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Easy Crockpot Pork Barbecue Recipe for Tender, Flavorful Pulled Pork

Easy Crockpot Pork Barbecue

Slow-cooked pork shoulder becomes juicy, fork-tender pulled pork in a tangy, smoky barbecue sauce. Serve it on soft buns with coleslaw and pickles for an easy family meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pork and Aromatics
  • 3-4 lb Boneless pork shoulder or pork butt
  • 1 medium Medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
Barbecue Sauce
  • 1 cup Barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup
  • 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup Chicken broth or water
Dry Rub
  • 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili powder, optional

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Trim excess surface fat from the pork, leaving a thin layer to provide flavor and moisture as it cooks.
  2. Combine the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional chili powder. Rub the mixture over every side of the pork.
  3. Place the sliced onion in the bottom of the crockpot and set the seasoned pork on top.
  4. Whisk together the barbecue sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth or water. Pour the mixture over the pork.
  5. Cover and cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours or High for 4 to 6 hours, until the pork is very tender and pulls apart easily. For the best shredding texture, the meat should generally reach about 195°F to 205°F internally.
  6. Transfer the pork to a bowl and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Remove large pieces of fat, then shred the meat with two forks.
  7. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid in the crockpot. Return the shredded pork to the sauce and stir, adding more barbecue sauce if desired.
  8. Serve the pulled pork on soft sandwich buns with coleslaw and pickles. Spoon extra sauce over each sandwich at the table.

Notes

Low cooking produces the most tender texture. Avoid adding extra liquid because pork shoulder releases considerable moisture. For fuller flavor, return the shredded pork to the cooking juices for 15 to 30 minutes before serving.