Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

A plate piled high with juicy pulled pork.

5 from 1 vote

Juicy shredded pork, made in the crock pot! This recipe uses a flavorful spice coating and browns the pork for the perfect depth of flavor. Serve this in lettuce wraps, over cauliflower rice, or in tacos!

Prep Time15

Cook Time4

Total Time4 15

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: crock pot pulled pork, pulled pork, slow cooker pulled pork

Servings: servings

Calories: 209kcal

Equipment

slow cooker

Ingredients

1 yellow onion diced
5 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon Kosher salt
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 1/2 pounds pork shoulder roast
1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil

Instructions

Add chopped onions and garlic to the bottom of the crock pot.
Mix together the Kosher salt and seasonings.
Cut the pork shoulder roast into large chunks. Completely coat the pork pieces with the spice mixture.
Add avocado oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Brown each piece of seasoned pork on all sides. A dark browned color gives the pulled pork more depth of flavor.
Add the browned pork pieces into the crockpot with the onions and garlic. Slow cook the pork on the low setting for 4 hours. The pork should easily fall apart when pierced with a fork.
Remove the chunks of pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. When I am doing this, I remove the larger chunks of fat. This is optional and dependent on how thick the fat cap is on your pork shoulder.
Optionally, skim the excess fat from the liquid in the crockpot. Put the pork back into the liquid and mix it to coat the pork in the flavorful broth.

Notes

How to Store and Reheat Pulled Pork

Once the pork has fully cooled, pack it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days.

To Freeze: This pork freezes beautifully! Pack it in freezer-safe airtight containers and freeze it for up to 4 months.

To Reheat: The fat in the juices of the pork will solidify when chilled. Reheat this pork in the oven on 400º F for 15 minutes, or by stir frying it in a skillet over medium high heat.

How to Serve Pulled Pork

This juicy pork is a delicious protein to add to any meal. Try serving it with:

BBQ Pulled Pork: If you’d like a saucier pulled pork, add your favorite BBQ sauce or use this Homemade BBQ Sauce. Perfect for layering over rice, cauliflower rice, or spaghetti squash. Try these amazing BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches.

Shredded Pork Tacos or Rice Bowls: Make pork tacos with traditional tortillas or with lettuce wraps. You can also take this pork South of the Border with rice bowls using steamed white rice or cauliflower rice. Salsa, cheese.

With Coleslaw or a Cabbage Salad: It’s a great combo with a crunchy slaw!

Nutrition