The Best Easy Crockpot Pork Shoulder for Effortless Dinners (Print Version)
How to make incredibly tender and flavorful crockpot pork shoulder with simple ingredients that's perfect for effortless weeknight meals.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 8 Hours minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 8-10 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High-Protein
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
4-5 lb boneless pork shoulder (pork butt)
02 -
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
03 -
1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
→ Flavor Builders
06 -
2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
07 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
08 -
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
09 -
1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
→ Seasonings & Spices
10 -
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
11 -
1.5 teaspoons sea salt (or to taste)
12 -
1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
→ For Serving & Garnish
13 -
8-10 brioche buns or slider rolls
14 -
1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce, for serving
15 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
Pat the boneless pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Generously rub it all over with the smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. This initial seasoning is key for a flavorful Easy Crockpot Pork Shoulder.
02 -
In your slow cooker, combine chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Stir in the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and optional liquid smoke. This creates the aromatic base.
03 -
Carefully place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker, ensuring it's mostly submerged in the liquid. If needed, turn the pork to coat it well. This setup is crucial for tender results.
04 -
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. Resist the urge to lift the lid often to maintain heat.
05 -
Once cooked, carefully remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the succulent meat. Discard any excess fat for a delicious Easy Crockpot Pork Shoulder.
06 -
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker with some cooking liquid to keep it moist. Serve warm on brioche buns with your favorite BBQ sauce and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Enjoy this comforting Easy Crockpot Pork Shoulder!
# Notes:
01 -
Do not lift the slow cooker lid during cooking to prevent heat escape and drying out the pork.
02 -
Store leftover pork in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly for up to 3-4 days.
03 -
Avoid substituting pork loin for shoulder; loin is too lean and will dry out, resulting in tough meat.
04 -
Serve warm on brioche buns with BBQ sauce and fresh cilantro for a comforting, satisfying meal.
05 -
Briefly sear the pork shoulder before slow cooking to build incredible depth of flavor.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker
02 -
Dutch oven (optional)
03 -
saucepan
04 -
measuring cups
05 -
measuring spoons
06 -
cutting board
07 -
paper towels
08 -
spoon
09 -
forks
10 -
airtight container
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 510
Total Fat: 22g
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Protein: 40g