Tender Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Recipe

If you want a meal that’s easy to make and tastes great, slow cooker pork shoulder is a perfect choice. With minimal effort, you can have juicy, tender pork that falls apart and is full of flavor. Cooking pork shoulder in a slow cooker allows the meat to cook low and slow, breaking down tough fibers for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

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You can use simple spices and a bit of broth to create a rich, flavorful dish that works for dinners, sandwiches, or tacos. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work, so you can focus on other things while your meal cooks. This method is great if you want a hands-off approach but still want a satisfying, hearty meal.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder

To make a tender and flavorful pork shoulder in your slow cooker, you need to choose the right cut, gather the right ingredients, prepare the meat properly, and cook it at the right time and temperature. Each step matters to get juicy, fall-apart pork.

Selecting the Best Pork Shoulder

Look for a pork shoulder with a good mix of meat and fat, often labeled as “Boston butt” or “picnic shoulder.” This fat keeps the meat moist during slow cooking.

Choose a cut that weighs between 3 to 5 pounds for most slow cookers. If your cut is bone-in, it will add extra flavor, but boneless works well too and is easier to shred.

Freshness matters. Make sure the meat is a pinkish-red color and not too wet or slimy. If you can, buy from a trusted butcher or quality market.

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder

Ingredients

4–5 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth or stock
½ cup apple cider vinegar or apple juice
¼ cup soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat
Fresh herbs or barbecue sauce for serving

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, oregano, and brown sugar to make a dry rub.

Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and coat it evenly with the spice mixture, pressing it into the meat.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned.

Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Set the seared pork shoulder on top.

Pour in the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce).

Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 5–6 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Skim off excess fat from the cooking liquid, then return the shredded meat to the pot and mix with the juices.

Serve warm with fresh herbs, over rice, in tacos, or with your favorite barbecue sauce.

Cooking Times and Temperatures

Set your slow cooker to low for the best results. Cooking on low heat allows the fat and connective tissue to break down slowly.

The pork shoulder will generally take 8 to 10 hours on low or 5 to 7 hours on high.

Check for tenderness by poking the meat with a fork near the end. It should pull apart easily.

Avoid opening the lid too often, as this lets heat escape and can increase cooking time.

If your slow cooker has a warm setting, use it once you remove the pork to keep it ready to serve without drying out.

Serving and Storing Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder

You can turn your slow cooker pork shoulder into many tasty meals. After cooking, handling leftovers properly will keep the meat fresh and tasty for later.

Tasty Serving Ideas

Once your pork shoulder is tender, try shredding it with two forks. You can mix the shredded pork with BBQ sauce for classic pulled pork sandwiches.

It’s also great in tacos, rice bowls, or over salads. Adding fresh toppings like coleslaw or pickles can give some crunch and brightness.

You can serve the pork as a roast by slicing it thick. Pair it with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or cornbread for a hearty meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover pork shoulder in airtight containers or tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap. It keeps best in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months. When freezing, label with the date to track freshness.

To reheat, warm the pork gently in the microwave, oven, or on the stove. Add a splash of cooking liquid or sauce to keep it moist. Reheat until the pork is hot all the way through but avoid overcooking to keep it tender.

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