EASY Crock Pot Pulled Pork

This BBQ crock pot pulled pork recipe is one of Pete’s favorites, and it has saved us from slaying over a hot grill many time in the crazy heat of summer. Plus, it’s great over a bowl of rice during winter and is really EASY to make with only 5 ingredients.

I also love crock pot pulled pork because it’s quick to throw together in the morning, and then we don’t have to worry about dinner at all since it’s ready in the evening without an ounce more of effort. I can work late, or we can go for a run or bike ride, and no one has to “cook.”

Try out the recipe below and let us know what you think!  I also have a photo or our left overs at the bottom of the post to give you another idea on how to serve it, besides as an amazing pulled pork sandwich.

I once had a whole series of podcast episodes with CBS that included interviews with pit masters and some of the best barbecue experts in the country! So, something as simple as pulled pork simmered in a crock pot seemed like a no brainer for satisfying those podcast-induced barbecue cravings!  

This crock pot pulled pork is pretty versatile as there’s a variety of ways to serve it. So you can switch it up between pulled pork sandwiches, use the crock pot pulled pork for tacos, and one of our new favorites — serve the pork over smoked rice.  Yes, smoked rice is a thing and it’s life changing.

EASY Crock Pot Pulled Pork Ingredients

Here’s a list of ingedients you’ll need for this pulled pork crock pot recipe. We also have some tips for subsitutions below if you’d like to switch up the flavor a bit.

• 3 pound pork shoulder
• 1 medium white onion
• 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
• 1 twelve ounce bottle of hard cider
• salt and pepper

Do I need to add liquid to crock pot for pulled pork?
Technically, you don’t have to add liquid into your crock pot or slow cooker because the fat will render off the pork and generate moisture. But adding a liquid does ensure that you have a tender, juicy, and moist pulled pork that is easy to pull apart and shred. 

What is the best liquid for pulled pork?
Truly, you could just used water as your liquid for this pulled pork in a crock pot. But broth, apple juice, beer, cider, and even Coke or Dr. Pepper could be used to make the meat tender and flavorful.

How long is too long for pulled pork in a crock pot?
I don’t think there’s such a thing as cooking pulled pork for too long. You can leave it in your crock pot or slow cooker for hours. If you are short on time, put your slow cooker on high, and the pulled pork can be done in as little as 2 hours. But if you set your crock pot to low, you can leave the pork cooking for 4 to 12 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will be.

Do you put pulled pork fat side up or down in crockpot?
You’ll want to place the pork in the crock pot fat side up. The fat will render during the cooking process and help add flavor and moisture to the meat. Plus, by placing the pork fat side up, it makes it easier to skim excess fat off the surface before serving. 

EASY BBQ Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe

Gather together your ingredients: a 3-5 pound pork shoulder, salt and pepper, thick sliced onions, your favorite bbq sauce, and liquid of choice (apple cider, beer, broth, or soda).

Using paper towels, pat dry the outside of the pork shoulder. Then season with salt and pepper and rub the spices into the meat. You could also use your favorite BBQ rub. OR, if you intend to use the pulled pork  for tacos, use a taco seasoning.

Slowly pour the cider into the crock pot. Add the BBQ sauce next and stir together.

Carefully place the pork shoulder to your crock pot or slow cooker and turn the temperature to low. Place the onion slices on top.

Cover pork shoulder and cook for 6 to 8 hours.

Once the pulled pork is done cooking, pull the pork apart with a couple of forks or meat shredding claws.

If serving the pork on sandwiches or tacos, use a slotted spoon to strain the juices.

Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy! We topped ours with a bit of red cabbage slaw and pickles. Pickled red onions are great too!

 

Wondering what to make with your BBQ Crock Pot Pulled Pork? Try these recipes:

• Air Fryer Onion Rings
• Blueberry Lemonade
• Frozen Mint Lemonade
• Blueberry + Brie Burgers

 

 

Originally Posted 2016. Updated 2023.