Tender, juicy pulled pork slow-cooked in a rich smoky barbecue sauce until it falls apart effortlessly. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, sliders, or loaded baked potatoes.

Ingredients

3–4 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt
1 large onion, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup beef broth or chicken broth
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Place sliced onions and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Season the pork with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Place the pork into the slow cooker.

In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, broth, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.

Pour the sauce over the pork.

Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours until the pork is very tender.

Remove the pork and shred it using two forks.

Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the sauce.

Cook another 15 minutes so the flavors combine beautifully.

Serving

Serve on toasted buns with coleslaw, pickles, or fries.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Tips

Use pork shoulder for the best texture
Do not trim too much fat for maximum flavor
Add extra barbecue sauce before serving
Toast buns for added crunch
A splash of hot sauce adds great heat

FAQ

Can I freeze pulled pork?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months.

What barbecue sauce works best?
Sweet smoky sauces pair perfectly with pork.

Can I make this spicy?
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

What sides go well with pulled pork?
Coleslaw, mac and cheese, cornbread, and potato salad are excellent choices.