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Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 13 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 13 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 sandwiches
Calories: 816
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

pork shoulder
  • 4 lbs boneless pork shoulder roast choose one with good marbling
seasoning
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
cooking liquid
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
bbq sauce
  • 1 cup your favorite barbecue sauce I use a tangy tomato-based one with a little molasses
buns
  • 6 pieces brioche or potato rolls toasted lightly on a skillet

Method
 

season and sear the pork
  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then generously coat it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika on all sides.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of oil. Sear the pork on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This builds flavor you won't get from slow cooking alone.
slow cook
  1. Transfer the seared pork to the insert of your slow cooker. Pour the apple cider vinegar and water around (not over) the meat.
  2. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
shred and combine
  1. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large bowl. Discard the liquid from the pot.
  2. Using two forks, shred the pork into fine, tender pieces. Discard any large chunks of fat.
  3. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker insert. Stir in the barbecue sauce until everything is evenly coated. If it looks too dry, add a splash of water or apple cider vinegar to loosen it up.
serve
  1. Toast the rolls lightly in a skillet with a little butter. Spoon a generous portion of the pulled pork onto each bun, then serve immediately while warm.

Notes

I always pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels before searing it—it makes a huge difference in getting that deep crust. Also, if you find the pulled meat too dry after shredding, toss it with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and let it sit for five minutes before mixing in the sauce.