Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork Recipe

This Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork is a tender, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its smoky, spicy rub and slow-cooked perfection, this pork comes out juicy, shreddable, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it on buns for a BBQ, as a taco filling, or with your favorite sides, this pulled pork is sure to be a hit!

Recipe Overview

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Calories: ~400 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• 4-5 lbs (1.8-2.2 kg) pork shoulder (also known as pork butt or Boston butt)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• 1/4 cup tomato paste (optional for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork:
Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder. Rub the pork all over with olive oil. Then, in a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure it’s evenly coated.

2. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Add the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth (or water) to the slow cooker, ensuring some of the liquid is at the bottom. For added richness, you can also stir in the tomato paste and BBQ sauce at this stage.

3. Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily. The slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld and the pork to become incredibly juicy and tender.

4. Shred the Pork:
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, discarding any remaining large pieces of fat.

5. Mix in the Juices:
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices in the slow cooker. If you want to add a little extra BBQ flavor, stir in more BBQ sauce to taste. Let it soak in the flavorful liquid for an additional 15 minutes on low before serving.

6. Serve:
Serve the Texas pulled pork on soft buns for sandwiches, or use it as a topping for tacos, nachos, or salads. You can also pair it with coleslaw for a classic BBQ meal.

Serving Suggestions

• BBQ Sandwiches: Pile the pulled pork onto soft hamburger buns and top with coleslaw and pickles for a classic BBQ sandwich.
• Tacos: Serve the pulled pork in soft tortillas with salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for delicious pulled pork tacos.
• On Rice: Serve the pulled pork over steamed rice with a side of roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
• On Nachos: Use the pulled pork as a topping for crispy nachos along with cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños.

Tips & Variations

• Add Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter pulled pork, add a bit of honey or more brown sugar to the rub or the cooking liquid.
• Spicy Kick: For extra heat, add a chopped jalapeño or increase the cayenne pepper in the rub.
• Searing Option: For more depth of flavor, you can sear the pork shoulder in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the rub for a smoky flavor without needing to use a smoker.

Storage & Reheating

• Store: Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat the pulled pork in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a little water or broth to keep it moist while reheating.

This Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. With its smoky and spicy profile, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe!

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