Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork with Apple Cider Vinegar Slaw

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

Tender pork shoulder pulled and tossed in a tangy slaw, served on buns for a refreshing barbecue twist. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, pork rub, apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 3 lb pork shoulder with 2 tbsp pork rub. Place in a slow cooker. Add 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Cook on low for 8 hours until fork-tender.
  2. Step 2: Remove pork and shred with two forks. Return to the slow cooker and mix with the cooking liquid.
  3. Step 3: For the slaw: In a bowl, combine 1 shredded carrot, 1/2 shredded cabbage, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp sour cream, 1/2 tsp dill weed, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Toss until combined.
  4. Step 4: Serve pulled pork on buns topped with slaw.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork with Apple Cider Vinegar 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 Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork with Apple Cider Vinegar 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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork with Apple Cider Vinegar 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 Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork with Apple Cider Vinegar 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 Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork with Apple Cider Vinegar 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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