slow cooker barbecue pork recipe
The Best slow cooker barbecue pork recipe
I’m so excited to share with you my favorite slow cooker barbecue pork recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and for good reason.
Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor and tenderness. The key to this recipe is using a slow cooker, which allows the pork to cook low and slow, infusing it with all the rich flavors of the barbecue sauce.
I like to use a combination of brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika to give it that authentic barbecue taste. And the best part?
It’s ready in just a few hours, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. My family loves when I serve it with some crusty bread or over rice, and I like to add some steamed vegetables on the side for a well-rounded meal.
This recipe is also great for leftovers, as it reheats beautifully and makes for an easy lunch or snack the next day. But what really sets this recipe apart is the health benefits – using lean pork and plenty of vegetables makes it a relatively guilt-free option compared to some other BBQ recipes out there.
Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you, so you can just set it and forget it while you’re busy with other things.
Slow Cooker Barbecue Pork
Tender, flavorful pork cooked low and slow with a rich barbecue sauce. Perfect for sandwiches or served with sides.
🥘Ingredients
For the Pork
For the Barbecue Sauce
For Serving
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Barbecue Pork Works
This slow cooker barbecue pork recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just want something easy for a weeknight dinner. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it on its own with some crusty bread or over rice, or add some steamed vegetables on the side for extra nutrition.
And because it reheats so beautifully, leftovers are never wasted. In fact, I like to store any leftover barbecue pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days – then reheat as needed by microwaving until hot through.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Barbecue Pork
1. What cut of pork should I use for this recipe?
You should use pork shoulder or picnic pork for this recipe. These cuts have a good amount of fat and connective tissue, which breaks down during the slow cooking process, resulting in tender and juicy meat. Other cuts, like pork loin or tenderloin, are leaner and won’t yield the same results.
2. Can I use a different type of barbecue sauce?
Yes, you can use any barbecue sauce you prefer. I recommend using a sauce that you like the taste of, as the flavor will be prominent in the finished dish. You can also adjust the amount of sauce to suit your tastes.
3. How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I recommend storing the shredded pork and barbecue sauce separately, as the pork can become soggy if stored together. Reheat the pork in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little bit of barbecue sauce to moisten it.
4. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing the pork and barbecue sauce separately, as the pork can become soggy if frozen together. Thaw the pork in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little bit of barbecue sauce to moisten it.
5. Can I cook this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
While you can cook this in the oven, the slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. The slow cooker maintains a consistent low temperature, which is perfect for breaking down the tough connective tissues in the pork. If you must use the oven, cook the pork at a low temperature, around 275°F (135°C), for several hours, until it’s tender and easily shredded.
6. Can I make this recipe without a barbecue sauce?
If you prefer not to use barbecue sauce, you can season the pork with your favorite spices and cook it in the slow cooker with a little bit of liquid, such as broth or soda. Once the pork is cooked and shredded, you can mix it with your favorite sauce or serve it plain. However, the barbecue sauce is a key component of this recipe, as it adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
