Ingredients
✓ 3-4 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
✓ 1/4 cup brown sugar
✓ 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
✓ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
✓ 1 teaspoon onion powder
✓ 1 teaspoon salt
✓ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
✓ 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
✓ 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
✓ BBQ sauce, to taste
✓ Cayenne pepper or chipotle powder (for spicy variation)
✓ Pineapple juice (as a substitute for broth for sweet and tangy variation)
✓ Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (for smoky chipotle variation)
✓ Fresh thyme or rosemary (for herbal variation)
Instructions
✓ Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder, but leave about 1/4 inch of fat on top as it will render during cooking.
✓ In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork to ensure even coverage.
✓ Place the marinated pork in the slow cooker.
✓ Pour apple cider vinegar and chicken broth or water over the pork. Make sure it’s submerged but not too much liquid, as this can make the meat soggy.
✓ Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.
✓ Remove the pork from the slow cooker using tongs or a fork. Shred the meat into small pieces with your fingers or use two forks.
✓ Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and add BBQ sauce to taste. Stir until well combined.
✓ Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Ensure the pork is properly marinated to maximize flavor. Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker model.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 480
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 15