Simple Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

When I make pulled pork normally it’s a bit of a long, drawn out affair. I make up a rub, massage it all in and leave overnight to soak in. I then cook for at least 8 hours in a traditional oven before pulling.

It’s pretty amazing and I make it every few months or so.

I don’t always have the time or inclination for the fuss of proper pulled pork so I’ve created my own cheats version which also happens to be very budget friendly due to the cheap cut of meat and also the low energy from cooking via the slow cooker.

This simple pulled pork has only 5 ingredients, can be prepared in 5 minutes or less and popped into the slow cooker in the morning ready for dinner that evening. Oh and it tastes incredible.

Simple Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

You will need:

1 Pork Shoulder ( I used a 1kg shoulder from Aldi which cost just £2.89)
3 tbsp of dark brown sugar or molasses
2 tbsp of sweet smoked paprika
2 tbsp of mustard ( I used English)
1/2 tsp of Crushed black pepper
* Optional – 4 tbsp of your fave BBQ sauce – we love Newmans sticky hickory.

Prepare your pork shoulder by quickly removing the string, skin and fat and setting aside. Rub in your mustard, sugar, black pepper and paprika – get as much into the meat as you can.

Place in the slow cooker on high for 4hours then low for 5. You could just put on low for about 12 hours instead. Test your pork is ready by using a fork to pull some meat, if it comes away easily and is tender then it’s ready to pull. Drain the liquid into a jug then use two forks to pull the meat apart. Now you have two options, you can return some of the cooking liquid to the pot and mix in with the meat and serve which tastes fabulous or if you want more of a barbecue style taste you can add your BBQ sauce. Mix and replace lid, leave on low until ready to serve.

Notes:

You can use a larger piece of meat just adapt the cooking times and amounts of seasoning.

You do not need to add liquid. The meat will provide enough liquid.

There are lots of different ways you can serve pulled pork. To top an epic burger is a fave of ours but I do love it served simply in a fresh white bread roll. So good.

This serves 4 quite easily.