Here’s a juicy, flavorful Shredded Pork recipe that’s perfect for tacos, sandwiches, rice bowls, or meal prep.
🐖 Slow Cooker Shredded Pork (Pulled Pork Style)
🛒 Ingredients
- 3–4 lb pork shoulder (also called Boston butt)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cumin (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Season the pork
Pat dry. Mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cumin. Rub all over pork.
2️⃣ Optional sear
Heat oil in a skillet and sear pork on all sides (2–3 minutes per side) for extra flavor.
3️⃣ Slow cook
Place pork in slow cooker. Add broth and apple cider vinegar around (not over) the meat.
Cook:
- LOW: 8–10 hours
- HIGH: 5–6 hours
Pork is done when it easily falls apart with a fork.
4️⃣ Shred
Remove pork, shred with two forks, discard excess fat.
Return to slow cooker and mix with juices.
🔥 Flavor Variations
🌮 Mexican-Style
Add:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ cup salsa
Great for tacos, burritos, quesadillas.
🍍 Hawaiian Style
Add:
- ½ cup crushed pineapple
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger
Perfect for sliders or rice bowls.
🍖 BBQ Style
Stir in your favorite barbecue sauce after shredding.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Street tacos
- Loaded baked potatoes
- Nachos
- Over mac & cheese
💡 Storage
- Fridge: up to 4 days
- Freezer: up to 3 months
- Reheat with a splash of broth to keep moist
If you’d like, I can also give you an Instant Pot version or oven-roasted crispy carnitas style.
