Description
How to make fall-apart easy Crockpot Pork Shoulder with simple seasonings that’s perfect for feeding a crowd and totally hands-off.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Components:
- 4–5 pounds boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt)
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Flavor Builders:
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- Seasonings & Spices:
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Serving Suggestions:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 8–12 hamburger buns, split
- 1–2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prep Pork: Season the pork shoulder generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and ground cumin. For deeper flavor, quickly sear the pork on all sides in a hot skillet before placing it into your crockpot. This initial step builds a robust flavor base.
- Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Stir until the brown sugar is fully dissolved, creating the savory liquid for your Easy Crockpot Pork Shoulder.
- Layer Crockpot: Arrange the sliced yellow onion and minced garlic evenly at the bottom of your crockpot. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the pork, ensuring it’s well coated to infuse flavors.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The Easy Crockpot Pork Shoulder is done when it’s incredibly fork-tender and pulls apart effortlessly, indicating perfect, fall-apart texture.
- Shred Pork: Carefully remove the cooked pork shoulder from the crockpot and transfer it to a large cutting board. Using two forks, shred the tender pork into desired pieces. Discard any excess fat. The meat should shred with minimal effort.
- Serve Warm: Return the shredded pork to the crockpot, stirring it with some of the flavorful cooking liquid to keep it moist. Serve this delicious Easy Crockpot Pork Shoulder warm on hamburger buns, optionally with BBQ sauce and fresh parsley.
Notes
Cook pork shoulder until it truly falls apart effortlessly with a fork, avoiding tough, chewy meat.
Store leftover shredded pork with cooking liquid in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Bone-in pork shoulder can be used; adjust cooking time to ensure it becomes fall-apart tender.
Serve warm on hamburger buns, optionally with BBQ sauce and fresh parsley for a classic pulled pork sandwich.
Sear pork shoulder on all sides before slow cooking to build a robust, rich, and deep flavor base.
**Allergy Information:** Gluten, Fish, Soy, Dairy, Eggs