Slow Cooker Carle-Style Pulled Pork with Regional Spices

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

Tender pulled pork slow-cooked with a blend of regional spices, perfect for sandwiches or dinner plates. This american-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, smoked paprika, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of 3 lbs pork shoulder.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the pork shoulder to a slow cooker. Pour 1 cup chicken broth and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar around the pork.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss with cooking juices before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Carle-Style Pulled Pork with Regional Spices 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 Cooker Carle-Style Pulled Pork with Regional Spices?

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 Cooker Carle-Style Pulled Pork with Regional Spices?

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 Cooker Carle-Style Pulled Pork with Regional Spices for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Cooker Carle-Style Pulled Pork with Regional Spices?

American pork 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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