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Katie's Cucina » Recipes » Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Published: May 25, 2021 · Modified: Aug 30, 2021 by Katie · This post may contain affiliate links

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Two photos split by recipe title text; top of a shredded pork dish bottom of a bun with pulled pork on it.
Close up of a pulled pork sandwich on a cutting board with recipe title text on image.
White oval bowl filled with shredded pork with recipe title text on image for Pinterest.
Top view of a bowl of pulled pork on a wood cutting board with buns and pulled pork sandwiches.
Top view of a white oval bowl filled with shredded pork with text on image for Pinterest.
Two photos divided by recipe title text; bottom of pulled pork sandwich, top of a white bowl filled with shredded pork.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork takes only minutes to prep, with minimal ingredients, and slow cooks for 10 hours. The pork is then shredded and smothered in your favorite barbecue sauce. This is the best pulled pork recipe and very versatile. You can eat it as is or place the pulled pork between two buns to enjoy as a pulled pork sandwich.

White oval baking dish with shredded pulled pork on a wood cutting board with sides around the dish.

Are you in search of the best pulled pork recipe? If so, you are in luck! During the summer months (and really year round) I love to let my slow cooker do all the work for dinner. My Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe is one of my go-to easy dinners thanks to the low prep, few ingredients, and bulk amount of main dish it makes. We love pork in my home. Whether it’s a Shoulder Roast or a pork tenderloin you’ll find pork on our menu often. Whether you are feeding a crowd or simply craving barbecue you will love this bbq pulled pork.

Over the years I have tweaked and created the very best pulled pork recipe. This recipe makes a lot so be prepared if you are trying to make it just for a family of 4. I never mind having leftover pulled pork, because it only means that I’ll get to make my favorite pulled pork nachos! It’s a great way to reinvent leftovers.

Table of contents

  • Ingredients
  • Directions
    • Rub for Pulled Pork
    • How to Cook Boston Butt in Crock Pot
  • FAQs
  • Expert Tips
  • Side Dish Recipes

Ingredients

Ingredients on marble countertop: pork shoulder, onions, pineapple juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Pork – I use a Pork Shoulder otherwise known as a Boston Butt. Anywhere from 4-7 pounds works for this recipe.
  • Seasonings – I use a mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for my rub for the pulled pork.
  • Onion – I love to line the bottom of the slow cooker with sliced onions.
  • Pineapple Juice – One cup of pineapple juice is all you need. The onions and pork will

Directions

Rub for Pulled Pork

Two photos: lefto f a hand holding three spices in a small bowl; right of a seasoned pork shoulder.

Mix together the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Rub all over the pork shoulder until fully covered and seasoning is used up.

How to Cook Boston Butt in Crock Pot

Top view of sliced onions in a black slow cooker.

Place the sliced onions on the bottom of a 6 quart slow cooker.

Top view of a raw Boston Butt roast on top of onions in a black slow cooker.

Then plan the pork shoulder FAT SIDE UP in the slow cooker. Pour the pineapple juice. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 10 hours.

Three photos of cooked pork; right photos of shredded pork with barbecue sauce.

After the pork is done cooking, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place into a large serving dish. Remove as much of the fat off of the pork as possible. Begin to shred the meat. Once all the pork is shredded, add the cooked onions into the meat and about ¼ cup of the liquid.

Next, add ¾ of a bottle of barbecue sauce to the shredded pork. Mix well. Serve immediately or drain most of the liquid out of the slow cooker and place back in slow cooker on “warm” setting until ready to enjoy.

FAQs

Top view of an oval dish on a wood cutting board with rolls and pulled pork sandwiches next to it.
How much pulled pork will feed 12 people?

If you are looking to feed a crowd. Pulled pork is a great option. I typically like to allocate a half pound of meat per person. For a party of 12 you should look for a 6lb pork shoulder.

What is the best liquid to cook pulled pork in?

I love to use pineapple juice for pulled pork. However, apple juice, beer, or even water works well too.

What cut of meat is used for pulled pork?

A pork shoulder is the cut of meat you will use for pulled pork. This cut of meat also has a few other names. Boston Butt is another common name used when referencing the type of meat used for pulled pork.

Do you cut the fat off pork shoulder before slow cooking?

No, I love to keep the fat on because this is what keeps the meat moist and juicy. The fat also adds so much flavor to the broth. After the pork shoulder is done cooking you can easily cut the fat off.

Can I use pork loin instead of pork shoulder for pulled pork?

No you cannot use a pork loin instead of a pork shoulder for pulled pork. This is because a pork loin is extremely lean and contains little to no fat.

Do I need to cook the Boston Butt fat side up?

Always cook the pork shoulder with the FAT SIDE UP in the slow cooker/crock pot. This is to help keep the meat moist while cooking.

Expert Tips

Pulled pork sandwich with barbecue sauce on a wood cutting board.

Here are all my expert tips I’ve found helpful when I make pulled pork in the slow cooker.

  • Pork – The most common cut of meat used for pulled pork is a pork shoulder or also known as a Boston Butt Pork Roast.
  • Liquid – I like to use pineapple juice. If you don’t have this on hand you can use apple juice or even a light lager beer. If you don’t have any of those options on hand water always works but just does not provide as much flavor.
  • Pulled Pork Sandwiches – Serve ½ cup portions of shredded pulled pork on to a hamburger bun. Top with more barbecue sauce if desired. Add a scoop of coleslaw to your sandwich for an extra treat! Or top with bread and butter pickles.
  • Cooking Liquid – Reserve 1-2 cups of the cooking liquid that the pulled pork was made in for freezing and reheating.
  • Freezing leftovers – You will have a lot of shredded pork leftover depending on how many people you feed for the initial dinner. The good news is that the bbq pulled pork freezes great! Simply place a 1-2 cup portion of shredded pork (with extra cooking liquid if you happened to reserve it) in a labeled freezer bag. Freeze flat for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat Frozen Shredded Pork – To reheat the frozen shredded pork you will want to place the frozen pork in the refrigerator the night before to thaw. Once thawed you’ll want to cook on the stove top on medium-low heat until warm. Add liquid to the sauce pan to prevent the pulled pork from drying out. I would personally avoid reheating in the microwave as that may dry out the pork.

Side Dish Recipes

Top view of side dishes around a bowl of shredded pork with buns on cutting board.

If you make Crock Pot pulled pork you might be looking for some sides to serve it with. Here are a few of my favorite side dish recipes that compliment the bbq pulled pork.

  • Potato Salad without Mayo
  • Pepperoni Pasta Salad
  • Instant Pot Baked Beans
  • Southern Green Beans
  • Orzo Pasta Salad

If you make this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a star rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!

Don’t forget to FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram, and subscribe to my email list!

Top view of side dishes around a bowl of shredded pork with buns on cutting board.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork takes only minutes to prep, with minimal ingredients, and slow cooks for 10 hours. The pork is then shredded and smothered in your favorite barbecue sauce. You can eat it as is or place the pulled pork between two buns to enjoy as a pulled pork sandwich.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 hours
Total Time: 10 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 424kcal
Author: Katie

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  • 1 Onion thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 6 lbs. Pork Shoulder
  • 8 oz. Pineapple Juice
  • 18 oz. Barbecue Sauce

Instructions

  • Mix together the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Rub all over the pork shoulder until fully covered and seasoning is used up.
  • Place the sliced onions on the bottom of a 6 quart slow cooker. Then plan the pork shoulder FAT SIDE UP in the slow cooker. Pour the pineapple juice. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 10 hours.
  • After the pork is done cooking, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place into a large serving dish. Remove as much of the fat off of the pork as possible. Begin to shred the meat. Once all the pork is shredded, add the cooked onions into the meat and about ¼ cup of the liquid.
  • Next, add ¾ of a bottle of barbecue sauce to the shredded pork. Mix well. Serve immediately or drain most of the liquid out of the slow cooker and place back in slow cooker on "warm" setting until ready to enjoy.

Video

Notes

  • Pork – The most common cut of meat used for pulled pork is a pork shoulder or also known as a Boston Butt Pork Roast.
  • Liquid – I like to use pineapple juice. If you don’t have this on hand you can use apple juice or even a light lager beer. If you don’t have any of those options on hand water always works but just does not provide as much flavor.
  • Pulled Pork Sandwiches – Serve ½ cup portions of shredded pulled pork on to a hamburger bun. Top with more barbecue sauce if desired. Add a scoop of coleslaw to your sandwich for an extra treat! Or top with bread and butter pickles.
  • Cooking Liquid – Reserve 1-2 cups of the cooking liquid that the pulled pork was made in for freezing and reheating.
  • Freezing leftovers – You will have a lot of shredded pork leftover depending on how many people you feed for the initial dinner. The good news is that the bbq pulled pork freezes great! Simply place a 1-2 cup portion of shredded pork (with extra cooking liquid if you happened to reserve it) in a labeled freezer bag. Freeze flat for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat Frozen Shredded Pork – To reheat the frozen shredded pork you will want to place the frozen pork in the refrigerator the night before to thaw. Once thawed you’ll want to cook on the stove top on medium-low heat until warm. Add liquid to the sauce pan to prevent the pulled pork from drying out. I would personally avoid reheating in the microwave as that may dry out the pork.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5c | Calories: 424kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 152mg | Sodium: 804mg | Potassium: 915mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 111IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @KatieJasiewicz or tag #katiescucina!
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Disclosure: There are affiliate links present in this post. That means if you click on a link and purchase something. I will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your continuous support of Katie’s Cucina!

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About Katie

Katie is a busy mom of 2 children who loves to feed her family delicious meals that don't take hours to cook! She started her blog 10 years ago as a way to help others get cooking in the kitchen.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ashley - baker by nature

    August 01, 2013 at 6:38 am

    O giiiiiirl, it’s not even 7 am and now I’m jonsing for pork sandwich! These look SO good.

    Reply
    • Katie

      August 07, 2013 at 11:52 am

      Thanks Ashley!!!

  2. addie | culicurious

    July 31, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    This looks like a great sandwich, Katie! I love pulled pork 🙂

    Reply
  3. Rachel @ Baked by Rachel

    July 30, 2013 at 11:32 am

    Totally craving one of these fabulous sandwiches. You know I’m totally a bbq fan right?! Yum!!

    Reply
    • Katie

      July 31, 2013 at 7:26 am

      Awe thanks Rachel!

  4. Liz @ The Lemon Bowl

    July 30, 2013 at 8:17 am

    I crave pulled pork/chicken all the time! One of the few meats that tastes good when I’m pregnant! 🙂

    Reply

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I'm Katie Jasiewicz: home cook, food blogger, and recipe developer. A busy mom of two children who loves to feed her family delicious meals that don’t take hours to cook! My mission is to create easy-to-make modern comfort food for the busy family. (more)

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