Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This straightforward slow cooker pulled pork recipe delivers tender, succulent meat with minimal effort. Simply season your pork shoulder, add your choice of liquids and seasonings, and let the slow cooker do the work. With optional liquid smoke for extra depth, you can easily customise this dish to suit your taste. The result is pull-apart-tender pork that's ideal for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for quick meals throughout the week
Watch: Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Original recipe video — click to play
Ingredients
Main
- 1 ½ kg Pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
A boneless pork shoulder works best for this recipe
Seasoning
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
Liquid
- 250 ml Beef or chicken stock
Optional Flavouring
- 1 tsp Liquid smoke(optional)
Add for a subtle smoky flavour; adjust to taste
Serving
- BBQ sauce(optional)
Mix in during final 30 minutes or serve on the side
Choose your favourite variety
Method
- 1
Pat the pork shoulder dry with kitchen paper and season generously on all sides with salt and black pepper.
~5 mins - 2Optional step
For extra flavour development, sear the pork in a hot frying pan for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned. This step is optional but recommended.
~10 minsTip: Browning adds depth of flavour
- 3
Place the pork shoulder in your slow cooker.
~2 mins - 4
Pour the stock around the pork, and add liquid smoke if using.
~3 minsTip: The pork should be mostly submerged
- 5
Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours, or on High for 5 hours, until the pork is extremely tender and shreds easily with a fork.
~8 hrsTip: Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker
- 6
Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any excess fat.
~10 minsTip: The meat should pull apart easily
- 7
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the cooking liquid. Stir in BBQ sauce if desired, or serve on the side.
~5 minsTip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
- 8
Serve warm in rolls, with rice, or on tacos, according to your preference.
Nutrition
Detailed nutritional information is coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pork shoulder is ideal for pulled pork because of its high fat content and connective tissue, which becomes gelatinous and tender during long, slow cooking. Other cuts like pork butt (also shoulder) work equally well. Avoid lean cuts like pork loin, which can become dry
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