Savory Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Delight
This Savory Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Delight is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings convenience and versatility to your dinner table. Using a tender and juicy pork shoulder, this recipe allows for a melt-in-your-mouth experience as the meat slowly cooks all day in a mix of savory sauce and aromatic seasonings. Not only is it easy to prepare, but after cooking, you can pull the pork apart and mix it with your choice of sauces to create two unique meals that cater to everyone’s taste preferences. Perfect for families and gatherings, this recipe is sure to be a favorite. Enjoy it with baked beans, rice, or as a sandwich filling—your options are endless!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork shoulder
5 lbs (Trimmed and scored)
Worcestershire sauce
2-3 tablespoons (For rubbing)
Liquid smoke
2-3 tablespoons (For rubbing)
Salt
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Pepper
1 tablespoon (For seasoning)
Garlic powder
1 tablespoon (For seasoning)
Smoked paprika
1 tablespoon (Optional seasoning)
Honey
3-4 tablespoons (For drizzling)
Onions
2 medium (Sliced)
Instructions
1
Score the fat cap on the pork shoulder in a diamond pattern to help the seasonings penetrate.
2
In a small bowl, mix Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke together, then rub it over the entire pork shoulder, ensuring it is well coated.
3
In another bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, then rub this spice blend all over the surface of the pork.
4
Slice the onions and layer them at the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions.
5
For best flavor, cover the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight. (This step is optional but highly recommended.)
6
Before cooking, remove the pork shoulder from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
7
Drizzle enough honey over the top of the pork to create a thin covering, enhancing its sweetness.
8
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook for 6 to 10 hours, depending on the size of the meat and your desired tenderness.
9
When cooked, use two forks to pull the meat apart into strands, and it’s ready for saucing.
10
You can mix half of the pulled pork back into the slow cooker with 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce and 1 cup of cola for a quick and delicious dressing. Let it warm on low for 30 minutes.
11
Serve the pulled pork with sides like baked beans and rice, or enjoy it in sandwiches. The possibilities are truly endless!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Delight?
It is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring tender pork shoulder slow-cooked with aromatic seasonings and honey.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
A 5 lb pork shoulder that has been trimmed and scored is the recommended cut.
How should the pork shoulder be prepared?
You should score the fat cap in a diamond pattern to allow seasonings to penetrate better.
What liquid ingredients are used in the rub?
The rub consists of a mixture of 2-3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce and 2-3 tablespoons of liquid smoke.
What is the spice blend made of?
The dry rub is a combination of 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of pepper, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika.
Are the onions cooked with the pork?
Yes, two medium sliced onions are layered at the bottom of the slow cooker to cook with the meat.
Where do I place the onions in the slow cooker?
The sliced onions should be layered at the very bottom, with the seasoned pork shoulder placed on top.
Should I refrigerate the meat before cooking?
While optional, it is highly recommended to cover and refrigerate the seasoned pork overnight for the best flavor.
Why should the meat sit at room temperature for 30 minutes?
Allowing the meat to come to room temperature before cooking helps ensure even heat distribution.
How much honey should I use?
Drizzle enough honey, roughly 3-4 tablespoons, to create a thin covering over the top of the pork.
At what temperature should I cook the pork?
The slow cooker should be set to the low heat setting for this recipe.
How long does the pork take to cook on low?
The pork shoulder typically takes between 6 to 10 hours to reach the desired tenderness.
How do I shred the pulled pork?
Once cooked, use two forks to pull the meat apart into strands.
Can I add BBQ sauce to the finished pork?
Yes, you can mix half the pork with 1 cup of BBQ sauce and 1 cup of cola for a delicious dressing.
Why is cola added to the BBQ sauce?
Cola adds extra sweetness and helps thin the BBQ sauce into a flavorful dressing.
How long should the sauced pork warm in the slow cooker?
After adding the BBQ sauce and cola, let the mixture warm on low for an additional 30 minutes.
What are some serving suggestions?
This pulled pork is great served with baked beans, rice, or inside sandwich buns.
Is smoked paprika required?
Smoked paprika is listed as an optional seasoning, though it adds a nice depth of flavor.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce for the liquid rub.
How much liquid smoke is used?
You should use 2 to 3 tablespoons of liquid smoke to coat the pork shoulder.
How many onions are required?
The recipe requires two medium-sized onions, sliced.
What size pork shoulder is used in this recipe?
This recipe is designed for a 5 lb pork shoulder.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is versatile and the large yield makes it excellent for meal preparation.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is perfect for families and gatherings as it can be customized with different sauces.
What if I want a more savory flavor?
The combination of Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika provides a deep savory profile.
Can I use the leftovers for sandwiches?
Absolutely, the pulled pork makes for an excellent sandwich filling.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to score the fat cap on the pork shoulder in a diamond pattern.
How much salt and pepper is recommended?
Use 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of pepper for the seasoning blend.
Does the recipe include garlic?
Yes, it uses 1 tablespoon of garlic powder in the spice rub.
Is the fat cap important?
Yes, scoring the fat cap helps the aromatic seasonings penetrate deeper into the meat.