Crockpot Pulled Pork: A Mouthwatering Recipe for Effortless Weeknight Meals
Are you ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort? Look no further than this Crockpot Pulled Pork recipe! This slow-cooked masterpiece is incredibly tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend gatherings. Forget spending hours in the kitchen – your crockpot will do all the hard work!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients to create an extraordinary dish. Here's what you'll need:
- 3-4 lb Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt): This cut is ideal for slow cooking, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful pulled pork.
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce: Your favorite brand will do! Feel free to experiment with different flavors.
- 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a delightful tanginess that complements the richness of the pork.
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar: For a touch of sweetness that balances the savory notes.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: A dash of umami to deepen the flavor profile.
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder: A fragrant and savory addition.
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder: Another flavor booster that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: For a smoky depth that elevates the pulled pork to another level.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Essential seasonings for bringing out the best in your pork.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps to create unbelievably delicious Crockpot Pulled Pork:
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Prep the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Rub the seasoning into the pork thoroughly.
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Into the Crockpot: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in your slow cooker.
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Create the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
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Pour and Cook: Pour the sauce evenly over the pork shoulder. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is easily shredded with a fork.
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Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the pork from the crockpot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Mix some of the cooking liquid back into the shredded pork for extra moisture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
The possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas to make your pulled pork even more amazing:
- Classic: Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw.
- Elevated: Create pulled pork tacos with your favorite toppings.
- Gourmet: Use it as a filling for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.
- Side Dishes: Pair it with classic sides like mac and cheese, cornbread, or potato salad.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a chopped onion or some diced bell peppers to the crockpot along with the pork.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
- Make it your own: Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce to find your perfect flavor combination.
This Crockpot Pulled Pork recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy! Don't forget to share your culinary creations using #CrockpotPulledPork #SlowCookerRecipes #EasyRecipes.
