Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

This slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe for flavorful pork that practically melts in your mouth. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have tender, fall-apart meat that’s you can serve many different ways. Whether you’re making sandwiches, stuffing baked potatoes, or meal prepping , this easy pulled pork recipe is an easy win. Instructions to make this easy BBQ pulled pork in the Instant Pot are also included.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

• Pork Butt or Shoulder
• BBQ Sauce
• Seasonings: salt, paprika, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper
• Water or Chicken Broth
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Liquid Smoke (optional)

How To Make BBQ Pulled Pork In The Crockpot

Prepare the pork:

1. In a small bowl, mix together all the seasonings until blended. Season the pork evenly all over with all of the seasoning blend.

Slow Cooker

1. Add broth (or water), apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
2. Add prepared pork to the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour BBQ sauce on top.
3. Cook HIGH 4-5 hours or LOW 8-10.
4. Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred. Place shredded pork back into the slow cooker until ready to serve.

Instant Pot

1. Pour the broth (or water) to the Instant Pot. Add the prepared pork.
2. Mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using). Pour the mixture on top of the pork. Do not stir.
3. Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure and cook for 15 minutes per pound of pork. When the cook time is done, let the pressure release naturally.
4. Remove pork from the Instant Pot and shred. Place shredded pork back into the Instant Pot until ready to serve.

What Is BBQ Pulled Pork?

Pulled Pork is Southern American recipe where pork rubbed with spices and then slow cooked until it’s so tender it pulls apart. BBQ pulled pork is pulled pork with BBQ sauce. It’s not rocket science. There are thousands of BBQ pulled pork recipes out there. It’s one of those dishes where everyone has their own recipe. My version uses my homemade seasoning and your favorite BBQ sauce.

What Cut Of Pork To Use

Slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is usually made with pork shoulder or  pork butt. What’s the difference between the two? Both cuts are from the shoulder of the pig but pork butt (aka Boston butt) is located higher up while pork shoulder (aka picnic shoulder/roast) is farther down. Should you use a boneless or bone-in cut of pork? That’s up to you! They both work fine with the recipe so chalk it up to personal preference. I used a 4.5 pound bone-in pork shoulder.

Choosing a BBQ Sauce

The BBQ sauce really makes or breaks the recipe in my opinion. If you don’t have any dietary restrictions, use whatever sauce you want. I tend to use my homemade BBQ sauce. It’s both paleo and Whole30 compatible. If you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, G Hughes is my go-to store bought brand.

How To Serve Pulled Pork

Do you put slaw on your pulled pork sandwich or eat it as a side? I like to add mine on top. My avocado slaw recipe is a great accompaniment for this BBQ pulled pork recipe. For paleo, low-carb, & Whole30, ditch the bun & serve shredded pork plated or in lettuce wraps.

FAQs & Tips

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze any leftover pulled pork for up to 3 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to use.
• I use a 6-quart slow cooker or Instant Pot to make this recipe.

BBQ Recipes

• Pulled Chicken

• Beef Back

• Homemade Sauce 

• Brisket

• Pork Ribs

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

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This slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe for flavorful pork that practically melts in your mouth. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have tender, fall-apart meat that’s you can serve many different ways. Whether you’re making sandwiches, stuffing baked potatoes, or meal prepping , this easy pulled pork recipe is an easy win. Instructions to make this easy BBQ pulled pork in the Instant Pot are also included.

• Author: Shannon Epstein
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 5 mins
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder or butt (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (save the 1/2 cup for serving)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1/3 cup water or chicken broth for slow cooker, 1 cup for Instant Pot

Homemade Seasoning Blend: 

• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the pork:

1. In a small bowl, mix together all the seasonings until blended. Season the pork evenly all over with all of the seasoning blend.

Slow Cooker

1. Add broth (or water), apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
2. Add prepared pork to the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour BBQ sauce on top.
3. Cook HIGH 4-5 hours or LOW 8-10.
4. Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred. Place shredded pork back into the slow cooker until ready to serve.

Instant Pot

1. Pour the broth (or water) to the Instant Pot. Add the prepared pork.
2. Mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using). Pour the mixture on top of the pork. Do not stir.
3. Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure and cook for 15 minutes per pound of pork. When the cook time is done, let the pressure release naturally.
4. Remove pork from the Instant Pot and shred. Place shredded pork back into the Instant Pot until ready to serve.

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