Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! Our Slow Cooker Sweet Spicy Pulled Pork is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Imagine succulent, tender pork shoulder infused with a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors, all thanks to a simple slow-cooking process. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it, letting your slow cooker work its magic for 8 hours. Trust us, this mouthwatering recipe will have your guests begging for seconds—and the secret is all in the sauce! Dive into our recipe to discover how to create this irresistible dish that will elevate your dinner game.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 4 lbs of pork shoulder, 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tbsp of chili powder, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder to ensure a leaner final product. This will help reduce greasiness in the pulled pork.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a spice rub.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork shoulder, ensuring it is well coated. This will add flavor to the meat as it cooks.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the pork, which will help tenderize the meat and add a tangy flavor.
- Next, pour the BBQ sauce over the pork shoulder, ensuring it is well covered. You can use your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe, or make your own if preferred.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This low and slow cooking method will result in tender, flavorful pulled pork.
- After 8 hours of cooking, check the pork for tenderness. It should easily pull apart with a fork. If it is not tender enough, you can cook it for an additional hour.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or platter. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it into the remaining juices and sauce. This will keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- Serve the sweet spicy pulled pork on buns for sandwiches, or alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker creation!
Tips
- Select the Right Cut: For the best results, choose a well-marbled pork shoulder, as the fat will render during cooking, keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Don’t Rush the Prep: Take the time to trim excess fat and apply the spice rub generously. This step is crucial for building flavor and achieving the perfect texture.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces! A smoky or tangy sauce can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
- Check for Tenderness: After the cooking time, ensure the pork pulls apart easily with a fork. If it’s still tough, give it an extra hour in the slow cooker.
- Let It Soak: After shredding the pork, mix it back into the juices in the slow cooker. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor and moisture.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your pulled pork on toasted buns with coleslaw, or enjoy it as a hearty main dish alongside your favorite sides like cornbread or baked beans.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 135mg
