Crock Pot Pulled Pork Shoulder Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Tender and Flavorful BBQ

If you're searching for a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends, look no further than this crock pot pulled pork shoulder recipe. Thi……

If you're searching for a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends, look no further than this crock pot pulled pork shoulder recipe. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also guarantees a tender, juicy, and flavorful result that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy family dinner, this pulled pork is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

### Why Choose a Crock Pot for Pulled Pork?

Using a crock pot, also known as a slow cooker, allows the pork shoulder to cook low and slow, resulting in meat that is incredibly tender and easy to shred. The slow cooking process helps the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and savory taste that is hard to resist. Plus, the convenience of a crock pot means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time to focus on other tasks or simply relax.

### Ingredients You'll Need

To create the perfect crock pot pulled pork shoulder recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:

- 4-5 pounds of pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)

- 1 cup of barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

- 1 onion, sliced

- 4 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika

- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar

- 1 tablespoon of chili powder

- 1 teaspoon of cumin

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Optional: 1 cup of apple cider vinegar for added tanginess

### Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Pork**: Start by trimming excess fat from the pork shoulder. While some fat is necessary for flavor, too much can make the dish greasy. Season the meat generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, and cumin, ensuring every side is coated.

2. **Layer the Ingredients**: In your crock pot, add the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions. If you're using apple cider vinegar, drizzle it over the pork at this stage.

3. **Add the Sauce**: Pour the barbecue sauce over the pork shoulder, ensuring it is well covered. This will infuse the meat with flavor as it cooks.

4. **Cook Low and Slow**: Cover the crock pot and set it to low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. The longer you cook it on low, the more tender the meat will become.

5. **Shred the Pork**: Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork shoulder from the crock pot. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded pork to the crock pot, mixing it with the remaining juices and onions.

6. **Serve and Enjoy**: This crock pot pulled pork shoulder recipe is perfect for serving on buns with extra barbecue sauce, alongside coleslaw, or as a filling for tacos. The possibilities are endless!

### Tips for the Best Pulled Pork

- **Choose the Right Cut**: Pork shoulder is ideal for this recipe due to its marbling and fat content, which contribute to the tenderness and flavor.

- **Let It Rest**: Allow the shredded pork to sit in the juices for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to develop even further.

- **Experiment with Flavors**: Feel free to customize the spices and sauces to suit your taste. Adding a bit of cayenne pepper can give it a spicy kick, while honey can add a touch of sweetness.

With this crock pot pulled pork shoulder recipe, you're guaranteed a delicious and satisfying meal that will have everyone raving. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender texture that only a slow cooker can provide, and make this dish a regular feature at your dining table!