Low and Slow Smoked Pulled Pork

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

A tender, fall-apart pork shoulder slow-cooked with a smoky-sweet rub, perfect for sandwiches or bowls. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 680 minutes pairs pork shoulder, smoked paprika, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 660 min Serves 8 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim excess fat from the 3 pounds pork shoulder, then rub 2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon dry mustard evenly over all sides.
  2. Step 2: Place the rubbed pork shoulder fat-side up in a slow cooker, pour 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon liquid smoke over it, and add 1/4 cup mopped pork shoulder to the bottom of the pot.
  3. Step 3: Cook on LOW for 10-12 hours until fork-tender, then shred the meat with two forks until it falls apart.
  4. Step 4: Return shredded pork to the slow cooker, stir in any accumulated juices, and cook on LOW for 1 more hour to meld flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Low and Slow Smoked Pulled Pork take to make?

Total time is about 680 minutes (20 min prep + 660 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 Low and Slow Smoked Pulled Pork?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Low and Slow Smoked Pulled Pork?

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 Low and Slow Smoked Pulled Pork 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 Low and Slow Smoked Pulled Pork?

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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