Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with our tantalizing Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork recipe! This mouthwatering dish features tender, succulent pork shoulder roast seasoned to perfection with a blend of spices and slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a comforting meal, this Texas-style pulled pork is sure to impress. Join us as we dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb adaptations to ensure everyone can enjoy this savory delight.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 boneless pork shoulder roast (about 4-5 lbs)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
- Soft burger buns, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Spice Rub:
- In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper to create the spice rub.
- Season the Pork Shoulder:
- Rub the spice rub evenly over the surface of the boneless pork shoulder roast, ensuring it is well coated on all sides.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder roast in the slow cooker.
- Mix the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and minced garlic.
- Pour Sauce Over Pork:
- Pour the sauce mixture over the pork shoulder roast in the slow cooker, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the pork on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
- Shred the Pork:
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the pork shoulder roast directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the flavorful sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the pulled pork and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Texas pulled pork hot on soft burger buns, accompanied by extra barbecue sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice rub.
- Customize the barbecue sauce by using your favorite store-bought brand or homemade recipe.
- For added depth of flavor, sear the seasoned pork shoulder roast in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Replace the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Opt for a low-carb or sugar-free barbecue sauce to reduce the carb content.
- Serve the Texas pulled pork on lettuce wraps or alongside keto-friendly side dishes such as cauliflower mash or coleslaw.
Low-Carb Version:
- Follow the keto adaptations mentioned above.
- Limit the amount of barbecue sauce used or dilute it with additional chicken broth to reduce the carb content.
- Serve the pulled pork on low-carb tortillas or with a side of roasted vegetables for a satisfying low-carb meal.
In conclusion, our Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork recipe is a celebration of bold flavors and tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. With its mouthwatering spice rub and succulent meat bathed in tangy barbecue sauce, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether enjoyed at a summer cookout or cozy dinner at home, this Texas-style pulled pork is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, fire up your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to the irresistible taste of Texas with this flavorful recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a bone-in pork shoulder roast for this recipe? A: Yes, a bone-in pork shoulder roast can be used instead of a boneless roast. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in cuts may require longer cooking.
Q: Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe? A: While pork shoulder roast is traditional for pulled pork, you can also use pork butt or pork loin if desired. Keep in mind that different cuts may yield slightly different textures and flavors.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance? A: Yes, the pulled pork can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it gently on the
