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Ingredients
- 3-4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 bag (14 oz) coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Steps
- 1**Prep the Pork:** Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- 2**Layer in the Slow Cooker:** Place the sliced onion on the bottom of your slow cooker. Lay the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions.
- 3**Mix the Sauce:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the pork.
- 4**Cook Low and Slow:** Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
- 5**Shred the Pork:** Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the meat. Discard any large pieces of fat.
- 6**Combine with Sauce:** Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker with the cooking liquid. Stir to coat the pork evenly. If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the pork and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes to thicken.
- 7**Make the Coleslaw:** While the pork is shredding or resting, prepare the coleslaw. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- 8**Add Cabbage:** Add the coleslaw mix to the dressing and toss to combine. Chill until ready to serve.
- 9**Serve:** Serve the warm pulled pork on buns, or alongside your favorite sides, topped generously with the fresh coleslaw.
The Magic of Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Cooking from home doesn't have to be complicated, especially when you have a slow cooker. This slow cooker pulled pork recipe is a testament to that. It requires minimal prep, allowing your slow cooker to do most of the heavy lifting, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat. Paired with a simple, crunchy coleslaw, it's a complete meal that satisfies without the stress.
Make it Your Own: Tips and Variations
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the pulled pork sauce for a little heat.
- Vinegar Kick: For a tangier coleslaw, increase the apple cider vinegar slightly.
- Sweetness Control: Adjust the brown sugar in the pork and the sugar in the coleslaw to your preference.
- Serving Suggestions: Pulled pork is fantastic on slider buns, in tacos, over baked potatoes, or even on a salad.
Quick Call to Action
Ready to simplify your dinner routine? Gather your ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to create a delicious, satisfying meal.
Nutritional Estimate
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving (pulled pork and coleslaw, without buns), depending on BBQ sauce and fat content.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I make pulled pork ahead of time? A: Yes! Pulled pork reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Q: What cut of pork is best for pulled pork? A: Pork shoulder (also known as Boston butt or picnic shoulder) is ideal due to its fat content, which keeps the meat moist and tender during slow cooking.
- Q: How do I make the coleslaw dressing creamier? A: You can add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mayonnaise mixture for extra creaminess.
- Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar? A: White vinegar or red wine vinegar can be substituted in the coleslaw, but apple cider vinegar complements the pork flavor best.
Your Next Delicious Meal Awaits!
Don't let busy schedules deter you from enjoying home-cooked meals. This slow cooker pulled pork and coleslaw recipe proves that delicious, comforting food can be incredibly simple to prepare. Enjoy!
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