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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe with Easy Homemade Slaw

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A comforting and easy slow cooker pulled pork recipe paired with a fresh, tangy homemade slaw. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or lazy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 45 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a small bowl. Rub the spice mix all over the pork.
  2. Place sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth and apple cider vinegar.
  3. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
  4. Check for doneness; pork should be fall-apart tender and shred easily with two forks.
  5. Transfer pork to a large bowl and shred using two forks or fingers. Discard large chunks of fat.
  6. Pour some cooking liquid over shredded pork to keep it moist and mix well.
  7. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss in shredded cabbage, carrot, and red onion until evenly coated.
  8. Serve pulled pork on buns, plates, or tortillas topped with a generous scoop of homemade slaw.

Notes

Use a stand mixer with paddle attachment on low speed for 30 seconds to shred pork quickly. The pulled pork can be stored in its juices in the fridge for up to 3 days. Slaw can be made a day ahead. For a lighter slaw dressing, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative. Add chipotle peppers in adobo for a spicy twist or barbecue sauce for classic flavor. Serve on gluten-free buns or leafy greens for gluten-free or low-carb options.

Nutrition

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