Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

Juicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe for Effortless Meals

Crafting the ultimate slow cooker pulled pork demands patience and a dash of culinary magic.

Tender meat falls apart with minimal effort, promising a mouthwatering experience.

Southern barbecue traditions inspire this simple yet phenomenal dish.

Each bite melts with rich, smoky flavors that dance across your palate.

Minimal ingredients combine to create a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for casual gatherings.

Weekend cooking becomes effortless when you let the slow cooker work its charm.

Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can create restaurant-quality pulled pork right in your kitchen.

Try These Flavors with Mary Berry Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

  • Healthier Cola Swap: Replace Coca-Cola with low-sodium chicken broth or apple cider for reduced sugar content.
  • Spicy Chili Pulled Pork: Add ground chipotle or cayenne pepper to spice rub for a fiery kick.
  • Herb-Infused Version: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage into the spice mixture for an aromatic Mediterranean-style pulled pork.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Use sugar-free root beer or diet cola, and select a low-carb BBQ sauce or make your own with sugar substitute.

Best Pairings for Mary Berry Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

  • Pair Pulled Pork with Bold Beer Selections: Choose robust craft beer styles like amber ale or porter that complement the meat's rich, smoky flavors and cut through its fatty texture.
  • Create Zesty Coleslaw Companion: Whip up a tangy, creamy coleslaw with crisp cabbage and a vinegar-based dressing to provide refreshing contrast against the pulled pork's heavy profile.
  • Match with Sweet Southern Sides: Serve alongside classic Southern side dishes like baked beans, cornbread, or mac and cheese to enhance the barbecue experience with complementary southern comfort flavors.
  • Recommend Bourbon Cocktail Pairing: Mix a classic old fashioned or whiskey sour to echo the deep, caramelized notes of the pulled pork and create a harmonious taste experience.

Save and Store Mary Berry Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

  • Store pulled pork in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Pack cooled pulled pork in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
  • Sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or broth over pulled pork, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent dryness.
  • Spread pulled pork in a baking dish, add a splash of liquid, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally to maintain moisture.

FAQs on Mary Berry Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

  • Can I use a different soda instead of Coke?

Yes, root beer or Dr. Pepper work great and add similar sweet and tangy flavors to the pulled pork.

  • Do I have to sear the meat before slow cooking?

No, searing is optional but recommended. It helps develop a deeper flavor and creates a nice crust on the pork.

  • What cut of pork works best for pulled pork?

Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is the ideal cut because it’s fatty and becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.

  • How do I know when the pork is fully cooked and ready to shred?

The pork is done when it’s fall-apart tender and can be easily shredded with two forks, typically after 8 hours on LOW heat.

Why Mary Berry Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Is a Crowd-Pleaser

Why Mary Berry Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Is a Crowd-Pleaser
  • Transform Tough Meat into Tender Delight: This recipe magically converts a challenging cut of pork into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece that falls apart with minimal effort.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different spice combinations or BBQ sauces to create a personalized pulled pork experience that suits your taste buds perfectly.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Superstar: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family meals where everyone can enjoy building their own sandwiches or loading up tacos with succulent pulled pork.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Reward: Spending just a few minutes preparing the meat results in a delicious meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy home cooks.

What You’ll Need for Mary Berry Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Meat Base:
  • Pork Shoulder: A flavorful and tender cut perfect for slow cooking and shredding.
Spice Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder: A classic seasoning mix that adds depth and warmth to the meat.
Liquid and Sauce:
  • Coca-Cola, BBQ Sauce: Coca-Cola helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle sweetness, while BBQ sauce provides a tangy and rich finish.
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for optional searing to develop a beautiful golden crust on the pork.

Step-by-Step Slow Cooked Pork by Mary Berry

Step-by-Step Slow Cooked Pork by Mary Berry

Step 1: Prepare Succulent Pork Chunks

Take the pork and slice it into four generous, hearty pieces. Trim away any excessive fat to ensure a lean and delicious result.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Spice Rub

Blend your favorite spices together to create a mouthwatering coating. Generously massage the spice mixture all over the pork chunks, ensuring every surface is covered with the aromatic blend.

Step 3: Optional Searing for Extra Depth

Heat oil in a skillet and carefully brown the pork pieces. Sear each side for about 12 minutes to lock in those incredible flavors and create a beautiful golden crust.

Step 4: Slow Cooker Magic Begins

Gently place the seasoned pork chunks into the slow cooker. Pour Coca-Cola around the meat, creating a sweet and tangy cooking liquid that will make the pork incredibly tender.

Step 5: Low and Slow Cooking

Set your slow cooker to LOW and let it work its magic for 8 hours. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, use the HIGH setting for about 4-5 hours until the meat becomes fall-apart tender.

Step 6: Optional Sauce Reduction

During the final hour of cooking, remove the lid to allow the sauce to reduce and concentrate its flavors. This step intensifies the delicious cooking liquid.

Step 7: Rest and Shred

Allow the pork to rest for 10 minutes after cooking. Using two forks, gently pull the meat apart into soft, juicy shreds.

Step 8: Finish with Barbecue Sauce

If desired, mix the shredded pork with your favorite barbecue sauce. This adds an extra layer of tangy sweetness to the already delicious meat.

Pro Tips for Tender Mary Berry Pulled Pork

  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Sear pork chunks before slow cooking to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in deep, complex flavors.
  • Liquid Magic: Use Coca-Cola as a tenderizing agent that helps break down meat fibers and adds a subtle sweetness to the pulled pork.
  • Perfect Shredding Technique: Let pork rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, making shredding easier and meat more tender.
  • Sauce Control: Crack the slow cooker lid during the final hour to reduce excess liquid and concentrate the sauce's flavor profile.
  • Diet-Friendly Swap: Replace traditional BBQ sauce with sugar-free or low-carb alternatives for a healthier version of this classic dish.
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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (LOW) or 4 hours 45 minutes (HIGH)
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Succulent Pulled Pork Perfection brings tender, smoky meat that melts in your mouth with minimal kitchen effort. Slow-cooked to juicy excellence, this classic dish delivers comfort and rich flavors you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 4 pounds (2.2 kilograms) pork shoulder or pork butt

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (15 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder (8 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder (23.3 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (33.3 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin (2 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (5.5 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (2.3 grams)

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons oil (30 milliliters)
  • 12 ounces (354 milliliters) Coca-Cola
  • BBQ sauce (for coating meat, optional)

Instructions

  1. Examine pork shoulder, removing excess fat and cutting into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking.
  2. Create a robust spice blend, thoroughly massaging it into every surface of the meat for maximum flavor penetration.
  3. Optionally, develop a rich caramelized exterior by searing meat in hot oil, creating deep golden-brown crusts on each side.
  4. Transfer seasoned meat into slow cooker, gently pouring carbonated beverage around the protein to enhance tenderness and moisture.
  5. Allow slow cooker to transform meat over 8 hours on LOW setting or 4-5 hours on HIGH, ensuring meat becomes fork-tender and easily falls apart.
  6. During final cooking hour, consider removing lid to concentrate cooking liquid and intensify flavor profile.
  7. After cooking, let meat rest briefly to redistribute internal juices, then use two forks to delicately shred into succulent strands.
  8. Optionally, fold in tangy barbecue sauce to complement the meat’s rich, smoky essence, creating a harmonious final dish perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or standalone serving.

Notes

  • Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder or Boston butt for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
  • Skip searing step if short on time, but browning adds deeper caramelized taste and texture complexity.
  • Adjust Coca-Cola quantity based on desired sauce consistency, using less liquid for thicker sauce.
  • Experiment with different soda varieties like root beer or Dr. Pepper for unique flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (LOW) or 4.5 hours (HIGH)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Sugar: 1.9 g
  • Sodium: 690 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3.2 g
  • Fiber: 0.4 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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