If you’re looking for an easy, no-fuss meal that packs a punch of flavor, you’ve come to the right place. Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork is one of those dishes that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll have tender, juicy pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even served with a side of your favorite veggies. The smoky flavors and rich, spicy seasoning will transport you straight to the heart of Texas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
First off, let’s talk about how easy this recipe is. You don’t have to be an expert in the kitchen to make this pulled pork—it’s all about letting the slow cooker work its magic. The pork shoulder (or butt) simmers away in a flavorful blend of spices, resulting in tender, fall-apart meat that’s absolutely loaded with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a barbecue, making dinner for the family, or meal prepping for the week, this pulled pork is always a hit. The best part? You can adjust the seasoning to your liking, making it as spicy or mild as you want.
Ingredients (Full list of ingredients below)
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish:
- Pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Brown sugar
- Paprika, cumin, chili powder
- Apple cider vinegar
- BBQ sauce (for serving)
For the full list, check below!
Directions
1. Prepare the Pork
Start by trimming any excess fat off your pork shoulder, though don’t remove it all—some fat helps keep the meat juicy as it cooks. Pat the pork dry with paper towels, then rub it all over with a mixture of brown sugar, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This spice rub is what gives the pulled pork its rich, smoky flavor.
2. Add to the Slow Cooker
Once your pork is seasoned, place it in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion and garlic around the meat. These ingredients will infuse the pork with even more flavor as it cooks.
3. Pour in the Liquid
Pour a little apple cider vinegar over the pork. The acidity helps tenderize the meat and balances out the sweetness from the brown sugar. If you prefer, you can also use a splash of water or chicken broth, but apple cider vinegar is a key ingredient for that authentic Texas flavor.
4. Slow Cook the Pork
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for about 4-5 hours. The pork is done when it’s fall-apart tender and easily shreds with a fork. Don’t rush this step—slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become incredibly tender.
5. Shred the Pork
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding with two forks. As you shred, you’ll notice how juicy and tender the pork is. Mix in some of the cooking juices from the slow cooker to keep the pork moist and flavorful.
6. Serve
Now that your pulled pork is ready, it’s time to serve! Pile the meat onto your favorite buns, serve it in tacos, or plate it alongside some tasty sides. Drizzle with your favorite BBQ sauce if desired, and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use the Right Cut of Meat: Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is the best cut for pulled pork. It has a good amount of fat that helps keep the meat juicy during the long cooking process. Avoid using lean cuts like pork loin, as they can dry out.
- Season to Taste: The seasoning mix is just a starting point—don’t be afraid to adjust it to your liking. If you prefer more heat, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For a sweeter flavor, increase the brown sugar a little.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Step: After shredding the pork, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.
- Save the Cooking Liquid: After you shred the pork, don’t throw away the liquid in the slow cooker. It’s full of flavor and can be used to moisten the pulled pork or as a base for soups and stews.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Spicy Pulled Pork: If you like your pulled pork with a kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the slow cooker. You can also spice up the seasoning by adding more chili powder, cayenne, or smoked paprika.
- Apple or Pineapple Twist: For a fruity twist, add some chopped apple or pineapple to the slow cooker. The sweetness balances out the savory spices and adds a lovely depth of flavor to the pork.
- Vegan Option: If you want to make a plant-based version, try using jackfruit instead of pork. It has a similar texture and will soak up all the smoky, spicy flavors from the seasoning mix.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- Sandwiches: Pile the pulled pork onto soft hamburger buns or toasted rolls, and top with coleslaw for the perfect balance of savory and crunchy.
- Tacos: Serve the pulled pork in soft corn tortillas with a little lime, cilantro, and diced onions for a fresh, vibrant meal.
- With Sides: This pulled pork pairs beautifully with classic sides like mac and cheese, cornbread, roasted vegetables, or a tangy coleslaw.
- Over Rice: For a complete meal, serve the pulled pork over steamed white rice or cilantro-lime rice for an easy weeknight dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely, but possible), here’s how to store and reheat your pulled pork:
- Storage: Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the pulled pork for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the pulled pork in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little of the reserved cooking liquid to keep it moist. You can also reheat it in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
4 FAQs
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook the pulled pork in the oven. Roast it at 300°F (150°C) for about 4 hours, or until it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork. Just cover it with foil to keep the moisture in.
Can I use a pork loin for this recipe?
While pork loin is leaner and not ideal for pulled pork, you can still use it. Just be aware that it might turn out a bit drier than if you used pork shoulder.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe is easy to scale up. Just use a larger slow cooker, and you may need to increase the cooking time by a little bit if you’re cooking a larger amount of meat.
Can I freeze the pulled pork?
Absolutely! Pulled pork freezes wonderfully. Just portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers, and be sure to include some of the cooking liquid to keep it moist when reheating.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork is the definition of easy comfort food. It’s tender, flavorful, and incredibly versatile—perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to feeding a crowd. The best part? It takes just a few minutes of prep, and the slow cooker does all the hard work. So whether you’re craving a savory sandwich, a taco, or just a plate full of goodness, this recipe will not disappoint. Give it a try, and get ready for some seriously tasty pulled pork!
Print
Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork: A Savory, Smoky Delight for Every Occasion
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low setting) or 4-5 hours (high setting)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (low setting) or 4 hours 15 minutes (high setting)
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Texas, Southern
Description
A savory and smoky pulled pork recipe made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Tender and flavorful, this dish is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served with your favorite sides. Ideal for any occasion, from casual dinners to feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 4–5 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (for serving)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some fat to retain juiciness. Pat dry with paper towels. Rub the pork with a mixture of brown sugar, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add to the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker. Add chopped onion and garlic around the meat.
- Add the Liquid: Pour apple cider vinegar over the pork. For a milder option, substitute with chicken broth or water.
- Slow Cook the Pork: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the slow cooker, let it rest for a few minutes, then shred it using two forks. Mix in some cooking juices to keep the pork moist.
- Serve: Serve the pulled pork on sandwiches, in tacos, or with your favorite sides. Drizzle with BBQ sauce if desired.
Notes
- Spicy Option: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Apple or Pineapple Twist: Add chopped apple or pineapple for a sweet contrast to the savory spices.
- Resting the Meat: Let the shredded pork rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish.
- Save the Cooking Liquid: Use the leftover cooking juices to moisten the pork or as a base for soups.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg