Sandra This Paula Deen Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is a tender and juicy recipe, which is made with a sweet and tangy ketchup-based sauce. It’s the ultimate ‘fix it and forget it’ comfort food, ready in about 8 to 10 hours on low.
Paula Deen Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Ingredients
- 1 (3- to 4-lb.) pork shoulder, trimmed
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. mustard powder
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Buns and coleslaw, for serving (optional)
How To Make Paula Deen Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Make the Sauce: In the insert of a slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, garlic powder, cumin, mustard powder, and paprika.
- Add the Pork: Season the pork shoulder generously all over with salt and pepper. Add the pork to the slow cooker and turn it over a few times to coat it with the sauce mixture.
- Slow Cook Until Tender: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours or on LOW for 8 to 10 hours. The pork is done when it is very tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
- Shred and Serve: Transfer the cooked pork to a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat. Toss the shredded pork with the juices from the slow cooker and serve hot on buns with coleslaw, if using.
Recipe Tips
- What’s the best pork for pulled pork? A pork shoulder (also called a Boston butt) is the absolute best choice. It has a great amount of fat marbling, which renders down during the long, slow cook, making the meat incredibly moist and tender.
- Do I need to sear the pork first? While many recipes call for searing, this simple “dump and go” method is incredibly easy and still yields a delicious result. The seasonings in the sauce create a flavorful crust as it cooks.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Pulled pork is a perfect make-ahead meal. You can cook it completely, shred it, let it cool in its juices, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will be even better the next day.
- How do I get the pork extra tender? The low and slow cooking method is the secret. Don’t rush it. Cooking it on the LOW setting for the full 8-10 hours is ideal for breaking down the tough connective tissues for a perfectly tender result.
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This pulled pork is perfect piled high on toasted potato buns or brioche buns. For a complete meal, serve it with classic barbecue sides like:
- Creamy Coleslaw (either on the side or right on the sandwich!)
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Southern-style Cornbread
- Baked Beans
How To Store Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, with its cooking juices to keep it moist, for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Allow the pulled pork to cool completely in its juices. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1/10th of recipe
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 950mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
No, you do not need to add any extra liquid like water or broth. The onion and the pork shoulder will release plenty of their own natural juices, which will combine with the sauce ingredients to create a flavorful braising liquid.
A tough pork shoulder almost always just needs more time. All slow cookers can vary slightly in temperature. If your pork isn’t falling apart easily with a fork, just put the lid back on and let it continue cooking on LOW, checking for tenderness every 45-60 minutes.
Yes. While this homemade sauce is delicious, you can absolutely substitute it with about 2 cups of your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for an even quicker preparation.
Try More Recipes:
- Paula Deen Pork Tenderloin Recipe
- Paula Deen Pulled Pork Recipe
- Paula Deen Chicken Fried Pork Chops Recipe
Paula Deen Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe
Description
The ultimate “fix it and forget it” meal, this slow cooker pulled pork is incredibly tender and juicy, made with a simple and savory homemade BBQ sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine the onion, ketchup, vinegar, tomato paste, and all the spices.
- Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the pork in the slow cooker and turn to coat it in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours, until the pork is fall-apart tender.
- Transfer the pork to a bowl, shred it with two forks, and then toss it with the juices from the slow cooker.
- Serve hot on buns with coleslaw.
Notes
- The most important tip for this recipe is to cook it low and slow; this ensures the pork becomes incredibly tender and juicy.
- This is a true “dump and go” recipe; there is no need to sear the meat before adding it to the slow cooker, making it perfect for a busy day.
- For the juiciest, most flavorful meat, use a well-marbled pork shoulder (also called a Boston butt).
- This recipe is a perfect make-ahead meal for a crowd and often tastes even better the next day.
