Description
An easy, 4-ingredient slow cooker pulled pork recipe that is sweet, savory, and incredibly tender. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (Boston butt), boneless preferred
- 12 ounces 100% apple cider
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
Instructions
- Trim any large chunks of hard fat from the pork shoulder and pat the meat dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture generously all over the pork shoulder.
- Place the seasoned pork into a 6-quart slow cooker insert. Pour the apple cider over the top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, or until the pork shreds easily with a fork.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for 5 minutes. Shred the meat using two forks or a hand mixer.
- Optional: Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer for 10-15 minutes until reduced by half and thickened into a glaze. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Toss the shredded pork with the reduced sauce and serve.
Notes
Use real 100% apple cider, not apple juice drink, for the best flavor. If the pork is tough, it needs more cooking time. For a thicker sauce, reduce the liquid on the stovetop. This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6 of
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 28
Keywords: slow cooker, pulled pork, apple cider, easy dinner, weeknight meals, pork shoulder, gluten-free, comfort food