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Easy Tender Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Recipe Perfect for Budget Meals

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This easy tender pulled pork slow cooker recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and delivers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with rich, smoky flavor. Perfect for busy days and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water (240 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce (120 ml), your favorite brand or homemade
  • Hamburger buns or slider rolls (optional)
  • Pickles, coleslaw, or sliced onions (optional toppings)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon dried oregano if using. Stir until combined.
  2. Prep the Pork Shoulder: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, covering every side.
  3. Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic on top of the onions.
  4. Add the Pork and Broth: Place the rubbed pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic. Pour 1 cup chicken broth or water around the meat (not on top).
  5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily. Aim for an internal temperature of about 195°F (90°C) if using a meat thermometer.
  6. Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
  7. Mix with Sauce and Serve: Stir some cooking juices back into the shredded pork to keep it moist. Mix in barbecue sauce to taste. Serve on buns with pickles or coleslaw, or enjoy as is.

Notes

Pat the pork dry before applying the rub for better flavor. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to prevent adding time. For thicker sauce, simmer cooking liquid separately. Shred pork while hot and add cooking juices back to keep moist. Variations include adding cayenne for spice or using apple cider vinegar for tang.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, crockpot, budget meals, easy recipe, pork shoulder, barbecue, tender pork, simple ingredients

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/easy-tender-pulled-pork-slow-cooker-recipe-perfect-for-budget-meals/