Making delicious pulled pork barbecue in a crock pot is easy and convenient. With minimal effort, you can have tender, juicy pork swimming in a homemade barbecue sauce. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make pork bbq in a crock pot.
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt roast
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Prepare the Pork
- Rinse the pork shoulder and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Trim off any excess fat.
- Rub the spices (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper) all over the pork.
Cook the Pork
- Place the pork in the crock pot.
- In a small bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the pork.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Shred and Serve
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the crock pot and place on a cutting board or platter.
- Using two forks, shred the pork by pulling it apart.
- Discard any fat chunks.
- Return the shredded pork to the crock pot and mix it with the barbecue sauce.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes on low.
- Serve on buns with extra barbecue sauce if desired.
Tips
- For added flavor, sauté onions and garlic before adding the pork.
- Use bone-in pork shoulder for even more tender and flavorful meat.
- Add spices like chili powder, cumin or chipotle powder to the rub.
- Garnish with pickles, slaw or onions.
- Leftovers freeze great!
Making pulled pork barbecue in the crockpot results in juicy, flavorful and fall-apart tender meat. The slow cook time allows the spices and sauce to deeply infuse into the pork. Minimal hands-on time is required, just set it and forget it! This is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue or tailgate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Pork BBQ in a Crock Pot
What cut of pork is best for pulled pork?
The best cuts of pork for pulled pork are the pork shoulder and pork butt. These cuts come from the upper portion of the front legs of the pig. They contain a good amount of fat and connective tissue which breaks down during the long, slow cooking to create tender, pull-apart meat.
How long does it take to cook pork shoulder in a crock pot?
Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the pork shoulder, but generally it takes about 1-1.5 hours per pound on low. So for a 3-4 lb shoulder, cook for 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.
Should the pork be covered in liquid?
Yes, the pork should be mostly submerged in liquid while cooking to properly braise it. The liquid prevents drying out and helps distribute flavor. Use a combination of the barbecue sauce and something like broth, apple cider, beer or water.
Can I skip browning the pork first?
Browning is an optional step but recommended for deeper flavor. At minimum season the pork with spices before cooking.
Do I need to peel and de-seed the pork shoulder?
No, the fat cap and skin should be left on while cooking to keep the meat moist. Remove it after shredding if desired.
How do I shred the pork?
Once cooked until very tender, use two forks to pull the pork apart into shreds. You can also use your fingers or bear claws for easy shredding. Discard any large fatty pieces.
How can I keep the shredded meat moist?
Mix the pork with the cooking liquid and barbecue sauce after shredding. Add additional liquid like broth if needed. Cook an additional 30 mins to absorb sauce.
Conclusion
Cooking pulled pork barbecue in a crock pot is an easy hands-off recipe that results in ridiculously delicious shredded pork. Seasoned with a homemade spice rub and cooked low and slow in a flavorful barbecue sauce, the meat turns out incredibly moist, tender and full of smoky, sweet flavor. Served up on buns with your favorite toppings, this easy crockpot recipe makes the perfect sandwich. Give this simple preparation a try for your next game day party or potluck. The intoxicating aromas and fall-apart texture will have everyone begging for more. Pork shoulder cooked in a slow cooker truly is an amazing thing!