Savory Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork with Apples

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 8 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
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Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of tender, savory pulled pork. This slow-cooker recipe pairs the rich flavors of pork with the subtle sweetness of apples, making it a perfect dish for cozy gatherings or a simple family dinner.

Ingredients for Savory Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork with Apples

The star of the show is, of course, the pork shoulder. This cut is perfect for slow cooking due to its marbling, which breaks down beautifully over time. Apples add a natural sweetness and a hint of tartness, balancing the savory elements. Onion slices bring depth and slight sharpness, complementing the apples. Now, for the flavor enhancers: apple cider vinegar adds tang and helps tenderize the meat, while brown sugar provides a touch of caramel sweetness. The Dijon mustard adds a bit of zing and complexity. Smoked paprika and garlic powder introduce warmth and depth, and seasoning with salt and ground black pepper ensures the flavors are well-rounded. Finally, a bit of olive oil helps the seasoning adhere to the pork.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you're short on time, cut the pork into smaller pieces to reduce cooking time.
  • For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some of the liquid evaporate.

Serving Suggestions

This pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Serve it on soft buns with a side of coleslaw for a classic sandwich. It's also delightful over a bed of rice or alongside roasted vegetables. For a low-carb option, try it in lettuce wraps with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, pork butt or pork loin can work, but they may yield a slightly different texture.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! It reheats well and is a great make-ahead dish.
What kind of apples should I use?
A mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, works wonderfully.

Savory Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork with Apples Recipe Walkthrough

Start by placing your sliced onions and apples at the bottom of your slow cooker. These will create a flavorful bed for the pork to rest on. Next, take your pork shoulder and rub it thoroughly with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This seasoning mix will infuse the pork with a robust flavor as it cooks.

Gently place the seasoned pork on top of the onion and apple slices. In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Pour this mixture over the pork, ensuring it covers the meat evenly.

Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for about 8 hours. The goal is to have the pork so tender that it practically falls apart. Once the time is up, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it well with the accumulated juices and cooked down apples and onions. This step ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful. Serve it warm and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Set it and forget it: Minimal prep work means more time for you.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory: Apples and pork are a match made in heaven.
  • Great for meal prep: Make once, enjoy multiple ways throughout the week.
  • Easy to customize: Adjust the spices to suit your preference.

Ingredients

3 lbs boneless pork shoulder
2 large apples, cored and sliced
1 large onion, sliced
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Place sliced onions and apples at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Rub the pork shoulder with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and apples.
4. In a bowl, mix apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until combined. Pour over the pork.
5. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart.
6. Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
7. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix well with juices.
8. Serve warm on buns, over rice, or with a side of your choice.

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