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Easy Pulled Pork

This easy pulled pork recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort. Made with pork shoulder and a simple spice rub, it can be cooked in a slow cooker or oven until tender and easily shredded. Great for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, and more.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder also called pork butt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup chicken broth or beef broth
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce optional but tasty

Method
 

  1. Pat the pork dry with paper towels and rub it all over with olive oil.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
  3. Massage the spice mixture into the pork thoroughly.
  4. Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker or large baking dish/Dutch oven, depending on cooking method.
  5. Pour chicken or beef broth into the pot or pan around the pork, not directly on top.
  6. For slow cooker method: Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
  7. For oven method: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C), cover the pan with lid or foil, and bake for 4 to 5 hours until tender and shreds easily.
  8. Remove pork and let it rest for 15 minutes before shredding with two forks.
  9. Add some of the cooking liquid back to the shredded pork to keep it juicy.
  10. Stir in barbecue sauce if desired, or serve it on the side.

Notes

Use a pork shoulder with good marbling for the juiciest results. Bone-in or boneless both work well. Adds great flavor to sandwiches, tacos, nachos, rice bowls, or salads. Pulled pork freezes beautifully in meal-sized portions.