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Flavor-loaded crock pot BBQ pulled pork glistening with smoky sauce in a black slow cooker, freshly shredded and ready to serve

Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Pork

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Servings 10

Equipment

  • Crock Pot or slow cooker
  • Small bowl for mixing spices
  • Measuring spoons
  • Two large forks or tongs for shredding

Ingredients
  

  • 4 lb (1.8 kg) boneless pork shoulder
  • 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce of your choice
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth or water
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked paprika recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions
 

  • Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels on all sides.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cumin until evenly combined.
  • Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, pressing firmly so it adheres to every surface.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. (Optional but highly recommended.)
  • Place the sliced onion in an even layer at the bottom of the Crock Pot.
  • Set the pork shoulder on top of the onions. Pour the chicken broth around the sides of the pork, being careful not to pour it directly over the spice rub.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
  • Once cooked, remove the pork and place it on a large cutting board or tray. Use two forks to shred the meat into fine strands, discarding any large pieces of fat.
  • Add the BBQ sauce to the shredded pork and mix until every strand is fully coated. For a thicker sauce, warm the BBQ sauce in a skillet before mixing.
  • Serve hot on brioche buns, in tacos, over rice, or as sliders. Enjoy!

Notes

Storage
  • Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • Freezer: Up to 3 months in zip-lock bags or freezer containers.
  • Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth, or in the slow cooker on LOW until warmed through.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 320 | Protein: 29g | Fat: 15g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Sugars: 12g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 780mg