Slow Cooker Carle-Style Pulled Pork with Regional Spices

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-10 · Updated 2026-05-10

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.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs pork shoulder
• 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
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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.