Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings
  • Total: 8 hr 30 min
  • Active: 20 min
Barbecue purists, look away: Our favorite way to make pulled pork is in a slow cooker. It may not be authentic, but it’s super easy and totally foolproof—the meat comes out fall-apart tender every time. Break out some soft hamburger buns, a few pickles and a quick homemade slaw and dinner is served!
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Ingredients

3 tablespoons packed brown sugar (light or dark)

2 teaspoons hot paprika

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1 3-to-4-pound boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, plus more to taste

3 tablespoons tomato paste

6 to 8 potato buns

Barbecue sauce and prepared coleslaw, for serving

Directions

  1. Combine 1 tablespoon brown sugar, the paprika, mustard powder, cumin, 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork and cook, turning, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the pork and transfer to a plate; whisk 3/4 cup water into the drippings in the skillet. Transfer the liquid to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.
  3. Add the vinegar, tomato paste, the remaining 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 2 cups water to the slow cooker and whisk to combine. Add the pork, cover and cook on low, 8 hours.
  4. Remove the pork and transfer to a cutting board. Strain the liquid into a saucepan, bring to a boil and cook until reduced by half, about 10 minutes; season with salt. Roughly chop or shred the pork. Transfer to a bowl and toss with 1 cup of the reduced cooking liquid and salt and vinegar to taste. Serve on the buns with barbecue sauce, coleslaw and pickles.

Let's Get Cooking!

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ethomson1

Fantastic recipe. Adjust the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar to your preference. At the end slowly add the reduced pot juice to taste.

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