Slow Cooker Martin-Style BBQ Pulled Pork

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

Tender pulled pork slow-cooked with a smoky tomato-based barbecue sauce inspired by classic vintage flavors for rich, hearty sandwiches. This bbq & smoked-inspired thai ready in about 500 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 420 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 6 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of 3 lbs pork shoulder.
  3. Step 3: Place the seasoned pork shoulder into a slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp yellow mustard.
  4. Step 4: Pour the barbecue sauce over the pork. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is very tender and pulls apart easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks, then return shredded pork to the sauce and mix well before serving on buns or over rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Martin-Style BBQ Pulled Pork 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 Martin-Style BBQ 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 Slow Cooker Martin-Style BBQ 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 Slow Cooker Martin-Style BBQ Pulled Pork 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 Martin-Style BBQ Pulled Pork?

BBQ & Smoked thai 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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