Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds? This Easy Pulled Pork Shoulder recipe is your ticket to becoming the ultimate home chef, delivering restaurant-quality goodness right from your slow cooker. With minimal prep and maximum deliciousness, this recipe promises tender, juicy pulled pork that practically melts in your mouth, guaranteed to impress family and friends alike!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Remove the pork shoulder from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature.
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a dry rub.
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels to ensure the spice rub adheres well.
- Generously coat the entire pork shoulder with the prepared spice mixture, massaging the seasonings into the meat.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder into a slow cooker with the fat side facing up.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily falls apart when pulled with a fork.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and transfer to a large cutting board.
- Using two forks, shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the shredded meat and mix thoroughly to combine.
- Serve hot on buns, in tacos, or as desired, with additional barbecue sauce on the side.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your pork shoulder sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even seasoning and cooking.
- Dry Rub Technique: Press the spice mixture firmly into the meat to create a flavorful crust that locks in moisture.
- Fat Side Up: Cooking the pork with the fat side facing up helps keep the meat moist and adds extra flavor during the slow cooking process.
- Patience is Key: Resist the urge to peek! Keeping the slow cooker lid closed helps maintain consistent temperature and moisture.
- Shredding Hack: For the most tender pulled pork, use two forks and pull the meat apart while it's still warm.
- Sauce Strategy: Add barbecue sauce gradually and taste as you go to control the flavor intensity.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This pulled pork tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully for future meals!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
