Pulled Pork Recipe

This deliciously easy Pulled Pork Recipe is one that is made in the slow cooker and takes just minutes to prep making it a go-to dinner idea!

I’m all about crock pot dinners that are made with little to no prep time, and this Pulled Pork Recipe is just that! For a different flavor, Kalua Pork and Sweet Pork Barbacoa are other awesome crock pot recipes to use up a pork roast!

No-fail pork

We love to make meat for the holidays!! Our favorite meat to cook up is Steak, but we also love to make Hamburgers and Hot Dogs, and my hubby’s favorite – Pulled Pork!

He’s been a long-time fan, and I have to admit I’m a convert now. I especially love that this Pulled Pork recipe is so simple, and this version is one that is made in the slow cooker or crock pot.

Liquid smoke adds the perfect smoky flavor to this pork. We sometimes use the pork plain in different recipes, but also love to add BBQ sauce (our favorite is Sweet Baby Ray’s) and make delicious Pulled Pork sandwiches with it.

We can tell you right now, this Best Pulled Pork recipe is no-fail! It’s simple and always gone in minutes!

How to Make Pulled Pork

Making this recipe is so simple! Slow Cooker Pulled Pork literally takes less than 5 minutes to prep.

Best cut for Pulled Pork. The most common cuts of pork to use are pork shoulder (also known as pork butt or Boston butt) and pork loin. Both are great options, but we think pork butt is the best cut of pork.

PREP. Rub coarse salt all over the piece of pork.

COOK. Place in a slow cooker, cover in liquid smoke and cook for 8-10 hours on LOW.

SHRED. The pork should shred into pieces. We like to take two forks and shred the meat to use on its own, or to add BBQ Sauce to taste—perfect for our Pulled Pork Sandwiches!

Why won’t it pull apart?

One of the reasons that I prefer to use a crock pot is because when you cook pork slowly on low heat it has time to become really tender and practically falls apart on its own.

When cooked at a higher temperature it can result in tougher meat that doesn’t shred well.

• Cooking at the 225-250°F range – allow about 90 minutes per pound.
• Cooking at the 250-300°F range – allow about 60 minutes.

making In the oven

For the most tender Pulled Pork recipe you need time! If you don’t have 10 hours to use the crock pot, cut the time down by cooking it in the oven, but that will still take about 5 hours.

PREP. Preheat your oven to 300°F.

SEASON. Rub liquid smoke and 2 tbsp salt all over the pork butt and wrap in foil. Then put it into a roasting pan.

COOK. Cook in the oven for 5 hours or until the pork is falling apart. The thickest part of the pork should read 145°F on your meat thermometer. Then shred and serve.

Cook in an Instant Pot

Or try making this Best Pulled Pork Recipe in the instant pot!

SEASON. Rub the pork with salt. Select sauté on the instant pot. Add a bit of oil and brown the pork on all sides. Add the liquid smoke and ¼ cup of water or apple juice to the pot.

COOK. Place the lid on and secure it. Select high pressure and set the timer for 75 minutes. Allow the pot to naturally release for about 20 minutes before removing the pressure valve.

*See the user manual for more specific instructions.

Storing Info

STORE. Keep BBQ Pulled Pork in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

FREEZE. Store individual servings in freezer-safe bags for 2-3 months in the freezer. Make sure to seal the bags tightly so none of it will leak out.

Pull it out for a quick and easy meal when you don’t have time to make dinner! Let it thaw and heat it up over the stove or in the microwave. Serve it on rolls or in any of the recipes below.

pulled pork Variations

Spices. Dry rub the piece of pork with your favorite spices. I use salt, but you can add other spices such as black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, or mustard powder.

Juices. Instead of liquid smoke, many people like to use apple cider vinegar or chicken broth to help tenderize and flavor the meat. 

Sauce. Eat Pulled Pork without added sauce, but I love using Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce or you can also make your own BBQ Sauce.

Leftover Pulled Pork Recipes

This easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is used for so many recipes. If you have leftovers, here are some of our favorite things to make:

• Pork Empanadas – Just make as directed but fill with pulled pork mixed in green chile sauce.
• Loaded Pulled Pork Cups
• Tacos – Add pork, cheese, salt, pepper, and green chiles.
• Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
• Loaded Nachos – Add BBQ Pulled Pork Crock Pot on top.
• Chimichangas – Add pork, beans, and rice. Bake to perfection!

The possibilities are endless! This basic Pulled Pork can be used in so many recipes.

Dishes to serve with pulled pork

• Easy Pasta Salad
• Classic Coleslaw
• Best Potato Salad recipe
• Baked Beans recipe
• Mac and Cheese

For more pork recipes:

• Loaded Pulled Pork Cups
• Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
• Sweet Pork Barbacoa
• Slow Cooker Kalua Pork
• BBQ Pork Chops