Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
Crockpot BBQ pulled pork made with tender, slow cooked pork and rich barbecue sauce, an easy set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
Ingredients
- 5 lb pork shoulder butt roast (boneless)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Spice Rub
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder (optional)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Add all of the spice rub ingredients to a small bowl and stir until evenly mixed.
- Pat the pork roast dry using paper towels. Rub the olive oil over the entire surface, then coat generously with the spice mixture, pressing it into the meat.
- Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker. Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic around the roast.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F.
- Transfer the pork to a cutting board and shred using two forks. Stir the shredded meat back into some of the cooking juices to keep it moist. Serve warm with BBQ sauce if desired.
Notes
- Cut of pork: Pork shoulder butt works best for slow cooking, but picnic roast or pork loin can also be used. Bone-in or boneless both work, just remove the bone before shredding.
- Fat layer: A thicker fat cap adds flavor during cooking. You can trim excess fat before cooking or skim it off after shredding.
- Extra smoky flavor: A small amount of liquid smoke can be added to the slow cooker if desired.
- Optional searing: Browning the pork in a skillet before slow cooking adds deeper flavor, but it is not required.
- Serving ideas: This pulled pork works well in sandwiches, tacos, burritos, over mashed potatoes, or alongside classic BBQ sides.
- Sauce choice: The pork is seasoned with a dry rub. BBQ sauce can be mixed in after shredding or served on the side so everyone can add their own.
Nutrition
Calories: 298kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 28gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 937mgPotassium: 564mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 1021IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 2mg
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