Introduction

This slow-cooked pulled pork is juicy, tender, and packed with smoky flavors. Cooked low and slow until it easily shreds apart, then coated in rich BBQ sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food for family dinners, parties, or meal prep. Serve it in sandwiches, tacos, or simply on a plate with your favorite sides.

Ingredients

• 4–5 lbs (2–2.5 kg) pork shoulder (or pork butt)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
• 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. Rub this spice mix all over the pork shoulder.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the pork on all sides until golden brown.
4. Place sliced onions and garlic at the bottom of a slow cooker (or baking dish if using oven).
5. Set pork on top, then pour in broth and half of the BBQ sauce.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours (or HIGH for 5–6 hours) until meat is tender and falls apart easily.
7. Remove pork and shred it with two forks.
8. Mix the shredded pork with the remaining BBQ sauce.
9. Serve hot in sandwiches, tacos, or with mashed potatoes and coleslaw.

Serving Suggestions

Pulled pork is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• In burger buns with coleslaw 🥪
• In tacos with fresh salsa 🌮
• Over rice or mashed potatoes 🍚
• As a topping for nachos 🧀

Tips & Variations

• For extra smokiness, add a few drops of liquid smoke.
• Try it with spicy BBQ sauce if you love heat.
• Make it ahead: Pulled pork tastes even better the next day!