Okay, okay, I know everyone has done pulled pork, but I am adding mine to the world!
I actually had never made pulled pork (or any pulled meat for that matter) until this recipe. I never had the reason to. Mr. TCW is not a crazy sandwich person, so I kind of avoid anything that has to do with sandwiches. However, occasionally he will pull out the "let's make homemade subs!" and I will be left in charge because of my previous job experience (I can cut some mean sub buns!)
I finally delved into the pulled pork world when I had an extra pork loin sitting around and did not want to do another whole pork recipe. I had already done a few, but I really wanted to break out the slow cooker (it was a hot day.) So, this is my pulled pork in the slow cooker recipe! I did a lot of reading and found people tend to not like soggy pulled pork. Too much juice was a complaint, but I find that hard to avoid as you are literally cooking a pork loin in sauce until super tender. Another issue I had a hard time getting by was the fact you basically had to overcook your meat to result in that pull apart meat that is so common in pulled pork. Yeah, I originally used my built in thermometer to cook the meat to around 150-155F, but found there was nooooo way that would allow me to pull apart the meat. I kept cooking until the meat fell apart when I used a fork. Basically, the secret to pulled pork? Overcooked meat.
While doing my research, I say many people used colas in their recipes, or a ton of BBQ sauce. Seems like the comments were hit or mess, so I decided to create my own recipe. I think it worked out great! Still some extra liquid at the bottom of the slow cooker, but I mean, I see that being hard to avoid. Fat comes off the meat and while the BBQ sauce definitely adds flavor, it is also a liquid ingredient. And I had to add beer! Nonetheless, I was super happy with the results and actually saved the leftover pulled pork with the extra juices (you will see why!)
📖 Recipe
Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker
This awesome sandwich is super easy and made with pulled pork in the slow cooker. Leftovers are definitely going to happen here!
Ingredients
- 4 lb pork loin
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ tbsp. coarse mustard
- ½ tsp. dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- ¼ tsp. ground thyme
- ½ cup beer
- 3-4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
Instructions
- Add the onions to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place pork shoulder on top of the onions and makes some slits into the top of the meat to hold the garlic. Place garlic into slits and pour beer over top. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1 hour on low heat.
- Combine the BBQ sauce with coarse mustard, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour over the pork and continue to cook until pork can easily be shredded with a fork (6-7 hours on low heat.)
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 496Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 181mgSodium: 425mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 61g
Now, we can say my pulled pork in the slow cooker is pretty darn amazing, but this is not ordinary pulled pork sandwiches. I went all out and made homemade buns for this meal! Woohoo! Number one! We had our neighbors over for dinner and they really loved everything about this dish. Even though there were three adults (exclude me, obviously) and one child/toddler, I still had a ton of leftover pork! No worries though, you will see those creations in the future!
Katie @ Recipe for Perfection
I am all for pulled pork- any time, any way! It's one of my favorite sandwiches to get at a BBQ restaurant, so it's great to know how to make a home version!
Kacey
Thanks, Katie!
Dee Dee (My Midlife Kitchen)
First of all, anything that can be done in a slow cooker is a great recipe in my book. I love that if it rains and you wind up with the need for a "cook in" rather than a "cook out", this method still produces a fabulous meal. Second, I grew up with nearly everything having a sandwich option. My mom is the queen of pulled pork, pulled chicken, pulled beef...well, you get the idea. It's easy, flavorful, and freezes well, too. What a great addition to all of the great pulled pork recipes out there! Thanks!
Kacey
Thanks so much, Dee Dee! I did not know that it froze well, so thank you for that tip 🙂 Sandwiches are never a bad thing!
Michelle @ Blackberry Babe
There's always room in the world for another pulled pork recipe, in my humble opinion. Especially one that's done in the slow cooker! Love it!
Kacey
Thanks, Michelle!
Ginny McMeans
Slow cookers are just great. I love using them in the summer too - out on the covered patio.
Kacey
You know, I have never used one outside, but I have seriously considered it!
Courtney
You can never have too much pulled pork and I love the simplicity of making it in the crockpot!
Kacey
Thanks, Courtney. And any leftovers I had I used up for two more recipes that I will be sharing eventually 🙂
Beth
This is so funny because we never eat our pulled pork on buns, so my mind doesn't think sandwiches when I think about pulled pork! 🙂 We usually make potatoes and veggies to go with our pork! But, nevertheless, I'm a fan of pulled pork and would eat it any way!
Kacey
That's amazing, Beth! Where I am located, I just assumed pulled pork goes on sandwiches. I will have to try making it over veggies or potatoes next time!
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet
I certainly do not use my slow cooker enough! You did a great job with this!
Kacey
Thank you, Nancy 🙂
amanda @ fake ginger
Pulled pork is my favorite sandwich! Yours looks delicious!
Kacey
Thanks, Amanda.
Nutmeg Nanny
Slow cooker pulled pork is my favorite! I love how easy it is to make and it's always a crowd pleaser. I wish I had a sandwich for lunch right now....yum!
Kacey
I would have totally shared; there were a ton of leftovers!
Connie | URBAN BAKES
I love that you added yours too! Definitely nothing wrong with that. I too have never made pulled meats in my past. As a matter of fact, I barely ever have it but so far this year, I've had pulled pork 3 times! I think I need to use your recipe to start making my own. It's the best!
Kacey
Thanks, Connie!! My sister and brother are big on pulled chicken right now, but since pork shoulder is what I had on hand, I thought pulled pork would be my appropriate first pulled meat recipe. I see us making it many more times this summer, like you 🙂