Crockpot Pulled Pork Bbq Sandwiches
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get that craving for something smoky and delicious? Honestly, this crockpot pulled pork recipe is where it's at. You get that tender, fall apart pork with a sweet and tangy BBQ kick.
Brief Overview
This bbq pulled pork is proper American comfort food. It's dead easy to make in your slow cooker or crockpot , taking about 7- 8 hours on low.
It'll give you enough for around 6-8 hearty sandwiches.
Main Benefits
This slow cooker pulled pork is high in protein to keep you full and satisfied. It's the perfect dish for a BBQ, family gathering, or just a cosy night in.
The best bit? It tastes incredible and requires minimal effort on your part.
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Magic
So, why bother making crockpot pulled pork at all? Well, let me tell you. I remember once trying to make pulled pork for a big family do.
I tried to rush it on the hob, and the results were… not pretty. Dry, tough, and definitely not the tender bbq pulled pork sandwiches I was dreaming of.
That's when I discovered the magic of the crockpot . I realised the pork shoulder recipe slow cooker style really is the only way.
The low and slow cooking transforms a tough cut of meat into something truly special. Trust me, once you try easy crockpot recipes like this, you won't go back.
It’s a game changer.
Getting Started: The Crock Pot Pork Shoulder Ingredients
Right, let’s talk about what you need to make this happen. Grab yourself a nice pork shoulder recipe slow cooker -style, that's the star of the show.
Then, you'll want a good onion, some garlic, and a mix of spices for that classic BBQ flavour. And, of course, a bottle of your favourite BBQ sauce or you can make your own.
This is going to be the best slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches you've ever had.
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks! To make the best slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches , you're gonna need the right gear.
We're talkin' melt-in-your mouth, proper bbq pulled pork goodness. Here's what you need, straight up.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
- Pork Shoulder: 3-4 lb ( 1.4-1.8 kg ) boneless pork shoulder, trimmed. Honestly, the quality matters here. Look for good marbling. That fat equals flavor! Not gonna lie, once I tried using a super lean cut and the pulled pork was so dry that even the best bbq sauce wasn't able to help much.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp ( 15 ml ).
- Yellow Onion: 1 large, chopped (about 1 cup or 150g ).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 tbsp ( 8g ).
- Garlic Powder: 1 tsp ( 6g ).
- Onion Powder: 1 tsp ( 5g ).
- Ground Cumin: 1 tsp ( 6g ).
- Chili Powder: 1/2 tsp ( 3g ).
- Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp ( 3g ).
- Salt: 1/2 tsp ( 3g ).
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup ( 240 ml ) low sodium.
Seasoning Notes
For the best bbq pulled pork , it's all about the spices. Smoked paprika is key. Don't skimp! It gives that smoky depth.
Cumin and chili powder add warmth, not necessarily heat. Worcestershire sauce can really deepen the flavor of your easy crockpot recipes .
Subbing in a dash of liquid smoke can also amp up the smokiness if you’re feeling adventurous.
Equipment Needed
The most important thing is your crockpot . Obvs! Apart from that a large skillet or frying pan to sear the pork shoulder recipe slow cooker , tongs for handling the meat, and two forks for shredding.
Measuring cups and spoons. Don't sweat if you don't have fancy tongs. Just use two spoons or spatulas. You know, use what you have.
And if you don't have a crockpot , then what are you even doing?
Cooking Method: Unleash the Magic of the Crockpot
Right then, fancy some proper tasty slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches? Honestly, nothing beats the ease of a crockpot . Let's get down to business, shall we? We are cooking with a crockpot , so simple even I can’t mess it up! I have a story about that.
I was so proud of myself for once, thinking I had made this amazing roast and then my friend opened it up and said I didn’t put any water in and it was burnt.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Essential mise en place is key. Chop that onion and mince the garlic get it all prepped. This makes the cooking process smooth, trust me! Time saving tip: use pre-minced garlic if you're feeling lazy no judgement here! And seriously, don’t be a twit and cut yourself.
Watch those fingers when chopping!.
step-by-step: From Pork Shoulder to BBQ Heaven
- Sear the pork shoulder in a hot pan for a few minutes per side. Don’t skip this step, alright? It adds a ton of flavour.
- Chuck the onion and garlic into the bottom of your crockpot .
- Lay the seared pork on top.
- Pour in the chicken broth .
- Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours , till it falls apart.
- Shred the pork with two forks.
- Mix it with your favourite BBQ sauce.
- Simmer for another 30 minutes .
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pulled Pork
Want bbq pulled pork greatness? Here's the deal: sear that pork properly. Colour equals flavour, innit? Also, don't overcook it.
Check it after 6 hours on low, okay? Use a meat thermometer . Aim for 203° F ( 95° C) internal temperature.
Common mistake? Forgetting the BBQ sauce! Honestly, I nearly did it once. make-ahead option: cook the pork the day before, shred it, and store it in the fridge.
Then, just reheat it with the sauce when you're ready to serve. Job done! With this pork shoulder recipe slow cooker , you'll make the perfect bbq pulled pork sandwiches or slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches.
You can even call it a crock pot pork shoulder recipe. There are so many easy crockpot recipes available, but this one is my tried and tested favorite! And if you're after more slow cooker recipes , keep your eyes peeled - I've got loads up my sleeve!
Recipe Notes for the Best Crockpot Pulled Pork
Alright, let's talk shop about this slow cooker pulled pork . Honestly, it's one of my go-to easy crockpot recipes for a reason.
It's nearly foolproof, but a few pointers can take your bbq pulled pork to the next level. I swear, even if you botch it slightly, it'll still taste pretty darn good.
Just promise me you won't skip the searing it's a game changer!
Plating Like a Pro and Pairing Perfectly
Right, so you've got this beautiful mountain of pulled pork recipe . Now what? Forget fancy. Pile that bbq pulled pork sandwiches high on toasted brioche buns.
Proper yum! Coleslaw is a must, honestly. It adds a lovely crunch and coolness. For drinks, think ice-cold beer or sweet tea.
Proper summery vibes! And don't forget some crunchy crisps on the side. It's not fancy, but it hits the spot.
Sorted Storage Keeping Your Crockpot Creation Fresh
Okay, so you've made a mountain of slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches and have leftovers? No worries. Let the pulled pork recipe cool completely before shoving it in an airtight container.
It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3-4 days . To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or back in the crockpot on low.
For longer storage, freezing is your mate. Portion it out, freeze it flat in freezer bags, and it will last for up to 3 months .
Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Twists and Swaps Making it Your Own
Fancy a bit of a twist on the classic crockpot pulled pork ? You got it! For a bit of spice, chuck a chopped jalapeño in with the onion and garlic.
Oh my gosh, spicy goodness! And if you are watching the carbs, serve it in lettuce wraps instead of buns for an awesome low-carb bbq pulled pork .
Seasonal swaps? In autumn, try adding a splash of apple cider to the crockpot it gives it a lovely warmth.
You know? So delicious!
Nutrition Nuggets Fueling Up the Right Way
Let's be real, slow cooker recipes are about comfort food. However, a bit of knowledge never hurt anyone, right? This pork shoulder recipe slow cooker has got plenty of protein, which is great for building muscles.
Watch out for the sugar in the BBQ sauce, though. The sodium's there too, so drink loads of water, yeah?
Look, making crockpot pulled pork isn't rocket science. Follow these tips, don't stress too much, and you'll end up with something fantastic.
Get creative, have fun, and enjoy every single bite of this easy crockpot recipes . Honestly, you can't really go wrong with crock pot pork shoulder !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this crockpot pulled pork ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day or two in advance can actually improve the flavour, like a good curry that tastes better the next day. Just shred the pork, mix it with the BBQ sauce, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
My crockpot cooks really hot, how can I adjust the cooking time?
Ah, every crockpot is a bit different, isn't it? Some are real firecrackers! If yours tends to run hot, start checking the pork for doneness a bit earlier, maybe around 5 hours on low or 2.5 hours on high. The pork should be easily shredded with a fork.
If it's already tender, turn the crockpot to the "warm" setting or switch it off completely to prevent overcooking.
Can I freeze leftover crockpot pulled pork?
You bet you can! Leftover pulled pork freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until piping hot before serving.
It's a great way to have a quick and easy meal ready to go, like having a ready meal but way tastier!
What's the best cut of pork to use for crockpot pulled pork?
The best cut for pulled pork is definitely pork shoulder, also known as Boston Butt. It's got a good amount of marbling (fat) which renders down during the slow cooking process, keeping the pork super moist and tender. Don't be tempted to use a leaner cut, as it will likely dry out in the crockpot.
You want that melt-in-your mouth texture!
I don't have all the ingredients for the BBQ sauce, can I use store-bought?
Absolutely! While homemade BBQ sauce is lovely, sometimes you just need a shortcut, a bit like using shop bought pastry rather than making your own. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce.
If you want to jazz it up a bit, you could try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or a pinch of chili flakes to give it a bit of a kick.
Is crockpot pulled pork healthy? What are some nutritional considerations?
While delicious, pulled pork can be high in fat and sodium, like most BBQ fare. To make it a bit healthier, trim as much excess fat as possible from the pork shoulder before cooking, and use a low-sodium chicken broth.
You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the BBQ sauce by using a sugar substitute or reducing the amount of brown sugar. Serving it on whole wheat buns with a generous helping of coleslaw can add some fibre and nutrients to your meal.
Crockpot Pulled Pork Bbq Sandwiches
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | N/A |
