Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Great BBQ'ed flavor without the hassle of sparking up the slow smoker. A great winter pick-me-up when you're had enough of the snow and are craving the flavors of summer. I serve this with a 4 bean salad and broccoli slaw. I can easily feed 8 people with these three dishes for well under $15.
Great BBQ'ed flavor without the hassle of sparking up the slow smoker. A great winter pick-me-up when you're had enough of the snow and are craving the flavors of summer. I serve this with a 4 bean salad and broccoli slaw. I can easily feed 8 people with these three dishes for well under $15.
- Carbohydrate 134.049258126222 g
- Cholesterol 72.576 mg
- Fat 11.4522600000128 g
- Fiber 2.29203747390451 g
- Protein 29.1373750002822 g
- Saturated Fat 3.62760287500227 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (298g)
- Sodium 813.392281250437 mg
- Sugar 131.757220652317 g
- Trans Fat 1.44754512500386 g
- Calories 752 calories
Step-by-step
- Bring pork loin to room temperature.
- Remove as much fat from loin as possible without removing too much of the meat.
- In a bowl mix the celery salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, ground ginger (optional), and brown sugar.
- Mix well and coat pork loin completely with seasoning.
- Place pork loin in slow cooker.
- Add water and vinegar.
- Cook on high for 4-5 hours, or on low for 5-6 hours (6 hours yields best flavor).
- Remove the meat from the slow cooker and drain the liquid.
- Return the pork loin to the slow cooker, pull apart with two forks (or your hands if the loin is cool enough to handle), add BBQ sauce and mix well.
- Serve on toasted onion hamburger buns, with extra BBQ sauce slathered on both the top and bottom bun.
My Go-To Comfort Food: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Winter's icy grip had me yearning for something warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Forget shoveling snow – I was craving sunshine, long summer days, and the smoky tang of barbecue. That's when my trusty slow cooker became my culinary superhero. This slow cooker pulled pork recipe isn’t just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl, a culinary escape to warmer days, and the perfect solution for a busy weeknight. It's incredibly versatile; my family gobbles it up, and I always get compliments when I serve it to friends.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly simple. Even on the busiest of days, it's manageable. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, let it simmer away for a few hours, and BAM! You have a mouthwatering meal ready to be devoured. The slow cooking process tenderizes the pork perfectly. I find it becomes so incredibly easy to shred, whether you choose to use two forks or your hands (if it has cooled down!). This recipe allows the meat to be the star of the show, soaking up the flavor from the beautifully balanced spices. And the flavor? Oh my goodness, it’s unbelievable! The tender, juicy pork is infused with smoky sweetness and a hint of spice. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, and it's a meal that truly satisfies. I often serve this with a simple side salad to balance the richness of the pulled pork. A broccoli slaw or a four-bean salad are my personal favorites.
One of the things that makes this recipe special to me is that I can tailor it to different tastes. For example, I sometimes add a touch of ground ginger – my in-laws adore it! My kids, however, are not fans. The beauty of cooking is in creating dishes that cater to all palates, and this slow cooker pulled pork recipe does that perfectly. The whole process is straightforward, from prepping the pork to shredding and serving. No complicated techniques are required, just a little love and attention to detail. I find that letting the pork simmer for the full six hours really does enhance the flavor profile. The meat absorbs all the spices and juices beautifully.
The real magic, however, lies in the tender, juicy result. The slow cooking process completely breaks down the pork, leaving you with succulent shreds that are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience. It’s a testament to the power of simplicity, and to the comfort that only a perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned piece of pulled pork can provide. The warm, savory aroma that fills the kitchen as it simmers is enough to make anyone feel instantly relaxed and at home. And that's priceless. My pulled pork is the ultimate comfort food, a warm hug on a cold day, and the perfect way to embrace the cozy side of winter.
I typically serve this on toasted onion hamburger buns, which add a delightful sweetness and texture. A generous slathering of extra BBQ sauce on both the top and bottom bun is a must! I use Sweet Baby Ray's hickory and brown sugar BBQ sauce. It's the perfect complement to the slow-cooked pork. This meal is such a crowd-pleaser; it has never failed to impress. It's the kind of recipe that creates memories and brings people together. It's more than just food; it's a shared experience.
Beyond its deliciousness, this recipe is also incredibly budget-friendly. Feeding a crowd of eight people with this dish, a simple side salad, and some bread doesn't break the bank. That’s a huge plus in my books, especially with today’s rising costs. And the leftovers? They're even better the next day! The flavors have melded and deepened, creating an even more exquisite meal. You can easily transform leftovers into delicious sandwiches, tacos, or even a hearty pasta dish. That's the beauty of a versatile recipe.
In conclusion, this slow cooker pulled pork recipe is more than just a delicious meal; it's a testament to the joy of simple cooking and the power of comfort food. The ease of preparation, the incredible flavor, and the budget-friendliness make it a winner in my book. It's a recipe I’ll cherish and return to again and again, no matter the season. So, try it out, and let the deliciousness transport you to a sunnier, happier place. You won't be disappointed.
