Pulled pork is juicy, tender, and packed with smoky, savory flavors. Whether you’re cooking it in a slow cooker, oven, or smoker, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for sandwiches, tacos, sliders, or even meal prep.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best pulled pork recipes, cooking methods, seasoning tips, and serving ideas!
1. Classic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This set-it-and-forget-it method makes fall-apart tender pulled pork with minimal effort!
Ingredients:
- 4–5 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (optional)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Season the pork: Rub the pork with salt, pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
- Add to slow cooker: Place the pork in the crock pot and pour in the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-6 hours until the pork shreds easily.
- Shred the pork: Use two forks to pull the meat apart. Mix in BBQ sauce if desired.
- Serve hot!
👉 Tip: For extra flavor, broil the shredded pork in the oven for 5-10 minutes to get crispy edges.
2. Oven-Roasted Pulled Pork
A slow-cooked oven version with a crispy, caramelized crust!
Instructions:
- Follow the same seasoning process as above.
- Place the pork in a Dutch oven or roasting pan.
- Cover with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5-6 hours until tender.
- Shred and mix with juices before serving.
👉 Tip: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) for 10-15 minutes after shredding for crispy edges.
3. Smoked Pulled Pork (BBQ Style)
A true BBQ classic with deep, smoky flavors.
Ingredients:
- 4–5 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp mustard powder
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 cup apple juice (for spritzing)
Instructions:
- Season the pork: Rub with the spice mix.
- Preheat smoker: Heat to 225°F (107°C) and add wood chips (hickory or applewood).
- Smoke the pork: Place the pork on the grill and smoke for 4-5 hours, spritzing with apple juice every hour.
- Wrap and finish: Wrap in foil and continue cooking for another 4-5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F (90-96°C).
- Rest & shred: Let the pork rest for 30 minutes, then shred.
👉 Tip: Serve with homemade coleslaw and pickles on buns!
4. Instant Pot Pulled Pork (Quick & Easy)
Get tender pulled pork in under 2 hours using a pressure cooker!
Instructions:
- Season the pork and sear it using the Sauté mode.
- Add 1 cup chicken broth and ¼ cup apple cider vinegar.
- Pressure cook on HIGH for 60-80 minutes with a 15-minute natural release.
- Shred and mix with BBQ sauce!
👉 Tip: This method is great for quick weeknight meals!
5. Spicy Mexican Pulled Pork (Carnitas Style)
Perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls!
Extra Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- Juice of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
- Follow the slow cooker or oven method, adding orange and lime juice for a citrusy kick.
- After shredding, spread the pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes for crispy edges.
👉 Tip: Serve with corn tortillas, salsa, and guacamole!
6. Asian-Style Pulled Pork
A savory-sweet twist with soy sauce, ginger, and honey.
Extra Ingredients:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp grated ginger
👉 Tip: Serve over rice or in bao buns with pickled veggies!
Best Ways to Serve Pulled Pork
🔥 Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Load up a bun with pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and coleslaw.
🌮 Pulled Pork Tacos: Top with avocado, cilantro, and lime.
🍚 Pulled Pork Bowls: Serve over rice with veggies and sauce.
🍕 Pulled Pork Pizza: Add to a pizza with BBQ sauce and red onions.
🥗 Pulled Pork Salad: Toss with greens, black beans, and corn.
Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork
✅ Use Pork Shoulder: This cut has the best fat content for juicy pulled pork.
✅ Cook Low & Slow: Whether in a crock pot, oven, or smoker, slow cooking breaks down tough fibers.
✅ Let It Rest: After cooking, let the pork rest for 20-30 minutes before shredding to retain juices.
✅ Crispy Texture: Broil the shredded pork for 5-10 minutes for crispy edges.
✅ Store & Reheat:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Best Cut for Pulled Pork?
- Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt): Best for juicy, tender meat.
- Pork Loin: Leaner but less flavorful.
Can I Make Pulled Pork Ahead of Time?
Yes! Pulled pork tastes even better the next day. Store it with some juices to keep it moist.
How Do I Keep Pulled Pork from Drying Out?
- Cook low and slow for tender results.
- Add broth, apple juice, or BBQ sauce when reheating.
Final Thoughts
Pulled pork is easy, versatile, and incredibly flavorful—whether you prefer BBQ, Mexican-style carnitas, or an Asian twist. Whether you use a slow cooker, oven, smoker, or Instant Pot, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser!