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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This easy Pulled Pork recipe is made with pork shoulder and spices from your pantry. Slow cooking is a simple way to create tender and juicy pork for many different meals.
Plate of tender shredded pork.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 7 to 9 hours
Makes: 5 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

2 teaspoons paprika (smoked or regular) 
2 teaspoons garlic powder 
2 teaspoons dry mustard 
1 teaspoon salt 
¼ cup water  
3-pound boneless pork shoulder roast (see Notes)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a small bowl, mix dry spices together.
  3. Rub the spices all over the surface of the roast. If possible, put in a covered container and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
  4. When ready to cook, lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker. 
  5. Place the water and roast in the cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours or until the pork shreds easily when pulled with a fork. 
  6. Move the pork to a large dish and shred the pork with 2 forks. Remove extra fat.
  7. Pour liquid from the slow cooker into a bowl and cool. Skim the hardened fat from the top. Add remaining juices to the pork.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Pork shoulder roast is also known as pork butt roast.
  • Serve in sandwiches, tacos, quesadillas, on a salad or in a grain bowl. Add your favorite barbeque sauce if desired.
  • Try adding other flavors to the spice mix such as black pepper, chili powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano or cayenne pepper.
  • The pork roast is best cooked slowly on LOW. You can reduce the cooking time by about an hour by cutting the roast in 4 pieces and cooking on HIGH for the first hour, then turn to LOW for the remaining time.

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