pulled pork sandwiches
Tender, flavorful, and irresistibly juicy, Crock Pot Pulled Pork is the perfect centerpiece for any meal. Whether served in sandwiches, over rice, or as a stand-alone dish, this slow-cooked classic delivers unbeatable taste and texture.
Elevate your BBQ experience with this effortless recipe. A balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors meld together during its slow cooking process, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.
Key Ingredients That Make This Pulled Pork Shine
- Boneless pork shoulder or butt roast – The star of the dish, offering rich marbling for tender, flavorful results.
- Onion and green bell pepper – These add a natural sweetness and savory depth, perfectly complementing the pork.
- Barbecue sauce – A rich, tangy base that infuses the pork with bold BBQ flavor.
- Light brown sugar – Balances the tang of the sauce with subtle sweetness.
- Paprika, cumin, and ground red pepper – Add a smoky, slightly spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the pork to perfection.
How to Make This Crock Pot Pulled Pork
- Prepare the Pork: Trim the pork shoulder and season it with a flavorful spice blend for a bold foundation.
- Layer the Ingredients: Arrange the onions and peppers in the Crock Pot, creating a bed for the seasoned pork.
- Add the Sauce: Combine BBQ sauce with brown sugar, then pour it over the pork, ensuring a rich coating.
- Slow Cook: Let the Crock Pot work its magic on low for 8-10 hours, infusing the pork with incredible flavor.
- Shred and Serve: Once tender, shred the pork and serve with the sauce, either on buns or as a hearty entrée.
Recipe Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork
For the best results, select a pork shoulder with even marbling; the fat will render during cooking, keeping the meat moist and tender. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste by increasing or reducing the red pepper. For an extra smoky note, consider adding a splash of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce mixture. Serve the pork immediately for the freshest flavor, or let it sit in its juices to absorb even more flavor before shredding.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Pulled pork leftovers store beautifully! Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of BBQ sauce or broth to retain moisture and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.
Enjoy this Crock Pot Pulled Pork recipe as a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as simple to prepare as it is delicious!
Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper cut into thin strips
- 3-4 lbs. boneless pork shoulder or butt roast
- ½ tsp ground red pepper
- 18 oz. bottle barbecue sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Trim and discard any excess fat from the pork roast. In a small bowl, combine salt, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper; rub this mixture evenly over the pork.
- Layer the sliced onion and bell pepper at the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seasoned pork on top of the vegetables.
- In a separate bowl, mix the barbecue sauce with the brown sugar until well combined, then pour the sauce mixture over the pork. Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Once cooked, transfer the pork to a cutting board. Remove and discard any remaining fat, then shred the meat using two forks.
- Serve the pulled pork with the sauce spooned over it, or pile it onto buns for classic BBQ pulled pork sandwiches. Alternatively, enjoy it atop a bed of rice for a comforting meal.