Traditional Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork

Name: Traditional Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 lbs pork shoulder roast; 1 tbsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp black pepper; 2 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 large onions, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 8 hours

🍽 Serves: 8

★★★★★

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This traditional slow-cooked pulled pork recipe is perfect for those lazy weekends when you want to fill your home with mouthwatering aromas. It’s a classic comfort food dish that’s both flavorful and tender, making it ideal for gatherings or a family dinner.

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Ingredients for Traditional Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork

Let’s dive into why these ingredients matter. The star, of course, is the pork shoulder roast. It’s marbled with fat, which slowly breaks down during cooking, making the meat incredibly tender and juicy. The kosher salt and black pepper form the base of our seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors of the pork. Smoked paprika adds a depth of smokiness that complements the pork beautifully. The garlic powder and onion powder are classic aromatics that work together to elevate the dish. Apple cider vinegar introduces a tangy kick that balances the richness of the meat. Chicken broth keeps the pork moist and adds a savory depth to the cooking liquid. Brown sugar provides a touch of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully. Worcestershire sauce brings a savory umami element, while Dijon mustard adds a subtle heat. Finally, onions and garlic form the aromatic bed that infuses the meat as it cooks.

Tips & Tricks

For extra flavor, sear the pork in a hot pan before placing it in the slow cooker.
Use a fat separator to remove excess fat from the cooking juices if desired.
Make a double batch and freeze half for an easy meal later on.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pulled pork on warm buns with a side of coleslaw for a classic pairing. It also makes a great filling for tacos or burritos. Consider serving with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the rich flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?: Yes, pork butt is a great alternative to pork shoulder and will yield similar results.
How do I store leftovers?: Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I make this in advance?: Absolutely! Pulled pork can be made a day ahead. It often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Traditional Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Recipe Walkthrough

Let’s get started with prepping your pork shoulder. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give it a good mix to ensure everything is well combined. Now, rub this spice mixture all over your pork shoulder. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, as this will flavor the meat beautifully while it cooks.

Next, grab your slow cooker and throw in the sliced onions and minced garlic. These will act as a flavorful bed for the pork. Lay your seasoned pork shoulder right on top of this aromatic base.

In another bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Pour this liquid concoction over the pork, letting it seep down through the onions and garlic, ensuring every bit of that pork gets a chance to soak up the flavor as it cooks.

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Now you can leave it to work its magic for about 8 hours. You'll know it's ready when the pork is tender and easy to shred with a fork.

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker. It’ll be hot and falling apart, so handle with care. Using two forks, shred the pork, discarding any excess fat. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mixing it well with the remaining juices. This ensures every shred is juicy and flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients that pack a punch in flavor.
Set it and forget it — the slow cooker does all the work.
Versatile: perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or by itself.
Great for meal prep — leftovers are just as delicious.

Ingredients

4 lbs pork shoulder roast

1 tbsp kosher salt

1 tbsp black pepper

2 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion powder

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

2 large onions, sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork shoulder.

3. Place onions and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.

4. Place the pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic.

5. In a separate bowl, mix apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.

6. Pour the liquid mixture over the pork.

7. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.

8. Once done, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks, discarding any excess fat.