Low and slow is key for this easy slow cooker pulled pork recipe! You’ll get smokehouse worthy results with this pulled pork recipe based off Georgia style pork barbecue!
Hello dolls! That chill is in the air and I’ve finally spared a minute to blog again between bakery orders! Today’s recipe for easy slow cooker pulled pork has been a family favorite for years. And it’s the only “barbecue” you’ll see on this blog that’s made by me and not the Godfather. Because you don’t actually need a grill… you just pop everything into the slow cooker and a few hours later, you have pulled pork perfection!
Many years ago, well before we owned our grill/smoker, I went through several recipes for oven-roasting pork shoulder (aka “Boston butt”) to mimic the barbecue flavor without the grill. I didn’t have much luck until I found this recipe and used my crock pot. We tweaked the seasoning a bit to fit our liking, but it’s been a “go to” since!
I refer to this as Georgia style pulled pork because the recipe is made in the dry rub, slightly tangy style favored in the Middle Georgia area (near Macon), where we first lived as newlyweds.
What style is best for a slow cooker pulled pork?
Travel around the United States, especially the Southeast, and you’ll find an incredible variety of barbecue styles! In Texas they favor beef, Alabama chicken is king, and between Georgia and the Carolinas, you have a handful of completely different pork barbecue styles within a few hours’ driving distance! Even within states you have different styles! It’s really amazing (and delicious).
The Godfather is pretty fascinated with these regional differences, and has created recipes for some of his favorites. Check out his Memphis pork shoulder, and East Carolina pork shoulder to easily see the differences in recipe and styles. And if you want yet another style, his Cuban pork shoulder is always a hit! That’s a lot of bbq, darlings.
But back to this easy slow cooker pulled pork. You can make this on the smoker using the method for any of the above styles, of course. But since busy little me doesn’t have 8 hours to watch a grill, easy slow cooker pulled pork it is!
Instant Pot pulled pork note…
I have made this recipe in the pressure cooker as well at manual pressure for 45 minutes with a smaller shoulder. It works, but the flavor development is better if you can slow cook. If you are going to use the slow cooker function on your IP, set it to “more” or add extra time. I find the heat settings are just different enough that I need to schedule either extra time using the lower setting, or switch to the higher heat setting to finish cooking in 6-8 hours.
I hope you enjoy this easy slow cooker pulled pork recipe! It’s delicious anytime, and makes a great main dish for a crowd (or one hungry family).
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Georgia Style
Ingredients
- 1 4-5 lb pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp white pepper
- 2 tsp ancho chile powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Mix together the spices in a large ziploc bag and then add the pork shoulder and shake the bag until the pork is coated in the rub. Let the pork marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
- Spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick spray or oil and then place the marinated shoulder in the pot. Add the vinegar, cover, and set the pot to low. Note: The original recipe says to turn the pork shoulder after the first hour and again after the second and third hour. Since I would often put this to cook before leaving for work, the shoulder would not be turned and it still turned out fine.
- After about 8 hours, the pork should be fork-tender and shred easily. Shred the meat using two forks and stir into the sauce that has formed at the bottom of the crockpot. Serve and enjoy!
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Mailman Farms
Thursday 17th of August 2017
Excellent results from this recipe ... thank you!
Mary (The Goodie Godmother)
Monday 4th of September 2017
I'm so glad you enjoyed!