This simple slow cooker pulled pork is made with my homemade BBQ sauce – it smells amazing as it cooks slowly all day and is tender and tasty.
Slow cooker pulled pork
Pulled pork is one of those dishes that can be served all year round. Perfect for potlucks or large gatherings to feed a crowd without spending much time in the kitchen. I created this leaner version of pulled pork with boneless pork sirloin and homemade BBQ sauce that gave me complete control over what was added. Check out more slow cooker recipes for easy dinner ideas.
How to prepare pulled pork in a slow cooker
You don’t need a lot of liquid to cook pork in a slow cooker because juices are released as it cooks. I use just enough to season the pork along with the pork’s reserved juices and serve the additional BBQ sauce as a side dish.
If your slower cooker gets too hot, you may need to add half a cup of water or broth, or you may need to replace the device. I would also recommend checking your pork after five hours – if it’s shredded slightly, it’s done.
I used the smallest roast I could find as I made it for my family. Depending on the size of your pork loin, you will need to change the amount of BBQ sauce. Keep in mind that the pork will shrink after cooking so be sure to weigh it cooked. I added two tablespoons of BBQ sauce for every 3 ounces of cooked pork, along with some of the reserved juices from the pork. (If your kids don’t like BBQ sauce, set some of the pork aside for them before putting it back in the pot.)
I used the 6 Quart Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker (Affil Link) to make this BBQ Pulled Pork. I love it because you can set the time the crock pot cooks and it automatically warms up when it’s done. It also has a probe for meat that automatically turns off when it’s done. This slow cooker is so great that I actually own several!
What to serve with pulled pork
I made pulled pork sandwiches with a really good, quick coleslaw made of grated cabbage, carrots, a little vinegar, salt and a hint of olive oil. It would also be great on baked potatoes or tacos. You can serve the pork alone with a side dish of macaroni and cheese, corn, tomato, and avocado salad, or rice pilaf.
Variations:
- Taking apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar.
- If you don’t have liquid smoke, skip it or flavor the pork with smoked paprika for a smoky taste.
- You can use pork shoulder if you prefer.
- If you don’t have time to make the pulled pork sauce, you can purchase a BBQ sauce from the store – just make sure it doesn’t contain high fructose corn syrup.
- To prepare this pork in the Instant Pot, follow the same instructions, but using the meat / stew function, add 1 cup of broth and cook until the pork shreds easily with a fork, about 40 minutes.
More Slow Cooker Pork Recipes You’ll Love:
Slow cooker pulled pork
Preparation time: 5 Minutes
Cooking time: 7th hours
Total time: 7th hours 5 Minutes
This simple slow cooker pulled pork is made with my homemade BBQ sauce – it smells amazing as it cooks slowly all day and is tender and tasty.
- 2.5 lb Boneless pork sirloin, Middle cut, freed from all fat
- 2 teaspoon Red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoon Hickory liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sea-salt
- 1 Cup Homemade Kansas City BBQ Sauce
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Place the pork in the slow cooker and season with salt, vinegar, garlic powder, and liquid smoke.
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Cover and set on high for 6 hours.
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Remove the pork and transfer to a large bowl; Save all of the liquid in a cup and set aside.
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Use two forks to mince the pork and return it to the slow cooker along with about 3/4 cup of the retained liquid and BBQ sauce (I used 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce for every 3 oz of cooked pork).
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Cook on the highest setting for 1 hour more.
* Nutritional information only applies to pork, bread is charged extra.
Portion: 3rdoz pork + 2 tbsp sauce, Calories: 203kcal, Carbohydrates: 12.5G, Protein: 30.5G, Fat: 3rdG, Saturated fatty acids: 1G, Cholesterol: 92mg, Sodium: 593.5mg, Fiber: 0.5G, Sugar: 10.5G
Blue Smart Points: 6th
Green smart points: 6th
Purple Smart Points: 6th
Points +: 5
Keywords: Pulled Pork Recipe, Slow Cooker Recipes
