Free: Healthy 5-Ingredient Meals Ebook
Get It Now- Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How To Make Pulled Pork In The Slow Cooker
- Storage Instructions
- What To Serve With Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- What To Do With Leftover Pulled Pork
- More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes
- Tools For This Recipe
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe (Easy!)
I have plenty of simple recipes, like baked chicken, tender seared pork chops, and melt-in-your-mouth sirloin steak. But with cooler weather, it’s time to bring out the slow cooker recipes, and this slow cooker pulled pork recipe is one of the simplest things you can do with your slow cooker next to Crock Pot pork chops! With just 10 minutes of prep, this Crock Pot pulled pork becomes a fall-apart tender masterpiece. Plus, it’s a versatile staple you can use in various other dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe
- Rich, savory taste
- Tender and juicy
- Simple, healthy ingredients
- 10 minutes of prep
- Hands-off cooking
- Versatile in so many dishes (or for meal prep!)
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for this pulled pork slow cooker recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Boneless Pork Shoulder – The best cut of meat for pulled pork is a pork shoulder roast, as it has ideal fat content to keep it nice and juicy, and gets incredibly tender when slow cooked. I prefer boneless for less fuss, but you can use bone-in and just remove the bone after shredding. You can also use pork butt (Boston butt). I recommend trimming the excess fat, which will make it easier to handle the final shredded pork later. Don’t remove all the fat, but keep just a little bit to keep the meat juicy.
- Spices – This pulled pork Crock Pot recipe uses a combination of smoked paprika, sea salt, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper for the best flavor. You could also use black pepper instead of cayenne if you prefer.
- Olive Oil – Or avocado oil.
- Onion – I used a white onion, but you could also use yellow onion.
- Broth – Bone broth will give your pork a rich, deep flavor, but you can also use regular beef broth or chicken broth. I used store-bought for convenience, but you could make homemade bone broth if you prefer.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Gives the sauce great tang, plus it acts as a tenderizer. You can substitute another vinegar if you like.
- Coconut Aminos – This soy sauce substitute adds a touch of sweetness and loads of flavor. You can also use soy sauce if you tolerate soy. Worcestershire sauce will also give a similar flavor, but has more sugar.
- Blackstrap Molasses – This is optional, but helps give the slow cooker pulled pork a sweet flavor and aroma. Some people prefer to add a touch of brown sugar, but molasses will give all the flavor with much less sugar.
VARIATION: Add liquid smoke for a smoky flavor!
If you like a smoky flavor, add a tablespoon of liquid smoke. This is optional and not in the ingredient list, but I think it makes the best Crock Pot pulled pork!
How To Make Pulled Pork In The Slow Cooker
This section shows how to make pulled pork in the Crock Pot, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Dry and season. Pat the trimmed pork dry with paper towels. Season with paprika, salt, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
- Brown. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork and sear until browned on the outside.
- Assemble. Place the diced onion into the slow cooker. Whisk together the broth, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and molasses. Place the pork roast into the slow cooker. Pour the broth mixture around (but not directly onto) the pork.
- Cook. Slow cook pulled pork until it is fall-apart tender.
- Shred. Transfer the pork roast to a bowl, and use two forks to gently pull the meat apart.
- Strain and mix. Strain the onions out of the slow cooker liquid using a strainer over a bowl. Pour the extra liquid over the pulled pork recipe and stir to combine.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers from your pulled pork recipe in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
How To Reheat Pulled Pork?
For moist reheated pork, avoid the microwave. Instead, use a baking dish. Top the pork with juices (or broth), cover with foil, and bake at 250-300 degrees F until warm.
Can You Freeze Pulled Pork?
Yes, you can freeze pulled pork recipes in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Serve this pulled pork recipe with some sides:
- Salads – Healthy salads like spring mix salad, a crunchy sweet kale salad, or a quick creamy cucumber salad all pair well with Crock Pot pulled pork.
- Starches – Potatoes or rice are popular options to soak up the juices. In the warmer months, potato salad goes very well with pork. I prefer lighter cauliflower potato salad or cauliflower rice, or hearty roasted sweet potatoes in the fall.
- Vegetable Sides – I love making these sandwiches with some air fried corn on the cob, but Pan fried cabbage, an easy zucchini side dish, or tender sauteed broccoli all pair well with pork.
- Appetizers – Make pulled pork sliders and serve them with your favorite appetizers like jalapeno poppers or garlic parm fries, or my favorite bacon wrapped asparagus.
What To Do With Leftover Pulled Pork
There are so many different ways to use this pulled pork recipe — you’ll love having leftovers! Choose your favorite way:
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches – Stuff pulled pork into your favorite bread, rolls, slider buns, or hamburger buns. Top with coleslaw for a crunchy topping and your favorite barbecue sauce.
- Tacos or Burritos – Top your favorite tortillas (flour, corn, or almond flour tortillas) with meat, salsa, cheese, and any other taco fixings.
- Pork Nachos – Top chips with this slow cooker pulled pork recipe and shredded cheese, then bake until melted. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try my cauliflower nachos, but swap out the meat for leftover pulled pork.
- Lettuce Wraps – Put warm pork into lettuce leaves (butter or iceberg work well) and top with a dressing or sauce.
- Pizza – Top your favorite pizza crust with your favorite BBQ sauce, shredded pork, red onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes
Looking for more easy Crock Pot recipes? Try some of my other favorites:
Tools For This Recipe
- Dutch Oven – I use this Dutch oven for searing because it heats evenly, making the perfect golden sear!
- Slow Cooker – You can program this slow cooker to start cooking at a specific time, which means dinner’s ready exactly when I want, even if I’m out all day!
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe (Easy!)
Make fall-apart tender, easy pulled pork in the Crock Pot! This slow cooker pulled pork recipe has fast 10-min prep, with simple ingredients.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
-
Use paper towels to pat the trimmed pork dry. Season all sides with smoked paprika, sea salt, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne. Rub in the seasonings with your hands. Let sit for 20 minutes.
-
Heat the oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork and sear for 1-2 minutes per side, until browned on the outside.
-
Meanwhile, place the diced onion into the slow cooker.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the broth, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and molasses.
-
Place the pork roast into the slow cooker. Pour the broth mixture around (but not directly onto) the pork.
-
Cook for 10-12 hours on Low, until pork is fall-apart tender.
-
Transfer the pork roast to a bowl, leaving the onions behind in the slow cooker. Shred the pork with two forks.
-
Strain the onions out of the slow cooker liquid using a colander over a bowl. Pour the extra liquid over the pulled pork and stir to combine. (Alternatively, you can remove the pork, strain the onions, then return to the slow cooker to shred with the liquid.)
Did You Like It?
Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.
Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
Nutrition info does not include onion, which gets strained out and discarded.
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. 🙂
27 Comments
Debbie
0Winner dinner! Made this for dinner last night and it was super tender and tasty. I don’t have a slow cooker, so I put it in a covered Dutch oven and put it in the oven at 210 for about eight hours. I served it with keto friendly buns and then a bacon and spinach salad. Thanks!
Jennifer DECASTRO
0Thanks you for sending hear recipes to me!!!!!
Amy
0I’m not usually a pork fan, but this was delicious! My kiddo made if for us for dinner and it was great after working all day. Thanks!
Trina
0This is one of the effortless recipes I always love to make and I can just throw this on the slow cooker and leave it there till it’s cooked. This is the first time I used coco aminos and I can’t tell the difference with the regular soy sauce. I took half of this batch for the kids separately as they don’t like spicy food and the other half, I added chili flakes and a little bit of hot sauce because I love it really spicy.
Paula
0I’ve been looking for pork recipes that are healthier. This one is so good and possibly my new favorite. Thank you!
Niki
0This was amazing! And a lifesaver too since I can use pulled pork in different meals! I’m definitely adding this recipe to my meal prep routine!
Sue
0Our family adores this recipe so much! It is simple and delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Chris
0This is DELICIOUS!!! Made it today while at work! It’s a little spicy but still 10-10 will make it again!!
Milena
0Delicious and versatile enough that you can serve it with bbq sauce if you feel like switching it up. I didn’t brown the pork butt as I like to shred it and then throw it in the oven under the broiler to crisp it up depending what I’m in the mood for (ie- toss in bbq sauce and then throw in oven). Very good recipe that doesn’t entail needing orange juice or lime juice.
Lisa Roth
0This looks wonderful. Can you post making this in an instant pot?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Lisa, You could make this in an Instant Pot, but I currently don’t have a recipe for that.
Justin
0Could I use a smoker to make this recipe? What adjustments would I need to make? Thanks!
Wholesome Yum A
0Hi Justin, I haven’t tested this with a smoker so it’s hard to say for certain. Let me know if you try it, though!
Marcy
0Can I make this using a pork loin roast?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Marcy, yes that would work.
Michele
0This is amazing! I rarely leave reviews, but I had to leave one for this. My brother and his wife are coming for Christmas and I’m trying to cook ahead. I made this so I could freeze it until they get here. I was having a hard time not eating it while I was bagging it up in a freezer bag. Thank you for the delicious recipe!
Shanna
0I would have to say this was one of the best pork shoulders I’ve ever made! Excellent, tasty and so tender. I paired it with the cilantro coleslaw and made sliders. They were absolutely delicious together. I was really happy that it made so much that I was able to freeze half of it so I can enjoy it again in the next few weeks.
Katy
0Dear Maya, I can’t wait to make this! I’m using in Instant Pot…should I use the Slow Cooker setting? Also I could only find bone-in pork shoulder… will that be ok?
Thanks so much! Your recipes are the best!
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Katy, Yes, if using your Instant Pot use the slow cooker function. Also, a bone-in pork shoulder should work just fine for you.
Althea
0So so easy to make and very delicious! I cooked the pork shoulder on low for about 10 hours and it just fell apart, and seasoning was very tasty. I drained most of the juices and added a couple of tablespoons to the pork or else it would have been too wet and salty. I made this into a burger with your fathead keto dinner rolls and keto coleslaw….oh delicious!!!!
Phee
0I’m a little confused about this recipe. It says 4lbs of boneless pork shoulder but then says 1 cup is a serving but also says it only makes 6 servings. Is 4lbs of pork really only 6 cups?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Phee, I measured the pulled pork after cooking and got 6 cups. The meat shrinks when it cooks, and also, pork shoulder has a lot of fat, which cooks down.
Jaclyn
0Easy, flavorful, and perfect for sandwiches or lettuce wraps!
Matt
0Such a yummy recipe and you are right super east. I love how easy it comes together, then you just wait! Delicious!
Wholesome Yum A
0I love how tender and juicy this recipe makes the pork, so good!
Toni
0This was really amazing! Such a huge hit at my house! A new favorite for my family.
Camille
0This is perfect!!