Slow Cooker Pulled Pork on a Bun

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I can’t believe that slow cooker pulled pork has eluded me until now. A colleague recently asked me for advice on cooking pulled pork and I had to admit I’d never actually made it. Ever. Now I am wishing I had this gem in my repertoire years ago. It’s only 10 Weight Watchers Smart points!

I tend to shy away from slow cooker recipes because although I love the concept, I found that they all started to morph into the same stringy, stewy tasting dish. But not this one! No siree… this crock pot pulled pork is flawlessly tender, juicy and smothered in a rich, smoky tomato sauce with just the right amount of tang.

This shredded pork recipe really is the perfect cold winter meal or summer meal for a hot day and is always great for a small, casual gathering or even when you need to feed a bigger crowd. It’s one of those meals that is easy enough to throw together, but tastes like you went to a lot more trouble than you actually did. And how can you not love that?!

Prep it ahead of time!

I like that you can prep the pork shoulder in a slow cooker the night before and come home to the delicious aroma of a tasty meal! I added liquid smoke to my version (which you can get at just about any grocery store) and a quick broccoli slaw. Pile it high on buns and garnish it with some pickled jalapenos or sliced pepperoncini for even more zing (if that’s your thing).

If you are looking for an amazing recipe for pulled pork, you have arrived! It’s the perfect summer or winter potluck idea, especially if you are feeding a crowd!

And if you love pulled pork, give my Slow Cooker Gluten-free & Healthy Pork Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork) at try! It’s also great for feeding a crowd, especially in the summer when you don’t want to turn on your oven!

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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork on a Bun

This slow cooker smoky shredded pork, piled high with a quick broccoli slaw, is the perfect summer potluck or BBQ idea or for when you just  need to feed a crowd. 10 Weight Watchers Freestyle smart points!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Canadian, North American

Keyword pulled pork on a bun, pulled pork sandwich, slow cooker pulled pork

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes

Servings 10 servings

Calories 293kcal

Author Adapted from: Canadian Living Magazine: June 2013

Ingredients

• 3-1/2  lb  pork shoulder blade roast (1.6 kg)
• 1/2  tsp  salt (2 mL) 
• 1/2  tsp  pepper (2 mL) 
• 2  tbsp  vegetable oil (30 mL) 
• 1 onion , diced
• 4  cloves garlic , minced
• 2  tbsp  chili powder (30 mL) 
• 2  tsp  dried cilantro (10 mL)
• 2  bay leaves
• 1/4  cup  tomato paste (60 mL) 
• 1  14 oz can tomato sauce (398 mL) 
• 2  tbsp  packed brown sugar (30 mL) 
• 2  tbsp  cider vinegar (30 mL) 
• 2  tbsp  Worcestershire sauce (30 mL) 
• 1 tbsp natural hickory liquid smoke flavour
• 1 -12 oz bag broccoli cole slaw 340 g
• 4-6 tbsp coleslaw dressing (add to your liking)
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini or pickled jalapenos (optional)
• 10 whole wheat buns

Instructions

• Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper. In Dutch oven or large,  deep frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat; brown pork all over. Transfer to slow cooker.
• Add onions, garlic, chili powder, cilantro and bay leaves to Dutch oven/frying pan; cook, stirring often, until onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add tomato paste; cook, stirring, about 2 minutes. Add tomato sauce, sugar, vinegar and Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke, Pour into slow cooker. Cover and cook on low until pork is tender, about 8 hours.
• Transfer pork to cutting board and when cooled for about 10 minutes, remove any fat and bone. With 2 forks, shred or “pull” pork.  (See video on how to pull pork in notes) 
• Meanwhile, pour liquid from slow cooker into large saucepan; skim off fat. Bring to boil over high heat; boil vigorously until reduced to 3 cups, 10 to 12 minutes. Discard bay leaves.
• Add pulled pork; stir to coat and warm through.
• Pile meat on bun.
• Broccoli slaw: Mix broccoli slaw and coleslaw salad dressing together and add to bun.
• Add peperoncini or pickled jalapenos, if desired.

Notes

Nutrition Facts

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork on a Bun

Amount Per Serving (1 sandwich)

Calories 293 Calories from Fat 108

% Daily Value*

Fat 12g18%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Cholesterol 36mg12%

Sodium 594mg26%

Potassium 450mg13%

Carbohydrates 30g10%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 9g10%

Protein 15g30%

Vitamin A 745IU15%

Vitamin C 10.8mg13%

Calcium 72mg7%

Iron 3.3mg18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*This recipe is for a 6 quart slow cooker

Here is a how to video: How to pull pork *However, I shred mine a little more than he does in this video.

*Note:  I use Mezzetta Golden Greek sliced pepperoncini because I became addicted to it after using it to create contest entries.

 

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 594mg | Potassium: 450mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 745IU | Vitamin C: 10.8mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 3.3mg

This recipe is part of The Country Cook Weekend Potluck!

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR MORE UNIQUE & DELICIOUS SLOW COOKER MEALS, TRY THESE!

Slow Cooker Whiskey Beef Stew (gluten-free)   

Ukrainian Daughter’s Crock pot Casserole

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