Ingredients: The Key to Flavorful Pulled Pork

This slow cooker pulled pork recipe relies on simple, high-quality ingredients that work together to create a deeply flavorful and satisfying dish. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make this culinary masterpiece:

• Pork Shoulder: The star of the show! I recommend using a 2.5- to 3-pound boneless pork shoulder for this recipe. This cut is ideal for slow cooking and shredding, resulting in juicy, tender pork every time. If you prefer, you can also swap in a pork butt, which comes from the upper part of the shoulder and has a bit more fat and marbling. This makes it just as suitable for slow cooking and adds extra richness to the final product.
• Honey and Balsamic Vinegar: This dynamic duo creates the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. The honey provides a natural sweetness that complements the savory pork, while the balsamic vinegar adds a distinctive tangy flavor that elevates the overall profile.
• Blackberry Jam: My secret ingredient! This unexpected addition adds a fruity, slightly tart element that beautifully complements the richness of the pork and enhances the complexity of the sauce.
• Hoisin Sauce: A pantry staple that adds a delicious umami flavor to a variety of dishes. In this recipe, it contributes depth and complexity to the sauce, enhancing the overall savory notes.
• Chicken Broth: This helps keep the pork moist during the slow-cooking process, preventing it from drying out and adding a subtle layer of flavor.
• Garlic and Onion: These aromatic staples form the foundation of our flavorful sauce, providing a savory base that complements the other ingredients.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce at the end of the cooking process, creating a luscious glaze that coats the shredded pork perfectly.

For detailed information on ingredient quantities and precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card below.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this mouthwatering slow cooker pulled pork is surprisingly easy. Follow these simple steps to create a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends:

1. Trim off any excess fat: Start by trimming any excess fat from your boneless pork shoulder. This helps to keep your pulled pork lean while still ensuring it remains incredibly tender and juicy.
2. Prep the liquid: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, balsamic vinegar, blackberry jam, hoisin sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, and diced onion. This mixture will form the base of our flavorful cooking liquid.
3. Add everything to your slow cooker: Place the pork shoulder in your slow cooker. Then, pour the prepared sauce over the top, ensuring the pork is well coated (it doesn’t need to be completely submerged).

4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-9 hours: This is where the magic happens! Resist the urge to open the slow cooker during cooking. Opening the lid releases precious heat and moisture, potentially affecting the final tenderness of the pork.
5. Shred the pork: Once the pork is fully cooked, carefully transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Don’t discard the flavorful juices remaining in the slow cooker – we’ll be using them to create our sweet and tangy sauce.
6. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, make a cornstarch slurry by whisking together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Transfer the reserved cooking liquid from the slow cooker to a saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Once the liquid is simmering, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and bring to a boil. Let it cook for about 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly, creating a luscious glaze.
7. Toss the pork in the sauce: Pour the thickened sauce over the shredded pork in the large bowl, tossing gently until every piece is evenly coated in the flavorful glaze.

Whether you’re planning a game day feast, need a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or want to meal prep for the week ahead, this recipe ticks all the boxes! I’m confident that it will quickly become a regular addition to your slow cooker repertoire.

Kelly’s Recipe Notes: Tips and Variations for Perfect Pulled Pork

Here are some helpful tips and variations to ensure your slow cooker balsamic honey pulled pork is a resounding success:

• Jam Substitutions: If you don’t have blackberry jam on hand, feel free to use any other variety of jam, such as raspberry or plum. Each jam will impart a slightly different flavor profile, allowing you to customize the recipe to your liking.
• Cooking Time Adjustment: If you’re short on time, you can cook the pork on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, or until it’s fully cooked. However, keep in mind that cooking on low for a longer period typically results in a more tender and flavorful final product.
• Sauce Versatility: You don’t have to use all of the sauce on the pulled pork. Save some to drizzle over grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or even serve alongside mashed potatoes. The sauce is incredibly versatile and can enhance a wide range of dishes.
• Serving Suggestions: Don’t limit yourself to sandwiches! This pulled pork is fantastic in tacos, quesadillas, on pizza, or over baked potatoes for easy and delicious meals throughout the week.
• Storage Instructions: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week.

Best Sides for Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Complete Your Meal

Pulled pork sandwiches are an excellent choice for a family dinner (my kids request them weekly!) or as crowd-pleasing party food. Here are a few of my favorite side dishes to serve alongside these delicious sliders:

• Homemade French Fries or Baked Sweet Potato Fries
• Cuban Black Beans
• Simple Skillet Cornbread
• Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese
• Hungarian Cucumber Salad
• Bread and Butter Pickles

How to Freeze Pulled Pork: Extend Its Shelf Life

Freezing shredded pork is a convenient way to save leftovers and enjoy them later. However, for optimal results, I recommend freezing it without the sauce. This helps to maintain the pork’s texture and prevent it from becoming mushy during thawing. You can always add the sauce later when you’re ready to reheat and serve the pork. Store the shredded pork in an airtight container or a freezer bag (make sure to remove as much air as possible!) for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

When reheating pulled pork, you have several options to choose from: stovetop, microwave, or slow cooker (my personal preference). If you opt for the stovetop or microwave, be sure to add a splash of water or broth to keep the pork from drying out during reheating. For slow cooker reheating, set it to LOW and warm the pork for 1 to 2 hours. Add the prepared sauce towards the end of the reheating process, ensuring it coats the pork evenly and enhances its flavor.

More Pork Recipes You’ll Love: Expand Your Culinary Horizons

If you’re a fan of pork, here are a few more delicious recipes that you’re sure to enjoy:

Instant Pot Barbecue Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos

Slow Cooker Balsamic Honey Pulled Pork Recipe