Tangy Barbecue Pulled Pork (Printable Version)

Slow-cooked pork shoulder seasoned, shredded, and tossed in tangy barbecue sauce on soft buns.

# What You Need:

→ For the Pulled Pork

01 - 3.3 lbs boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed
02 - 2 teaspoons kosher salt
03 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
05 - 2 teaspoons garlic powder
06 - 2 teaspoons onion powder
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
10 - ½ cup apple cider vinegar
11 - 1 cup chicken broth

→ For the Barbecue Sauce

12 - 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving

→ For Serving

13 - 6 soft sandwich buns
14 - Coleslaw (optional)
15 - Dill pickle slices (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, and brown sugar until well combined.
02 - Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the pork shoulder, pressing gently to adhere.
03 - Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker. Pour the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth around the pork, not directly over it.
04 - Cover and cook on low setting for 8 hours, or until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
05 - Transfer the cooked pork to a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of excess fat.
06 - Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid remaining in the slow cooker. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, add the barbecue sauce, and toss to combine. Heat on low for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
07 - Pile the sauced pulled pork onto the bottom halves of the buns. Top with additional barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and pickle slices if desired. Place bun tops and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The meat practically shreds itself, making you look like a kitchen wizard with minimal effort
  • Leftovers transform into tacos, nachos, or pizza toppings for days of easy meals
  • That homemade spice rub beats anything from a store-bought packet
02 -
  • Pouring the liquid around the pork instead of over it prevents the spice rub from washing off during cooking
  • Letting the meat rest for a few minutes before shredding helps the juices redistribute throughout
  • The pork needs to reach an internal temperature of about 205°F for that perfect tender texture
03 -
  • Lining your slow cooker with a removable liner makes cleanup almost effortless
  • Toast the cut sides of your buns lightly to prevent them from getting soggy
Go Back