EASY Slow Cooked Pulled Pork Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 lb Pork Shoulder (bone‑in or boneless, trimmed of excess fat cap)
• 1 large Onion (peeled and diced)
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (provides depth of flavor)
• 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika (adds smoky heat)
• 1 tsp Dry Mustard (gives a subtle zip)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (packed)
• 1 tbsp Hot Sauce (adjust to heat preference)
• 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Canola Oil (for coating measuring cup when adding honey)
• 1 tbsp Honey (adds natural sweetness and stickiness)
• 1/2 tsp Liquid Smoke (a little goes a long way)
• 2 tsp Kosher Salt (for sauce; plus extra 2 tsp for pork seasoning)
• 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly cracked if possible)
• 2 tbsp Cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water to form slurry)
• 2 tbsp Water (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

1. Prep the Onion

   Peel and dice the large onion into small pieces.

   Time: PT5M

2. Make the Barbecue Sauce

   In a mixing bowl combine tomato paste, smoked paprika, dry mustard, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, canola oil, honey, liquid smoke, and 2 tsp kosher salt. Whisk until smooth.

   Time: PT7M

3. Trim and Season the Pork

   Pat the pork shoulder dry, trim off any large excess fat cap, then rub the entire piece with 2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper.

   Time: PT5M

4. Assemble in the Slow Cooker

   Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Spread the diced onion over the meat, then pour the prepared barbecue sauce on top, ensuring the pork is well coated.

   Time: PT3M

5. Slow Cook

   Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.

   Time: PT8H

6. Shred the Pork

   After 8 hours, remove the pork with tongs. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite‑size pieces.

   Time: PT5M

7. Thicken the Sauce

   In a small saucepan whisk together 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker, then set the cooker to HIGH for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   Time: PT20M

8. Combine Pork and Sauce

   Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir until fully coated with the thickened sauce.

   Time: PT3M

9. Serve

   Serve the pulled pork on buns, tacos, quesadillas, or alongside baked beans. Top with coleslaw for classic Kansas City style.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

25g

Carbohydrates

30g

Fat

15g

Fiber

1g