Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-03-31 · Updated 2026-03-31

Fall-apart tender pork braised in a savory spice mix, perfect for sandwiches or over rice. This quick recipe, ready in about 18 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, onion, and garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 "Build a week of meals around this recipe" 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

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, bone-in
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp thyme, fresh or dried
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Slow cookers worth buying for this → Best Slow Cookers in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Add 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Pour 1/2 cup water to cover the pork halfway.
2. Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until pork shreds easily with a fork.
3. Step 3: Using two forks, pull pork apart and mix with any juices. Serve as sandwiches, over rice, or with crusty bread. Garnish with additional thyme and a drizzle of apple cider vinegar.