Hearty Heritage Slow Cooked Pork

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 9 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Hearty Heritage Slow Cooked Pork is a comforting dish that transforms a simple pork shoulder into a tender, flavorful masterpiece. It's perfect for cozy gatherings or whenever you want a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Ingredients for Hearty Heritage Slow Cooked Pork

The star here is the pork shoulder, which becomes incredibly tender with slow cooking. We start with some olive oil to sear the meat, enhancing its flavor with a nice, caramelized crust. The onion and garlic add aromatic depth, making the dish invitingly savory. The chicken broth helps keep things moist and flavorful, while apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick to balance the richness. Barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce contribute a sweet and smoky dimension, and a touch of brown sugar enhances that sweetness. We season it all with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika for warmth and a hint of smokiness. For those who like a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper is optional but recommended.

Tips & Tricks

  • Pat the pork dry before searing to get a better crust.
  • If you're short on time, you can cook on high for 4-5 hours, but the texture might not be as tender.
  • Sear the pork in the same skillet you'll deglaze with a bit of broth to capture all those delicious browned bits.

Serving Suggestions

This pork is incredibly versatile. Serve it on a warm bun for a great pulled pork sandwich or in a taco shell with some slaw for a fresh twist. It pairs well with creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp coleslaw. If you want something lighter, try it over a bed of mixed greens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, a pork butt or even a loin can work, but cooking times might vary.
What if I don't have a slow cooker?
You can use a Dutch oven and cook in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 4-5 hours.
Is there a way to make it less spicy?
Simply omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder dish.

Hearty Heritage Slow Cooked Pork Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. This is where you’ll sear the pork shoulder on all sides. You’re aiming for a nice brown crust—this step locks in the juices and adds flavor. Once browned, move the pork to your slow cooker. Spread the sliced onion and minced garlic over the top of the pork.

Next, in a mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk until everything is well combined, then pour this liquid mixture over the pork in the slow cooker. This mixture will be the base of your sauce, infusing the pork with all those wonderful flavors as it cooks.

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let the magic happen over the next 8 to 10 hours. You'll know it's done when the pork is so tender that it practically falls apart under gentle pressure. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine it thoroughly with the sauce.

Now, it's ready to serve. If you're feeling fancy, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses affordable, readily available ingredients.
  • Slow-cooked for tenderness and depth of flavor.
  • Versatile enough for sandwiches, tacos, or just by itself.
  • Minimal prep time—set it and forget it!

Ingredients

3 lbs pork shoulder
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned.
2. Transfer the pork to a slow cooker. Add sliced onion and minced garlic.
3. In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
4. Pour the liquid mixture over the pork.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is very tender.
6. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
7. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

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