Easy Crock-Pot Pork Barbecue
Tender, flavorful pulled pork slow-cooked with a tangy and spicy barbecue sauce, perfect for sandwiches or sharing at family gatherings. Suits BBQ lovers and comfort food fans.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put pork shoulder in crock-pot.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the pork and add vinegar.
- Cover and simmer for 12 hours.
- Remove pork from the crock-pot and pick meat from bones.
- Strain the cooking liquid and keep approximately 2 cups.
- Add ketchup, barbecue sauce, crushed red pepper, hot sauce, and remaining ingredients to the strained liquid.
- Mix the sauce with the shredded meat.
- Return the mixture to the crock-pot and cook on low until the juice cooks down, or on high for a shorter time.
- Serve and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, try marinating the pork shoulder overnight with salt, sugar, and vinegar. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar or use honey instead. You can also substitute apple cider vinegar for a fruity twist. For a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper or your favorite hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pork barbecue on sandwich buns for a delicious meal, complemented by coleslaw or pickles. It pairs beautifully with the Lo-Fat Polynesian Sandwich for a well-rounded meal. For a side, consider baked beans or cornbread to enhance the flavors and provide a comforting touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pork barbecue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or additional barbecue sauce to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Crock-Pot Pork Barbecue contains roughly 61 calories, with 5g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like pork loin or pork tenderloin, but they may cook faster than pork shoulder. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent drying out the meat.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a crock-pot?
Absolutely! You can make this in a slow cooker or a Dutch oven on the stovetop. Just ensure to monitor the cooking time, and keep the heat low to mimic the slow cooking process of a crock-pot.
What can I do with the leftover cooking liquid?
The leftover cooking liquid is packed with flavor and can be used as a base for sauces or soups. You can also reduce it down to concentrate the flavors and serve as a dipping sauce alongside the pork barbecue.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).