Pulled pork is a staple of southern BBQ in which a pork shoulder (or Boston butt) is slowly cooked for several hours. The low and slow cooking process results in the pork becoming so tender that it can be gently pulled apart with a fork, hence the name “Pulled Pork.” Traditionally, pulled pork is cooked using a wood smoker which is an intensive process that requires constant attention and stocking of the fire. Fortunately, though, you don’t need to spend hours toiling over a hot smoker to enjoy tender and tasty pulled pork, all you need is Suvie (or a slow cooker) and a little bit of time. Follow this simple guide to make perfectly cooked slow cooker pulled pork every time.
Ingredients and Tools
Ingredients*
- Boneless pork butt or pork shoulder (2-3 lbs)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 BBQ sauce
*Ingredient quantities are for Suvie, if you’re making a larger portion you can double the recipe
Tools
- Suvie or a slow cooker
- Baking tray
Directions
Trim the pork of any excess fat.
Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine. Combine the apple cider vinegar and BBQ sauce in a separate bowl and mix to combine.
Suvie Instructions
If the pork is too large to fit in the Suvie pan, cut into pieces. Coat the pork with the spice mix making sure to get it into any crevices. Place the pork in the Suvie pan and add the apple cider/BBQ sauce mix. Place in the upper right cooking zone.
Add water to the reservoir, enter the Slow Cook settings and cook.
Slow Cook Settings
Protein: High, 8 hours
Starch: 0 minutes
After the cook, remove the pan or pans.
Finishing with Suvie
After the cook, drain off the liquid from the pan but reserve it to add back to the pork.
Shred the pork with two forks and return to Suvie. Broil for 8-10 minutes until the tips of the pork is crispy.
Remove from Suvie and add half the cooking mixture. Stir to combine and serve.
Slow Cooker Instructions
Place the pork in the slow cooker pot.
Coat the pork with the spice mix making sure to get it into any crevices.
Add the apple cider/BBQ sauce mix. Place the lid on the pot and Cook:
Low for 10-12 hours
Or
Medium for 6-8 hours
Once cooked, drain off the liquid from the pan but reserve it to add back to the pork. Shred the pork with two forks.
Finishing under a broiler
Place the shredded pork in a baking tray in an even layer. Broil for about 10 minutes or until the edges are starting to crisp.
Remove from oven and place back in the slow cooker. Add half the reserved cooking mixture.
Stir to combine and serve.
Recipes to try
East Carolina Pulled Pork
Pulled Pork with Beans and Coleslaw
Cider-Braised Pulled Pork
FAQs
Do I need to use the same ingredients?
Nope, the spice and liquid ingredients we have suggested are just that, suggestions. The great thing about slow cooker pulled pork is that you can feel free to experiment with a variety of spices, seasonings, and braising liquids. We’ve included few more pulled recipes above to get you started.
I read somewhere that you can make pulled pork with soda, is this true?
It is, I have made pulled pork cooked in Dr. Pepper and can confirm that it tastes delicious. Any braising liquid will work provided it contains a mix of sugar and acid.
Can I use bone-in pork?
Of course! This technique will work with boneless and bone-in pork.
