Get ready to transform your kitchen into a BBQ paradise with this ridiculously tender, flavor-packed pulled pork recipe that will make your taste buds dance! If you've ever dreamed of creating restaurant-quality pulled pork that literally falls apart with the gentlest touch of a fork, you're in for a mind-blowing culinary adventure. This isn't just another pulled pork recipe – this is a flavor explosion that will have your friends and family begging for your secret!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 bottle Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove pork shoulder from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
- Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create a dry rub seasoning.
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning adheres properly.
- Generously coat the entire pork shoulder with the prepared dry rub, massaging the spices into the meat thoroughly.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder into a slow cooker with the fatty side facing up.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and easily pull apart.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Using two forks, shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Pour Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce over the shredded pork and mix thoroughly to coat all the meat.
- Serve hot on buns, in tacos, or as desired, with additional BBQ sauce on the side.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork shoulder come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even seasoning and cooking.
- Dry Rub Technique: Don't be shy with your seasoning! Massage the spices into the meat thoroughly to maximize flavor penetration.
- Slow Cooker Positioning: Place the pork shoulder with the fatty side up to help keep the meat moist during the long cooking process.
- Shredding Hack: Use two forks to pull the meat apart easily, working against the grain for the most tender results.
- Sauce Strategy: Add BBQ sauce gradually and taste as you go to control the flavor intensity.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This pulled pork actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance!
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond sandwiches, try this pulled pork in tacos, over nachos, or as a topping for loaded baked potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 540kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 43g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 120mg
