Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Servings: 8 -10

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 8 hrs

Resting Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 8 hrs 25 mins

This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is incredibly easy to make, and it's perfect for weeknight meals!

Ingredients

For the Pulled Pork:

4 lb boneless pork shoulder (aka pork butt)
salt*
pepper
Sazon seasoning optional

Compatible Side Dishes:

Instructions

Season the pork all over with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you'd like, then place it in the slow cooker.
Cover with a lid and cook on low for about 8 hours**, until it reaches an internal temperature of 200F.
When the pork is done cooking, remove it to a board, and let cool for at least 20 minutes but ideally one hour, before shredding with a fork.
Take the leftover liquid from the crockpot and strain it to remove any solids.
If you don't mind the fat, add the liquid back to the shredded pork and toss well. If you want to remove the excess fat, chill the liquid in an ice bath in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until the fat solidifies, then discard, and pour the remaining liquid over the meat.
Serve the meat as is, or toss with BBQ Sauce and stuff into Homemade Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns. Enjoy!

Notes

*Different salts vary in "saltiness," but I do about 1 tablespoon of kosher salt for a 4 to 5lb piece of meat. If you're using table salt, cut the amount to 2 teaspoons.

**I've owned a few different brands of slow cookers over the years, and the total timing can vary by an hour or two, which is why it's best to go off temperature. However, 8 hours is a good starting point for a 4-lb roast. If you don't have a thermometer, you can grab a fork and see how easily the pork shreds. If it doesn't seem easily shreddable, it's not done yet.

Storing leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezing: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: While you can reheat it in the microwave, I think it tastes best when it’s reheated in a skillet. Add a small amount of fat like neutral olive oil, butter, or lard, and cook the leftover meat for a few minutes until warmed through. If you want to reheat frozen pulled pork, thaw it in the fridge overnight first.

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcal, Protein: 51g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 136mg, Sodium: 122mg, Potassium: 857mg, Calcium: 16mg, Iron: 2mg