Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for this pulled pork slow cooker recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Boneless Pork Shoulder – The best cut of meat for pulled pork is a pork shoulder roast, as it has ideal fat content to keep it nice and juicy, and gets incredibly tender when slow cooked. I prefer boneless for less fuss, but you can use bone-in and just remove the bone after shredding. You can also use pork butt (Boston butt). I recommend trimming the excess fat, which will make it easier to handle the final shredded pork later. Don’t remove all the fat, but keep just a little bit to keep the meat juicy. Spices – This pulled pork Crock Pot recipe uses a combination of smoked paprika, sea salt, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper for the best flavor. You could also use black pepper instead of cayenne if you prefer. Olive Oil – Or avocado oil. Onion – I used a white onion, but you could also use yellow onion. Broth – Bone broth will give your pork a rich, deep flavor, but you can also use regular beef broth or chicken broth. I used store-bought for convenience, but you could make homemade bone broth if you prefer. Apple Cider Vinegar – Gives the sauce great tang, plus it acts as a tenderizer. You can substitute another vinegar if you like. Coconut Aminos – This soy sauce substitute adds a touch of sweetness and loads of flavor. You can also use soy sauce if you tolerate soy. Worcestershire sauce will also give a similar flavor, but has more sugar. Blackstrap Molasses – This is optional, but helps give the slow cooker pulled pork a sweet flavor and aroma. Some people prefer to add a touch of brown sugar, but molasses will give all the flavor with much less sugar.
How To Make Pulled Pork In The Slow Cooker
This section shows how to make pulled pork in the Crock Pot, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. If you like a smoky flavor, add a tablespoon of liquid smoke. This is optional and not in the ingredient list, but I think it makes the best Crock Pot pulled pork!
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers from your pulled pork recipe in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
How To Reheat Pulled Pork?
For moist reheated pork, avoid the microwave. Instead, use a baking dish. Top the pork with juices (or broth), cover with foil, and bake at 250-300 degrees F until warm.
Can You Freeze Pulled Pork?
Yes, you can freeze pulled pork recipes in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Serve this pulled pork recipe with some sides:
Salads – Healthy salads like spring mix salad, a crunchy sweet kale salad, or a quick creamy cucumber salad all pair well with Crock Pot pulled pork. Starches – Potatoes or rice are popular options to soak up the juices. In the warmer months, potato salad goes very well with pork. I prefer lighter cauliflower potato salad or cauliflower rice, or hearty roasted sweet potatoes in the fall. Vegetable Sides – I love making these sandwiches with some air fried corn on the cob, but Pan fried cabbage, an easy zucchini side dish, or tender sauteed broccoli all pair well with pork. Appetizers – Make pulled pork sliders and serve them with your favorite appetizers like jalapeno poppers or garlic parm fries, or my favorite bacon wrapped asparagus.
What To Do With Leftover Pulled Pork
There are so many different ways to use this pulled pork recipe — you’ll love having leftovers! Choose your favorite way:
Pulled Pork Sandwiches – Stuff pulled pork into your favorite bread, rolls, slider buns, or hamburger buns. Top with coleslaw for a crunchy topping and your favorite barbecue sauce. Tacos or Burritos – Top your favorite tortillas (flour, corn, or almond flour tortillas) with meat, salsa, cheese, and any other taco fixings. Pork Nachos – Top chips with this slow cooker pulled pork recipe and shredded cheese, then bake until melted. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try my cauliflower nachos, but swap out the meat for leftover pulled pork. Lettuce Wraps – Put warm pork into lettuce leaves (butter or iceberg work well) and top with a dressing or sauce. Pizza – Top your favorite pizza crust with your favorite BBQ sauce, shredded pork, red onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes
Looking for more easy Crock Pot recipes? Try some of my other favorites: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition info does not include onion, which gets strained out and discarded. 📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Ebook Bundle!
