Sweet and Smoky Pulled Pork

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 9 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
Be the First to Review!

Sweet and Smoky Pulled Pork is a delightful blend of rich, savory flavors with just the right amount of sweetness. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, game day, or any time you want to impress without fuss. With a slow cooker doing most of the work, you’ll have tender, flavorful pork that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients for Sweet and Smoky Pulled Pork

Pork shoulder is the star of this recipe, providing a rich, flavorful base that becomes tender and juicy when slow-cooked. The brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the smokiness from the smoked paprika. The garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper infuse the pork with robust, savory layers. A touch of cayenne pepper brings a gentle heat, while salt enhances all the flavors. Apple cider vinegar and apple juice add tang and depth, helping to tenderize the meat. Finally, BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce round everything out with their rich, umami goodness.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you're short on time, you can cook on high for 4-5 hours, but the flavors develop better on low.
  • For extra smokiness, add a few drops of liquid smoke when adding the BBQ sauce.
  • Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder before cooking to avoid a greasy finish.

Serving Suggestions

This pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Serve it piled high on soft buns with a side of coleslaw for a classic sandwich. Try it in tortillas with some avocado and cilantro for a tasty taco twist. It’s also fantastic over a bed of rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. Add a dash of hot sauce if you're feeling adventurous!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, pork butt is a great alternative, as it has similar fat content and tenderizes well.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Absolutely! Once cooled, store the pulled pork in airtight containers and freeze for up to three months.
What if I don't have a slow cooker?
You can use an oven-safe pot with a lid. Cook at 300°F (150°C) for about 4-5 hours.

Sweet and Smoky Pulled Pork Recipe Walkthrough

Start by combining all the dry spices: brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix them together in a bowl — this will be your flavorful rub. Now, take your pork shoulder and give it a good massage with the spice mix. You want to ensure every inch is coated because this is where a lot of that delicious flavor comes from.

Once your pork is seasoned, place it in your slow cooker. Pour the apple cider vinegar and apple juice around the sides of the pork. These liquids help to keep the meat moist and add a subtle fruitiness to the dish. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it work its magic for 8-10 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the pork is tender and falls apart easily.

When the time’s up, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker. It’ll be hot, so use tongs or two forks. Shred the pork using two forks, pulling it apart until it’s all nicely shredded. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Stir in the BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce until everything is well mixed. Let it cook for another 30 minutes, allowing the pork to soak up all those wonderful flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless slow cooking means more time for you to relax or focus on other dishes.
  • Perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors, creating an irresistible taste.
  • Versatile dish that can be served in many ways, from sandwiches to tacos.
  • Make-ahead potential: prepare the night before, and let it cook while you’re at work.

Ingredients

4 lbs pork shoulder
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp salt
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 cups apple juice
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt in a bowl.
2. Rub the spice mix all over the pork shoulder, ensuring even coverage.
3. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker.
4. Pour apple cider vinegar and apple juice around the pork.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreddable.
6. Remove pork from the slow cooker, shred with two forks, and return it to the pot.
7. Stir in BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well.
8. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to absorb flavors.
9. Serve hot with buns or as desired.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!