Slow cooker BBQ pork shoulder

Slow cooker BBQ pork shoulder is your go-to recipe if you crave the taste of tender, slow-cooked pulled pork without the hassle of monitoring a smoker or grill. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying meal that will make your taste buds dance.

The flavor of this slow cooker BBQ pulled pork shoulder is unbeatable. The combination of tangy barbecue sauce, sweet maple syrup (or brown sugar), and savory spices creates a mouthwatering balance that will leave you craving more. And with the convenience of using a slow cooker, you can have this delicious meal ready to enjoy without having to spend hours in the kitchen.

You’ll love how easy it is to make this slow cooker BBQ pork shoulder. Simply season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and your preferred spices (such as garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder), place it in the slow cooker, pour over the sauce mixture, and let it cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 5- hours. The result? Juicy, tender, and flavorful pulled pork that falls apart with a fork.

How to cook slow cooker BBQ pork shoulder

Ingredients

• Pork shoulder: this cut of meat is perfect for slow cooking and becomes incredibly tender when cooked over a longer period of time.
• Onion: adds flavor and texture to the BBQ sauce. Finely chop it for best results.
• Ketchup: the base of the BBQ sauce, providing a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
• Maple syrup or brown sugar: adds sweetness to balance out the tanginess of the ketchup and vinegar.
• Apple cider vinegar: gives the BBQ sauce a slight tang and depth of flavor.
• Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper: the combination of these spices adds a delicious savory flavor to the dish.

Substitutes

• If you don’t have maple syrup or brown sugar on hand, you can substitute with honey or molasses for a similar sweetness.
• For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture.

Equipment

• Crockpot with a liner: using a liner makes for easy clean-up and prevents the BBQ sauce from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot.
• Mixing bowl and spoon: for combining the ingredients to make the BBQ sauce.
• Forks: for shredding the cooked pork shoulder.

Instructions to cook the slow cooker BBQ pulled pork shoulder

Preparations

1. Fit your crockpot with a liner for easy clean-up.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup and apple cider vinegar until well incorporated.
3. Add in the maple syrup (or brown sugar), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Add the chopped onions to the mixture and mix until well combined.

Cooking

1. Add a few spoonfuls of the BBQ sauce to the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Place the pork shoulder on top of the BBQ sauce in the crockpot.
3. Pour the remaining BBQ sauce over the top of the pork shoulder.
4. Cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 8-9 hours, until the pork is fork tender.

Tips

1. For added flavor and tenderness, marinate the pork shoulder in the BBQ sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking.
2. If your BBQ sauce is too thick, you can add water or apple juice to thin it out.

Recipe variations

• For a smokier flavor of this delicious barbecue pork roast in slow cooker, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce mixture.
• For a different twist on the classic pulled pork sandwich, try serving the BBQ pork shoulder on a bed of rice or quinoa instead of buns.

What to serve with slow cooker BBQ pork shoulder

• Coleslaw: this classic side dish pairs perfectly with the tangy flavor of the BBQ pulled pork.
• Grilled or roasted vegetables: add some grilled veggies, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to your plate for a tasty and nutritious side dish.
• Mac and cheese: the ultimate comfort food, mac and cheese is a perfect complement to this slow cooker BBQ pork shoulder.
• Couscous or fried rice: for a light and tasty option, serve the pulled pork on top of couscous or fried rice.
• Simple salad: a light and refreshing salad is a great way to balance out the rich flavors of the BBQ pork.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can also use a pork loin or shoulder blade roast for this slow cooker BBQ pulled pork.

2. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?

Yes, you can also cook this recipe in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. Simply follow the same instructions but cook over low heat for 5-6 hours.

Storing and reheating

Store any leftover BBQ pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place desired amount in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the pulled pork in a pan on the stove over medium heat.

More slow cooker recipes you’ll enjoy

• Slow cooker kielbasa and rice pilaf
• Creamy slow cooker pork chops
• Slow cooker jambalaya with sausage
• Asian meatballs in slow cooker

Serving size

This slow cooker BBQ pulled pork recipe serves around 6-8 people, depending on the size of the pork shoulder. If you need to serve a larger group, simply increase the ingredients accordingly. Use the recipe card below to calculate the exact measurements for your desired serving size.

If you want to make a smaller batch of this recipe, simply halve the ingredients and adjust cooking time as needed. You can also double or triple the recipe for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

This pulled pork is great for leftovers and can be used in sandwiches, tacos, salads, and more. The possibilities are endless! With just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, this BBQ pulled pork shoulder recipe will quickly become a go-to in your household. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of sweet and tangy BBQ pork. Happy cooking!

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Slow cooker BBQ pork shoulder

Enjoy the ease of making tender slow cooker BBQ pork shoulder in with this simple recipe. Perfect for satisfying your pulled pork cravings!

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time6 hours hrs

Total Time6 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: barbecue pork roast in slow cooker, bbq pulled pork roast, slow cooker BBQ pork shoulder, slow cooker bbq pulled pork shoulder

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 263kcal

Author: Petro Neagu

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going into sleep mode

Ingredients

• 4 lbs pork shoulder trimmed of excess fat
• 1 cup onion finely chopped
• 1 cup ketchup
• 3 tbsp. Maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

• small bowl
• Measuring Cups & Spoons
• 6 qt crock pot
• Crock pot liner

Instructions

• Add ketchup and apple cider vinegar to a bowl. Stir until well incorporated. Add maple syrup (or brown sugar), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix well, then add onions and mix well.
  
• Fit crockpot with a liner. Add a few spoonfuls of the sauce to the bottom of the crock pot.
  
• Add pork roast and pour remaining sauce all over the top.
  
• Cover and cook on HIGH for 5-6 or LOW for 8-9 hours (until fork tender). Remove pork from bowl and shred with two forks.
  

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 380mg | Potassium: 622mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 466IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg

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