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This is some of the best pulled pork I've had in a long time (I've been working on perfecting this recipe for months!), and it also doesn't include any highly processed ingredients such as refined brown sugar, corn syrup, or ketchup.
My husband says it is so good that no BBQ sauce is necessary. Now, you know it’s good pulled pork when you don't reach for your favorite BBQ sauce. He would like me to pass on that he does like to dip it into a little hot sauce, although I for sure prefer mine with nothing added.
Try it both ways and decide for yourself. Either way, this is a great dish for serving (and pleasing!) a crowd. Try this Dutch Oven Pulled Pork or this Instant Pot Pork Roast too!
What type of meat is best for slow cooked pulled pork?
Pork shoulder is the most common cut used when making pulled pork. The shoulder includes the front leg and shoulder, and will likely come with a bone and plenty of marbling. The marbling is key because the fat is what will prevent the meat from drying out during the cooking process.
A full pork shoulder is a large cut of meat, so I recommend asking your grocery store's butcher to cut the shoulder down into two portions (3-5 lbs each). There are different names for the various parts of the pork shoulder that may be used—whether you use a pork butt, pork shoulder, Boston butt or picnic roast, they will all work just fine.
How long should you cook pulled pork in a Crock Pot?
The Crock Pot is great for pulled pork because you need to cook it low and slow for several hours. I usually cook 4 lbs of pork shoulder for 7 hours on low. Be aware though, pulled pork will dry out if overcooked.
Can you slow cook pulled pork on high?
I don’t recommend it. Pork is the most tender when cooked on low. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! For a quicker option, try this Instant Pot Pulled Pork.
What to put on a pulled pork sandwich
Pulled pork sandwiches are a super easy dinner idea or way to serve a crowd. If you use real food ingredients for your rolls and toppings, it’s also a healthier alternative to all that junk food you get at Superbowl parties or BBQ gatherings.
Whole wheat bread or bun
Start with any whole wheat slider bun, either homemade or store bought. Whole grain brioche is another delicious option or serve pulled pork sandwich style with homemade sandwich bread.
Vegetable toppings
Traditionally, pulled pork is served with coleslaw. You can also top your pulled pork sandwiches with lettuce, julienned carrots, onions, or arugula—almost any sandwich or burger fixings taste great on pulled pork!
Personally, I like to add veggies that give the sandwiches a bit of crunch. If you’re entertaining, offer toppings buffet style so people can pick their own.
Sauce
My husband says this recipe is great without BBQ sauce, and we avoid it because it’s usually full of sugar. An easy alternative is to drizzle a bit of the leftover juices onto your sandwich. Just don’t go overboard or your bun will get soggy!
Some other great sauce ideas are: hot sauce, tzatziki, and salsa.
Cheese
Not everyone agrees when it comes to cheese on pulled pork, but some popular choices are cheddar, mozzarella, and Havarti. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try Gruyère, Cotija cheese, or pepper jack. Try these pulled pork nachos too!
How to make this pulled pork recipe in an Instant Pot
Crockpots and Instant Pots cook things differently, but this is one recipe that does adapt well to pressure cooking. Here’s how to make this pulled pork recipe in an Instant Pot:
- Note: You’ll need an additional 1 cup of liquid for this recipe. Water will work, but chicken stock will be more flavorful.
- Prep the seasoning mixture.
- Heat a small amount of olive oil in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting.
- Meanwhile, cut your pork shoulder into quarters.
- Cover each pork piece with the seasoning mixture, then drop into the Instant Pot. Don’t overcrowd; you may have to work in batches.
- Brown the pork on all sides and remove.
- Turn off the Instant Pot, then toss in half a cup of water or stock and use wooden spoon to deglaze the pan.
- Place the pork back into the Instant Pot and add the remaining ingredients including the other ½ cup of water or stock. Note: Instant Pots heat from the bottom. Add the onion last and keep it mostly on top of the pork.
- Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Once it’s done, natural release for at least 15 minutes.
What to serve with pulled pork
I have some great side choice options here on the blog that perfectly accompany this slow cooker pulled pork.
- Collard Greens
- Simple Corn Salad
- Kale and Bacon Stuffed Potatoes
- Southern Potato Salad (without mayo!)
- Whole Grain Cornbread
- Charred Corn Salad with Tomatoes and Avocados
Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon thyme (dried)
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion (peeled and cut in half)
- 3-5 pounds pork shoulder (cut in half)
Instructions
- In a medium size mixing bowl, mix together the first six ingredients (all of the spices) with a fork.
- Pour in the honey, vinegar, and olive oil and stir to form a paste.
- Place the onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top it with the 2 pieces of pork and then pour the honey paste over all sides of the pork pieces. It’s okay if some of it (or a lot of it) just drips down to the bottom.
- Turn the slow cooker on to low and cook for 7 to 8 hours or until the meat is tender enough to be easily shredded with a fork.
- Serve the shredded pork warm with fixings like homemade coleslaw and cornbread. My husband also likes his dipped in a little hot sauce. Refrigerate or freeze the leftovers.
Brenda says
Can you use a bone in pork shoulder for this recipe?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Yes, you can.
Carrie says
Sorry if this is a dumb question... can I make this with a bone-in pork shoulder roast? It sounds delicious, and that is the only pork roast I have on hand.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
You can. :)
mary says
do you double this past for the bigger roast - 8 lbs.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Mary. I would.
Brendan says
This pork is the bomb.
Pro tip: Reserve the liquid and onions from the crock pot, transfer to a medium sauce pan, boil down by half, then hit it with an emersion blender. Best BBQ sauce you've ever had.
Sue says
I did not like the flavors in this at all. Just something about it that tasted off. I have a lot of difficulty finding slow cooker recipes I like, so it's probably just me. Things baked in the oven somehow taste better to me.
Jen says
I want to make for this Father's Day, but we are doing lunch....can I cook this on medium for a shorter time, or does it really need to be done low & slow? Just trying to avoid getting up at 5am ;)
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Jen. Low and slow assures a moist dish. Other readers have adjusted cooking time and temp but I can't speak specifically to their outcomes.
Deb S says
Really enjoyed this recipe! I too used apple cider vinegar because I was out of red wine vinegar. I also used smoked paprika, which gave it a little added kick. Yummy!
Alex says
I made your recipe tonight. It was amazing!! Thanks heaps.
I'm in Australia and will be sharing your recipe around for sure!!
DeNece says
Ps: I didn't have "red wine vinegar" the first time I made this so used "apple cider vinegar"... It was awesome! Consequently, I used apple cider vinegar again today... Can't wait for dinner!!
Kristen says
I was just going to ask if I could use ACV instead. :-) Making this tomorrow!
DeNece says
You, and your family, will LOVE this! So glad I found this recipe... and the ACV is perfect in it!
Molly says
So glad someone else had the same issue.... all I have is apple cider vinegar....and no cayenne. And... my pork sirloin is 9.88lbs !! Going to cut this beast into 3 chunks and luckily, I have a HUGE crockpot :) I will post the results.
Molly says
OH MY GOD. Delicious :D
Doubled recipe for the 10lb pork sirloin, used no cayenne, or real onion (substituted dried minced onion....a lot), used apple cider vinegar. Crock potted that beast for 8 hours at 250.... shredded it (it fell apart) and poured in a big container of Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce. Ate too much.
DeNece says
I don't ususally leave comments about online recipes that I try, however, this is one of the best pulled pork recipes I've ever tasted, and I felt that I HAD TO HAD TO HAD TO tell you that!! It is slow-cooking now as I type this and it's the 2nd time that I've made it in a month... Will use it for taco's tonight, and then pulled pork sandwiches with mango/avocado slaw later in the week... Sooooo delicious! Thank you for sharing this recipe... I cannot wait to make it for company!!
pattie says
this is really good. i kid you not! easy and tasty. made this for tonight's meal and will be doing it again soon. thank you for the recipe!!
Lorraine Keidel says
have made this 3 or 4 times now. Made it yesterday for family dinner and everyone loved it. We especially like that you can control the sodium.
Lindsay says
Hello! Making this over the weekend. Any suggestions for a coleslaw recipe to go along?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Lindsay. Sorry, but we are not able to answer recipes in real time. Here is a coleslaw recipe: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/08/02/recipe-asian-coleslaw-radish-ministicks/ for next time. ;)
Catherine says
I have made this twice now. Fantastic pulled pork recipe! I have a lot of liquid when the meat is done cooking so after I pull out the meat, I pour the liquid into a bowl and set aside. I shred the pork, put it back in the crockpot with some barbeque sauce and add just enough of the reserved liquid to make it perfectly moist. Best pulled pork recipe I have tried!
Stefanie says
Thanks for the share! Just made it & it was delicious.
Chicagoavonlady says
Ive made this twice and LOVED IT!!! Thank you! So good!
Amber says
This was so delicious and easy to make and I am picky with pulled pork! We will be making this a regular meal at our house.
Juliebragg says
Greatest pulled pork but use minced garlic 1 tsp. and 1tsp. Molasses and 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke instead of thyme or cayenne pepper.
Juliebragg says
You are a great cook! Julie Bragg
Sarah says
This is the second time I have made this recipe, and its still my favorite pulled pork! I'm eating them as nappa cabbage tacos with a greek yogurt slaw, wrapped in spring rolls, and then I'm going to try the frozen leftovers as my meat in some chili!
Tom Howard says
Fantastic!! Forgot the olive oil, till about 1/2 hrs before done, and added lime juice. Yuuuummmmy!! Thank you so much.
Kasia says
Great recipe, I have actually replaced pork with beef as I had it to hand and my other half is more after beef :) It was really easy to cook and tastes fantastic! Thanks!
Kerry says
Hi just a quick question before I attempt to make this lovely looking pulled pork, do I take the rind and fat off my pork shoulder before putting it crock pot
Chris says
Hi Kerry, I don't take it off as some of the fat renders down during the cooking and makes everything yummier. once it is ready, before shredding, I remove the rind and most of the fat - basically whatever comes away with it. then shred and pop back in to the liquid for a good mix around. top recipe this - I'm a Brit who gets to go to KC for work every year or so - this keeps me going in between!
meg says
Hi there! Just wondering how spicy it is. I love hot but my 2 year old doesn't! He can take a bit of spice but not a ton. Thanks!
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi there. It is mild but you can leave out the cayenne if you are concerned.
Joyce says
That looks awesome. And that's how I like it, without sauce. I don't like honey so I would have to omit that don't like sweet taste in my food. I don't eat red meat, but that I may try a little of as it looks so GOOD!!! And pork is the other white meat right!!!??? For looks 5 star!!
Cassie says
Sounded so fantastic that I had to try it. But all I had was smoked paprika.
OUTSTANDINGLY GOOD!!
Thank you, thank you!
Michael Jones says
Yeah i did the same. Happy tummy!
Amber says
I'm thinking of using this recipe in BBQ pork sandwiches for a group camp-out of about 40 teens/adults. How big is a serving? It says 6-8 but if we made sandwiches would it feed more than 8?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Amber. For sandwiches, you can likely stretch it to 12 (or a few more) servings.
Fleur says
So exciting to find a pulled pork recipe that isn't full of tomato or BBQ sauce. I substituted Rice malt syrup for the honey to make it fructose free and it worked perfectly. Thank you for the recipe. It had heaps of flavour and it will definitely become a regular meal in my house.
Allison says
What size crock pot it used to make this recipe? I have a 3 qt crock pot and would like to know if I need to changed the size and measurements.
Thanks!
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Allison. Lisa uses a 6 quart pot.
Sabine says
I have never done a pulled pork before and was wanting to use my crock pot. I found this recipe and thought I would try it. I had all of the ingredients in my pantry, which was great. I made it yesterday and I have to say it was absolutely amazing and super easy. My family LOVED it. I did end up with liquid as well so I took the roast out of the crock pot, strained the liquid to remove the fatty parts, then put the roast back in, poured the liquid over the roast and shredded it. It was moist and super tasty. This recipe is a keeper. Thanks Lisa!!!
Victoria says
Wow! I made this last week and it was ah-mazing!!!!! Thank you so much. Came out perfectly and I followed your recipe exactly. X
Michelle says
This was delicious! I followed the recipe, I can't believe people thought this was bland. Super easy, and full of flavor. This is the first time I have had pulled pork that didn't need bbq sauce.
Sarah says
Hi Amy
This recipe sounds delicious! I'm definitely going to give it a go. I've had all kinds of drama balancing meat on top onions in the past. Could I use the wire rack in my slow cooker or does the pork have to be submerged in its own liquids?
Thanks!
Sarah
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Sarah. We've not tried it on a rack but it should work fine. The juices will still be produced and should surround your pork to keep it moist. :) I would keep the onions, too, for extra flavor and moisture.
Jenny says
This was the best pulled pork recipe! It had tons of flavor without adding any bbq sauce to it. I used a 4-5 lb. pork loin and it turned out moist & easily shredded. Highly reccomend!
Deanna says
Has anyone tried this recipe in a pressure cooker? Any advice? I love it in the crockpot, but want to try out my new pressure cooker. Thanks in advance!
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi there. You might use this as guidance for cooking instructions: http://www.pressurecookerdiaries.com/pressure-cooker-recipes/dinner/how-to-make-pulled-pork-bbq-pulled-pork-recipe-in-a-pressure-cooker/.
Hali says
I've been trying to find a more natural pulled pork recipe, but this wasn't that great. What a bummer. It was bland. I will have to play around with other natural ingredients.
Melissa says
Great recipe! My husband and I, weren't sure how we would like pulled pork without the store-bought barbecue sauce, but are trying to move away from processed food and sugars. We loved it!!! Thanks for a great recipe!
Michelle Bartley says
I did this yesterday, and let it cook overnight. Shredded it this morning. Only complaint, and what I would do differently is that I would season the pork before putting it in the slow cooker. I think it would make all the difference, definitely salt it a little. Otherwise the spices worked perfectly.
I took the sauce away this am, and let it settle; I removed the oil from the top, shredded the pork, put it all back in the slow cooker and let it warm through, I added a little hot sauce at the end, and it was delicious. Loved that I didn't have to add any bbq sauce. Great recipe!
Rachel says
I had the same problem as Kelly. I didn't add any additional liquid other than what the recipe stated, and the liquid covered the meat and the meat was really bland and chewy.
Rob Stevens says
Hello!
I have a 5.7l crockpot and have bought 3.7kg (just over 8lbs) of boneless pork shoulder.
Any idea how long I should cook it for and do I add some liquid as there is a lot of meat??
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi there. I would reference other crock pot recipes that feature an 8 lb shoulder. I've seen some that cook on high for 7-8 hours and others that cook on low for 9-10. ;)
Kelly says
I am not sure why but mine came out bland :( I followed the recipe to a T. The only thing I can think of was my meat let out too much juice and essentially watered it down. The juice ended up being as high as the meat, is that normal or could that have been the issue?
andy says
try it next time without any liquid and promise you will get a very different result. basically your roast boiled in your crock.
Kelly says
Thanks,Andy. I actually didn't add any additional liquid just thought that it could have been the meat juices.