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A pulled pork sandwich with pickled onions and coleslaw on a black plate, with a similar sandwich blurred in the background.
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This easy pulled pork is full of flavor! It's great for making sandwiches, or adding to your favorite meals.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time8 hours
Total Time8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the pork

  • 3-4 pounds pork shoulder boneless or bone-in
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

For the rub

  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

For the cooking liquid

  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional, for extra heat

Instructions

  • Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the pork all over with olive oil.
    3-4 pounds pork shoulder, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, cumin, and dry mustard. Coat the pork thoroughly with the rub, pressing it into all sides.
    2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons fine sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • Place the pork in the slow cooker. In a liquid measuring cup, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and hot sauce, if using. Pour the mixture around the pork, not directly over the top so the rub stays intact.
    1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  • Transfer the pork to a large bowl or cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then shred using two forks, discarding excess fat. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss with a few spoonfuls of the cooking liquid to lightly coat.
  • Taste and add additional cooking liquid if desired.
  • Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw and pickled red onions.
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