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Easy Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe with Brown Sugar Rub for Perfect BBQ

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A simple and foolproof slow cooker pulled pork recipe featuring a sweet and smoky brown sugar rub that creates a tender, fall-apart texture perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light brown sugar preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional for serving: BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional for serving: Sandwich buns or slider rolls
  • Optional for serving: Coleslaw

Instructions

  1. Trim any large pieces of excess fat off the pork shoulder and pat dry with paper towels (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, pressing it into every nook and cranny. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight if time allows (optional).
  4. Place the rubbed pork shoulder into the slow cooker insert. No liquid needed.
  5. Cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours until pork is tender and reaches an internal temperature of about 195°F (90°C).
  6. Remove pork and shred with two forks or meat claws, discarding large chunks of fat.
  7. Skim excess fat from slow cooker juices, return shredded pork to slow cooker, and stir to coat with juices. Keep warm on LOW until serving.
  8. Serve on sandwich buns with BBQ sauce and coleslaw, or over rice or roasted vegetables.

Notes

For best results, cook low and slow to avoid dry meat. No need to add liquid as pork releases enough juices. Optional to refrigerate rubbed pork for 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor. Rotate pork halfway through cooking if slow cooker cooks unevenly. Searing pork before slow cooking adds flavor but is optional. For keto, skip buns and serve with cauliflower rice or salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, BBQ, brown sugar rub, easy recipe, tender pork, crockpot, comfort food

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/easy-tender-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-recipe-with-brown-sugar-rub-for-perfect-bbq/