## Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe for Perfect BBQ Sandwiches
### IntroductionIf you're on the hunt for a delectable and effortless way to prepare pulled pork, look no further than this **slow cooker pulled pork recipe……
### Introduction
If you're on the hunt for a delectable and effortless way to prepare pulled pork, look no further than this **slow cooker pulled pork recipe**. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it transforms tough cuts of meat into tender, flavorful masterpieces with minimal effort. This recipe will not only satisfy your cravings but also impress your friends and family at your next gathering.
### Ingredients
To create the ultimate **slow cooker pulled pork**, you'll need the following ingredients:
- **3-4 pounds of pork shoulder** (also known as pork butt)
- **1 tablespoon of olive oil**
- **1 large onion**, sliced
- **4 cloves of garlic**, minced
- **1 cup of BBQ sauce** (your favorite brand or homemade)
- **1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar**
- **1 tablespoon of brown sugar**
- **1 tablespoon of smoked paprika**
- **1 teaspoon of cumin**
- **1 teaspoon of salt**
- **1/2 teaspoon of black pepper**
- **1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper** (optional for heat)
### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Pork**: Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder. This helps to avoid a greasy final product. Pat the meat dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin.
2. **Sear the Meat**: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork shoulder and sear on all sides until golden brown. This step adds depth to the flavor, so don’t skip it!
3. **Layer the Ingredients**: In your slow cooker, place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom. This creates a flavorful base that the pork will cook on top of. Next, place the seared pork shoulder on top of the onions.
4. **Mix the Sauce**: In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the pork, ensuring it’s well coated.
5. **Cook**: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. The longer, the better, as this allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become incredibly tender.
6. **Shred the Pork**: Once the cooking time is up, remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat. It should fall apart easily! Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining juices.
### Serving Suggestions
Now that your **slow cooker pulled pork** is ready, it's time to serve! Here are some delicious ideas:
- **BBQ Sandwiches**: Pile the pulled pork onto toasted buns, top with coleslaw, and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for a classic BBQ sandwich.
- **Tacos**: Use the pulled pork as a filling for soft or hard-shell tacos. Top with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist.
- **Salads**: For a lighter option, serve the pulled pork over a bed of greens with your favorite salad toppings.
### Conclusion
This **slow cooker pulled pork recipe** is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a cozy family dinner, or simply craving some comfort food, this recipe delivers mouthwatering results every time. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to enjoy tender, flavorful pulled pork with minimal effort. Don’t forget to share the leftovers (if there are any) or pack them for lunch the next day. Enjoy your cooking adventure!