Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork

What sets Texas pulled pork apart from other barbecue styles is its distinctive smoky flavor, achieved through a combination of slow cooking and a well-balanced spice rub. The texture is equally important; the meat should be so tender that it easily pulls apart with a fork. This delightful dish is not just about the meat itself but also about the layers of flavor that come from the carefully selected ingredients and cooking methods.

Discover the joy of making Smoky Texas Pulled Pork Delight, a quintessential dish of Texan barbecue. This article walks you through the process of creating tender, flavorful pulled pork that melts in your mouth. From selecting the perfect pork shoulder and crafting a scrumptious spice rub to mastering the slow cooking technique, you’ll learn all the essentials for a mouthwatering meal. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, this dish promises to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy delicious serving suggestions and tips to elevate your barbecue experience.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)

1 cup beef or chicken broth

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)

1 large onion, thinly sliced

4 hamburger buns, for serving (optional)

Coleslaw, for topping (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. This rich spice rub will give your pulled pork an authentic Texas flavor.

Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork shoulder. Once the oil is hot, sear the pork on all sides until it’s browned (about 4-5 minutes per side). This step adds depth of flavor.

Layer the Slow Cooker: In the bottom of your slow cooker, spread the sliced onions evenly. This will provide a bed for the pork and infuse it with onion flavor as it cooks.

Combine Liquids: In a separate bowl, mix together the beef or chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and barbecue sauce.

Slow Cook the Pork: Place the seared pork shoulder on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Pour the broth mixture over the pork ensuring it is well coated. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Shred the Pork: Once fully cooked, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and set it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat.

Mix with Sauce: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mixing it well with the juices and onions. Let it sit for another 10-15 minutes on the warm setting to absorb the flavors.

Serve: Toast the hamburger buns if desired, and pile the flavorful pulled pork on top. Finish with extra barbecue sauce and coleslaw for a delicious crunch!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 9 hours | 4-6 servings