Slow Cooker Pork Recipes: Tender, Juicy, and Delicious
Pork is a versatile and flavorful meat that's perfect for slow cooking. A crock pot allows the pork to become incredibly tender and juicy, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. These slow cooker pork recipes are designed to be simple, yet deliver amazing results. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes are sure to impress.
Classic Pulled Pork
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic base for many other dishes. The slow cooking process breaks down the pork, making it incredibly easy to shred.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb pork shoulder (butt roast)
- 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the pork: Generously season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Combine liquids: In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Place in crock pot: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour the liquid mixture over the pork.
- Cook low and slow: Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is easily shredded.
- Shred and mix: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Mix the shredded pork with the cooking liquid and BBQ sauce.
- Serve: Serve on buns with your favorite coleslaw and other toppings.
Sweet and Spicy Pork
This recipe adds a kick to the classic pulled pork, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb pork shoulder (butt roast)
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (consider a spicy variety)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp sriracha or your favorite hot sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the pork: Season the pork shoulder generously with salt, pepper, and ginger.
- Combine ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, honey, sriracha (or hot sauce), and soy sauce.
- Place in crock pot: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork.
- Cook: Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is easily shredded.
- Shred and serve: Shred the pork and serve as desired.
Tips for Crock Pot Pork Perfection:
- Don't overcrowd the crock pot: Ensure there's enough space for the pork to cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the pork to ensure it reaches a safe temperature of 190°F (88°C).
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different coleslaws, sauces, and sides to create unique flavor combinations.
- Make it ahead: Slow cooker pork is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
These recipes provide a fantastic starting point for your slow cooker pork adventures. Remember to adjust seasonings and ingredients to your preference and enjoy the delicious results! Experiment with different BBQ sauces, spices, and sides to create your own signature slow cooker pork dishes.
