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Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork. The secret ingredient and what cut of meat to buy (and why). Best pulled pork you can get without a smoker.

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

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I love BBQ pulled pork. And it is hard to find good BBQ. We’re military- so every time we move, the search for a great place starts again. And while smoking the meat is obviously the best method, I don’t have a day to dedicate every time I want pulled pork. Plus I don’t own a smoker.

Then I saw this crazy tip of using root beer to make it at home. Tried that, but still wasn’t quite perfect. Then I started researching cuts of meat. Finally, I ended up making 6 of them in two days because I volunteered (clearly wasn’t sane when I did so) to make pulled pork for 50 for an event.

I can now, with complete confidence, tell you how to get great BBQ pulled pork without a smoker. It’s easy, not time consuming, and is better than anything I can find in Washington state. (hey, it’s where the military sent us).

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork. The secret ingredient and what cut of meat to buy (and why). Best pulled pork you can get without a smoker.

BBQ is a controversial subject. I’ll let you pick your own sauce. I’m sure you’re passionate about it.

As to the cut of meat: I do know those from North Carolina (parts of it anyway) use the whole pig, chop it, and mix it. I’m not a fan of that version. Sorry.

If you only eat smoked pork, feel free to pop on over to “Amazing Ribs”...they have a great article and instructions for smoking it using your grill.
I also like dumping my pulled pork on top of a potato and eating it that way instead of on a bun. Apparently that sounds disgusting to some people? I don’t get it?! It’s great!

First of all- the cut of meat. DON’T BUY A PORK LOIN. Sorry for yelling. But it was necessary. This is one place you want to pay less for meat. Get a pork shoulder or pork butt. You want the fat. Trust me.

Second- gather your ingredients. It’s a long list. (yes, that was sarcastic). Pork butt (5 lb. range), liquid smoke, A&W Root Beer, salt, and pepper. Oh, and a slow cooker. Like I said above, smoking gives it a little more flavor, but this is much, much easier.

Perfect BBQ Pulled Pork- easy, no smoker required, and fabulous. Tastes like authentic South Carolina BBQ.
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5 from 3 votes

Perfect BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3-5 lb . pork butt or pork shoulder
  • 12 oz . A&W root beer must be A&W
  • 1/2 Tbsp . liquid smoke per lb. of meat
  • Salt & pepper generous dash
  • BBQ sauce of choice

Instructions

  • Place pork in crockpot. (Don’t trim any fat off). Season with salt and pepper. Pour liquid smoke and root beer over pork. I usually use about 1/2 Tbsp. liquid smoke per pound of meat, not to exceed 2 Tbsp. (estimate to your taste). It HAS to be A&W root beer. I tried other brands, and it just wasn’t quite right.
  • Cook on low for 6 hrs. or until thermometer in thick section reads at least 190 degrees. Can go up more (205 highest)…the thermometer should just slide right in when the pork is nice and juicy.
  • Shred pork, removing fat. Really dig into the fat. You may have a piece of fat (say the width of a chunky marker) and think it’s just fat. But dig in there and you’ll find the juiciest meat you can imagine. This does get a bit messy and your hands will get very greasy. But it’s worth the time and effort.
  • Stir in desired amount of BBQ sauce. Try it sauceless first, though. You might be surprised.

If you’re looking for information on more traditional, smoked pork (not this crock-pot version, you should check out: Traeger’s article and infographic have all the best tips for cooking pork butt, whether it’s in the smoker, on the grill, in the oven, or even in a slow cooker. The piece also includes flavoring, seasoning, and preparation tips, along with suggestions and recipes for left overs!

10 Tips for Grilling Pork

Image Source: Traeger Grills.

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork. The secret ingredient and what cut of meat to buy (and why). Best pulled pork you can get without a smoker.
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Hello, there! I'm Jennie. I'm glad you're here. I love helping women with homemaking and being their best self. I provide goal-setting content (my favorite), great recipes, holiday content, frugal finance tips, and- most popular- tons of printables.

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