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Easy Pulled Pork

A simple, tender, and flavorful pulled pork recipe that can be made in a slow cooker or oven with minimal prep and pantry ingredients.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce your favorite one
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Method
 

  1. Pat the pork dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick.
  2. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Rub the seasoning mix thoroughly all over the pork.
  3. For slow cooker method: Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar.
  5. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
  6. Remove pork from the cooker and shred it using two forks.
  7. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir in the barbecue sauce. Let it simmer for 20 minutes on low before serving.
  8. For oven method: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
  9. Place the seasoned pork in a roasting pan or Dutch oven. Pour in the broth and apple cider vinegar.
  10. Cover tightly with foil or a lid and roast in the oven for 3.5 to 4 hours.
  11. Check if the pork shreds easily; if not, cook for 30 more minutes.
  12. Remove pork from the oven, shred it, and mix in the barbecue sauce.
  13. Return the shredded pork to the oven uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water. Serve with coleslaw, mac and cheese, pickles, cornbread, or potato salad. Great in tacos, sandwiches, nachos, or over rice.