SLOW COOKER BBQ PULLED PORK

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Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork image

If you've spent any time on Pinterest or food blogs, you've likely come across a recipe for three-ingredient barbecue pulled pork that can be made in the slow cooker. Methods and ingredients vary, but the recipe almost always calls for boneless pork shoulder, some sort of dark cola (usually Dr Pepper or root beer) and barbecue sauce. Dubious? We were too, so we asked the members of our NYT Cooking Community Facebook page if anyone had ever made it and if they liked it. We received more than 150 very opinionated responses. Many readers have come up with their own clever twists, like using coffee or beer in place of cola, adding onions or chipotles, rubbing the meat with a spice blend and searing the meat before cooking. We tried cooking it a few different ways and found we liked this adaptation best. It calls for a few more ingredients and an extra step or two, but it's got layers of flavor and it's still mostly fuss-free. (You can find the pressure-cooker version of this recipe here.)

Provided by Margaux Laskey

Categories     meat, sandwiches, main course

Time 10h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons hot or sweet smoked paprika
2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
3 to 4 pound boneless pork shoulder or pork butt, trimmed of most of its excess fat
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus additional for greasing
1 yellow onion, chopped (optional)
1 (12-ounce) can dark soda, like Dr Pepper, root beer, cola or birch beer
1/2 to 1 1/2 cups homemade or store-bought barbecue sauce
Hot sauce (optional)

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the garlic and onion powders, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork. If you have time, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to overnight. If you don't, no worries; proceed to Step 2.
  • Lightly grease the crock of a slow cooker. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear the pork until golden brown on all sides, about 2 minutes each side. Add onion, if using, to the slow cooker. Add the pork on top of the onion. Pour soda over the pork and set the slow cooker to low for 6 to 8 hours, until the meat has collapsed and shreds easily.
  • Drain most of the liquid from the slow cooker and shred the meat directly in the pot. Add about 1/2 cup of the barbecue sauce and stir to combine. (At this point, if you like crisp bits in your pulled pork, you can spread the shredded pork on a sheet pan and place under a broiler for a couple minutes then return to the slow cooker.) Taste and add more barbecue sauce, hot sauce, salt or pepper, if desired. Serve with soft rolls and extra sauce on the side.

shahzad blog's
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This pulled pork is the best I've ever had. It's so tender and juicy, and the BBQ sauce is to die for.


ff Siddik
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I love that this recipe is so versatile. I can use it for sandwiches, tacos, or just eat it on its own.


Paige miller
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I've made this recipe for years and it's always a hit. It's the perfect comfort food for a cold winter day.


Tobny smith
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This pulled pork is the perfect party food. It's easy to make and everyone loves it.


Baloch Karim
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I'm always looking for new slow cooker recipes and this one did not disappoint. The pork was so tender and flavorful.


Bikram Poudel
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This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. I can just throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning and dinner is ready when I get home.


Bishal Bhujel
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I love the smoky flavor of this pulled pork. It's the perfect addition to any BBQ party.


Brandon lee
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This pulled pork is a game-changer. It's so easy to make and it tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.


Azym Uddin
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I've made this recipe several times and it always turns out great. It's a keeper!


Prisca Chitambira
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This pulled pork is the perfect comfort food. It's hearty, flavorful, and just plain delicious.


Thandolwethu Cabadiya
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I made this recipe for my family and they all loved it. Even my picky kids ate it up.


Omarini Pianista
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I'm not a huge fan of pulled pork, but this recipe changed my mind. The pork is so tender and juicy, and the BBQ sauce is amazing.


Lilian Nantongo
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This pulled pork is perfect for meal prep. I make a big batch on the weekend and then use it for sandwiches, tacos, and burritos throughout the week.


Mrs Mitu Shaikh MrsMituShaikh
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I love that this recipe is so easy. I just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. Dinner is ready when I get home from work.


Tywanna Briggs
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I've tried several slow cooker pulled pork recipes, but this one is by far the best. The pork is so moist and flavorful.


xo. sam
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I made this recipe for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the smoky, tangy flavor of the pork.


Alex H
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This pulled pork is fall-apart tender and packed with flavor. It's perfect for a party or a weeknight meal.