How to you get the best pulled pork without a smoker? Start with a great pulled pork dry rub, let the meat marinate, then cook it low and slow in your slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is one of my family's favorite recipes.
Table of contents
Recipe Ingredients
- Pork Butt or Shoulder - I like to trim off the larger chunks of fat before adding the dry rub.
- Apple Juice - Water can also be used.
- Brown Sugar - For a little sweetness.
- Smoked Paprika - Part of that awesome smoky flavor.
- Chipotle Chili Powder - This also adds some smoky flavor. If you can't find Chipotle Chili Powder, look for Adobo Seasoning.
- Cayenne Pepper - Adjust to taste for the amount of heat you like.
- Salt & Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Cumin
Optional - For an even smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke with the apple juice.
How to make Smoky Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
First of all, mix together all the dry ingredients for the pulled pork dry rub.
Rub the smoky seasoning mix all over the pork. Put the seasoned pork into a baggie or cover and refrigerate overnight. I like to let it sit at least 12 hours.
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In the morning, let the pork set on the counter for about 30 minutes or so to start to come to room temperature.
I like to spray my slow cooker with a little non-stick spray at first. It makes clean up just a bit easier.
Place the marinated pork in your slow cooker. Add the apple juice.
Cook the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork on low for 6 to 8 hours. Cook the pork until the internal temperature reaches between 200° and 205° F, this insures the pork will shred really nicely. As you can see, it is already falling apart!
Shred the pulled pork using a couple of fork, or one of those fancy meat shredders (I have one and I love it) where you put the meat in, the top on, and twist.
Beyond a Pulled Pork Sandwich
I enjoy a pulled pork bowl with just a side of slaw. My husband will eat it as a pulled pork sandwich, or as a wrap in a tortilla. My daughter loves it with a bit of BBQ sauce. My son, he isn't picky. He just loves pulled pork meat period! A side of rice and he is happy.
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Complete Recipe
Smoky Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Ingredients
For the spice rub
- 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper use more or less for desired heat
- 2 teaspoon Chipotle Chili Powder or Adobo seasoning powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 4 pounds Pork Shoulder or pork butt
- ¼ cup Apple Juice or water
Instructions
- Trim off the larger chunks of fat off of the piece of pork.
- Mix together all the dry ingredients for the pulled pork dry rub.
- Rub the smoky seasoning mix all over the pork. Put the seasoned pork into a baggie or cover and refrigerate overnight. I like to let it set at least 12 hours.
- In the morning, let the pork set on the counter for about 30 minutes or so to start to come to room temperature.
- Spray the slow cooker pot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the seasoned pork in your slow cooker. Add the apple juice or water.
- Cook the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork on low for 6 to 8 hours. When the internal temperature reaches between 200° and 205° F. it is ready to shred.
- After shredding the pork, serve as desired!
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