Name: Slow cooker pulled pork recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 495 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 3 tbs paprika; 2 tbs salt *to taste; 2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp chilli powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 3 tbs olive oil; 1 onion halved peeled; 2kg shoulder roast pork, bone in; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

by kitchen_novice Last updated on 12/16/2024

Welcome to your new favourite slow cooker recipe. Loaded with spices and the sweet and sour flavours of honey and vinegar, our cheats pulled pork recipe transports you to an authentic American barbecue. You’d never guess this juicy and tender pulled pork is cooked entirely in the slow cooker. Just set and forget for an effortless yet super tasty meal for the family or for entertaining.

How to make pulled pork in the slow cooker: key tips

Placing the onion in the base of the slow cooker not only infuses flavour, but it also works as a trivet to prevent the bottom of the pork from burning. When it comes time to strain the fat from the juice, the quickest way is to add a handful of ice cubes to the liquid. The fat gets attracted to them, making it easy for you to then remove the fat-coated cubes and discard.

Key ingredients in our easy pulled pork recipe

Using bone-in pork shoulder takes a little longer than boneless but the bone adds extra flavour and keeps the meat juicy. Don’t be tempted to add extra liquid as once the slow cooker gets going it will create steam that turns to water. Using 1 teaspoon of chilli powder will create a subtle warmth. You can serve with pickled jalapenos for a bit of extra heat if you like.

Pulled pork makes an excellent filling in a sweet brioche roll along with creamy coleslaw. You can also serve as part of a Southern American feast along with macaroni cheese or potato salad and corn on the cob.

- Australia's Best Recipes Team

Ingredients

3 tbs paprika
2 tbs salt *to taste
2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3 tbs olive oil
1 onion halved peeled
2kg shoulder roast pork, bone in
1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Method

Step 1

Mix together all the spices with a fork and then stir in the honey, vinegar and oil to make a paste.
Step 2

Place onion in the slow cooker and then top with the pork. Pour the honey paste over the pork, allowing it to run down the sides.
Step 3

Turn slow cooker to low and cook for 7-8 hours, or until the meat is tender enough to shred apart with a fork.
Step 4

Once the pork is cooked, pour the liquid into a saucepan and allow to cool, skimming off the fat as it surfaces.
Step 5

When the pork is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and fat. Using two forks, flake the meat into small pieces. Place the shredded pork into a bowl.
Step 6

Combine the liquid in the saucepan with the barbecue sauce and gently boil until the sauce thickens slightly. Mix the sauce into the pork and serve.

Equipment

1 slow cooker
1 saucepan

Recipe Notes

from Australia’s Best Recipes team

What is the best cut of meat for pulled pork?

You should use a 1.5-2kg pork shoulder roast with the bone in to guarantee tender, pull-apart pork.

I'm worried about overcooking the pork and drying it out - will it be ok in the slow cooker?

Many slow cooker recipes give options for cooking on both low and high heat, but it's important to cook slow-cooker pulled pork on low heat, so the meat braises slowly, rather than boiling and drying out.