Apple-Glazed Pulled Pork with Cabbage Slaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pulled pork simmered with apples and cider, served over a refreshing cabbage slaw for balanced flavor and crunch. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder roast, diced apples, apple cider for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 490 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 490 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 3 lbs pork shoulder roast in the slow cooker. Top with 1 cup diced apples, 1 cup apple cider, 1 medium thinly sliced yellow onion, 2 tbsp dijon mustard, and 1 tsp paprika.
  2. Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork and shred with two forks. Return to the slow cooker with the cooking liquid and stir to coat.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1.5 cups sauerkraut, 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar to make the slaw.
  5. Step 5: Serve pulled pork mixture over a generous portion of cabbage slaw.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Apple-Glazed Pulled Pork with Cabbage Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Apple-Glazed Pulled Pork with Cabbage Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Apple-Glazed Pulled Pork with Cabbage Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Apple-Glazed Pulled Pork with Cabbage Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Apple-Glazed Pulled Pork with Cabbage Slaw?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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