Slow Cooker Memphis-Style Pulled Pork with Tangy BBQ Sauce

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

Tender, slow-cooked pulled pork infused with smoky spices, served with a tangy homemade barbecue sauce reminiscent of Memphis flavors. This american-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes blends boneless pork shoulder, smoked paprika, brown sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create a dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder all over with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Step 3: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 2 tbsp honey, and 1/2 cup water.
  4. Step 4: Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the pork in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is very tender and easily shredded.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce. Serve on buns or alongside coleslaw for a classic Memphis-style meal.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Memphis-Style Pulled Pork with Tangy BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Memphis-Style Pulled Pork with Tangy BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Memphis-Style Pulled Pork with Tangy BBQ Sauce?

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 Memphis-Style Pulled Pork with Tangy BBQ Sauce 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 Memphis-Style Pulled Pork with Tangy BBQ Sauce?

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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