
- Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. The pulled pork can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Variations:
- Spicy Pulled Pork: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the cooking liquid.
- Carolina Pulled Pork: Use a vinegar-based BBQ sauce for a tangier flavor.
- Hawaiian Pulled Pork: Add pineapple chunks to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g
This Southern Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. It's a perfect example of how easy healthy meals can be, even on busy weeknights. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones. Enjoy!