Easy Slow Cooker Bbq Pulled Pork Ridiculously Delicious
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get that craving for proper BBQ but can't be arsed with the faff? This easy crock pot meal , BBQ Pulled Pork, is your answer.
It’s fall apart tender with that sweet and smoky BBQ flavour you’re after. Trust me, it’s a game changer for lazy dinners.
Brief Overview
Pulled pork is a Southern BBQ staple, traditionally slow smoked for hours. This dump and go crockpot meal version simplifies things without sacrificing taste.
Prep is 15 minutes, cook time is 8- 10 hours on low, and it serves 6-8 people.
Main Benefits
One of the best bits? It's relatively healthy, packing loads of protein. This pulled pork recipe easy is perfect for sports night dinners quick meals , family gatherings, or any Lazy Dinners Crockpot when you want proper comfort food.
Honestly, it's the easiest way to get that authentic BBQ flavour.
Ready for the Ingredients?
What You'll Need for this Crock Pot Magic
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. Here’s what you need to make this ridiculously tasty slow cooker BBQ . Don’t worry, it's nothing too fancy.
You can find most of this at your local Tesco.
For the Crockpot Pork Shoulder :
- Grab a 3-4 pound boneless pork shoulder roast. (Trim the excess fat no one likes chewy bits, do they?)
- Spices: 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder, ½ teaspoon each of cumin and black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing, if you're feeling fancy.
- Veggies: One medium yellow onion (chopped) and 2 cloves of minced garlic.
- 1 cup of chicken broth.
For the Ridiculously Easy BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup of ketchup. I know, I know...but trust me.
- ¼ cup each of apple cider vinegar and packed brown sugar.
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
Seriously, that's it. No need to stress about fancy ingredients.
Alright, now that you know exactly what you need for this easy slow cooker dinners , let's dive into how we're gonna turn these ingredients into a proper BBQ feast with this crock pot summer meals .
Right then, let's talk ingredients and gear for our ridiculously easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork . Seriously, this recipe is so straightforward, it’s practically a dump and go crock pot meals dream come true.
No need to faff about for ages in the kitchen!
Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown
This is one of those lazy dinners crockpot recipes that's all about getting maximum flavour with minimum effort. Perfect for those sports night dinners quick meals when you just want something tasty without missing any of the game.
Main Ingredients: Pork Perfection
Alright, here's the shopping list. Don't skimp on the pork, it is vital!
- Pork Shoulder: 3-4 pounds (1.3-1.8 kg) boneless pork shoulder roast. Get one with good marbling that’s the key to juicy, tender crockpot pork shoulder . Trust me, the fat renders down beautifully during the slow cooking. Trim off the really excessive bits, though, yeah?
- Smoked Paprika: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Get the good stuff, not the cheapo stuff. It makes a difference!
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
- Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml). Freshly ground is always better, but pre-ground works a treat too.
- Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). For searing, if you're feeling fancy.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240 ml). Low sodium is a good shout, so you can control the saltiness.
For the BBQ sauce, we’re going super easy slow cooker dinners route, I promise. I'm telling you, you can make this pulled pork recipe easy even after work!
- Ketchup: 1 cup (240 ml).
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/4 cup (60 ml). Adds that tangy kick that makes slow cooker BBQ sing.
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup , packed (50g). Light or dark, doesn't really matter.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Don't even try to pronounce it correctly.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Just a little extra smokiness.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)
Seasoning Notes: Bangin' BBQ Flavours
Don't be scared to play around with the spices! A little cayenne pepper will add heat, and a dash of liquid smoke takes it to another level for Crock Pot Summer Meals .
If you haven't got apple cider vinegar, white vinegar will do in a pinch. Got no brown sugar? A dollop of honey works perfectly!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
Honestly, you don't need much. This ain't MasterChef, alright?
- Slow Cooker: 6-quart or larger . Essential for easy crock pot meals .
- Large Skillet: Optional, for searing.
- Tongs: To handle the pork.
- Two Forks: For shredding.
Right, now you've got everything you need. Let's get cooking! Seriously, I've been making this crockpot pork shoulder recipe for ages, and it's always a winner.
You will not be dissapointed with these BBQ pulled pork sandwiches.
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork (Ridiculously Delicious!)
Okay, so, I'm obsessed with easy crock pot meals . Honestly, who isn't? Especially when it comes to Lazy Dinners Crockpot , right? This Slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is seriously life changing.
I’m talking minimal effort, maximum flavor. Think perfect Sports Night Dinners Quick Meals or amazing Crock Pot Summer Meals when you don't want to heat up the whole house.
This recipe is inspired by classic Southern BBQ techniques, this dish is bursting with smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or even piled high on nachos! Think family BBQ, but without all the work.
Prep Steps to Pulled Pork Perfection
- Essential mise en place : Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. Trust me, it makes life so much easier.
- Time saving organization tips : Chop your onion and garlic the night before! Store in the fridge, sealed tight.
- Safety reminders : Be careful searing! Hot oil is no joke. And always use oven mitts when handling the slow cooker.
step-by-step: Easy Slow Cooker Pork Recipes
- Rub it down : Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub this all over your 3-4 pound pork shoulder. Get in there!
- Sear it (optional) : Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the pork on all sides. This step is totally optional, but it adds a nice crust.
- Base layer : Place one chopped yellow onion and two minced garlic cloves in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pork Placement : Set the pork on top of the onion and garlic. Pour in one cup of chicken broth.
- Slow Cook Magic : Cook on low for 8- 10 hours or high for 4- 6 hours . You want it fall apart tender. Visual Cue: Easily shredded with a fork.
- Sauce Time : Whisk together one cup of ketchup, one-quarter cup of apple cider vinegar, one-quarter cup of packed brown sugar, two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, one tablespoon of Dijon mustard, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and one-half teaspoon of black pepper for a delish slow cooker BBQ sauce.
- Shred it : Remove the pork and shred it with two forks. Discard any excess fat. You can use it for moisture on the pork.
- Combine and Serve : Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, stir in the BBQ sauce, and cook on low for 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld. Serve on your favriote buns or on top of a salad. Enjoy a great BBQ pulled pork sandwiches .
Pro Tips for Insane Pulled Pork
- Don't skimp on the rub : That spice blend is key to flavor!
- Low and slow wins the race : Cooking on low gives you the most tender, juicy Crockpot pork shoulder .
- Common mistake to avoid : Overcooking! It'll dry out. Check for tenderness, not just time. The internal temperature should reach 195- 205° F (90- 96° C) .
- Dump and go crockpot meals
Alright, there you have it, the recipe for easy Pulled pork recipe easy . I made this once for a Sports Night Dinners Quick Meals , and honestly, it was the biggest hit.
Now, go forth and create some epic BBQ!
Recipe Notes
Right, so you've nailed this easy crock pot meals recipe. But before you dive in headfirst, let's chew the fat about a few extra bits.
You know, the kind of stuff that elevates it from "good enough" to "Oh my gosh, where's the recipe?". I have to remember all of these so I can re-create the Lazy Dinners Crockpot next time.
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key, Mate!
Honestly, serving BBQ pulled pork sandwiches on toasted brioche buns with a dollop of homemade coleslaw? Absolute winner! Think about how you plate it up.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley never hurts. Maybe serve with some crunchy pickles on the side? For a Sports Night Dinners Quick Meals , try pulled pork sliders.
You can even make pulled pork nachos. Don't forget the side dishes and drinks! Easy slow cooker dinners like this deserve to be served properly.
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!
If you've got leftovers (unlikely, but hey!), let the slow cooker BBQ pulled pork cool down completely before storing. Pop it in an airtight container.
It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days. Fancy freezing? No worries! Portion it out into freezer bags and it'll keep for up to 2 months.
When reheating, a splash of chicken broth can help bring back some moisture. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until piping hot.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
Fancy a bit of a twist? If you are looking for Crock Pot Summer Meals , ditch the buns and pile the pork onto a salad! For a lower carb option, skip the brown sugar in the sauce.
If you are Pulled pork recipe easy , try adding a tin of chipotle peppers for a spicy kick. Swapping the pork for chicken works wonders too.
Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can even change the meat and make Slow cooker pork recipes .
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Look, this isn't exactly health food. But it's not all bad! Each serving packs a protein punch (around 40-50 grams ).
Just watch the sugar content in the BBQ sauce. Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your needs, you can swap out regular ketchup for a low-sugar option.
Using a lean Crockpot pork shoulder cut also helps lower the fat.
Alright then, off you go! Honestly, this recipe is a winner. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own. You are so prepared to make dump and go crockpot meals , I know you can do it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really make easy crock pot meals, even if I'm rubbish in the kitchen?
Absolutely! This Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is designed for cooks of all levels, even if you're more of a "beans on toast" kind of person. The beauty of a crock pot is that it does most of the work for you. Just chuck in the ingredients, set it, and forget it (almost!).
How long does it really take to cook pulled pork in a slow cooker? I’m always running late!
For the most tender, fall apart pork, aim for 8-10 hours on low. If you're in a rush (we've all been there!), you can cook it on high for 4-6 hours, but keep a close eye on it. You want it to shred easily with a fork; if it's still tough, it needs more time. Remember, low and slow is the best practice.
What if I don't have all the ingredients for the BBQ sauce? Can I still make this easy crock pot meal?
No worries, mate! Substitutions are totally fine. If you're missing apple cider vinegar, use white vinegar or lemon juice. Out of brown sugar? Honey or maple syrup will do the trick. The key is to get that balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, so adjust to taste. Or even use a pre-made BBQ sauce to save time!
Can I make this pulled pork ahead of time? What's the best way to store it?
Definitely! Pulled pork is great for meal prepping. Once the pork is cooked and shredded, let it cool slightly, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving adding a splash of broth or reserved cooking juices will keep it moist.
Is slow cooker pulled pork actually healthy? I'm trying to watch my waistline!
Well, it depends on what you’re aiming for health wise. Pulled pork can be part of a balanced diet. Choose a leaner cut of pork shoulder, trim off excess fat before cooking, and go easy on the BBQ sauce (which can be high in sugar).
Serve it on a salad or with whole wheat buns and plenty of veggies for a healthier meal. You could also consider using a sugar-free BBQ sauce.
My pulled pork came out a bit dry - what did I do wrong?
Oh crikey! That’s no good. Couple of things could be the culprit. Either your slow cooker cooks hot, and you overcooked it, or your pork shoulder was really lean to begin with. Next time, try reducing the cooking time slightly, especially if you're using the 'high' setting.
You can also add a bit of the leftover cooking juices or even some extra chicken broth back into the shredded pork to moisten it up.
Easy Slow Cooker Bbq Pulled Pork Ridiculously De
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 500 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |