Texas-Style Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: A Tangy BBQ Feast

Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork

If you’re hunting for the ultimate pulled pork recipe that yields fall-apart tender meat in a tangy BBQ sauce, you’ve hit the jackpot. 

Description: This pulled pork recipe braises pork shoulder in a tangy barbecue sauce in the slow cooker until fall-apart tender. Delicious served in toasted buns or loaded nachos.

Ingredients for Bold, Juicy Pulled Pork

• 1 (4–5 lb) pork shoulder, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 2 cups your favorite barbecue sauce
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 toasted sandwich buns or slider rolls

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until a golden crust forms. That’s flavor right there—don’t skip it.
2. Transfer the seared pork to your slow cooker. Scatter the sliced onion around the meat.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover and cook on Low for 5 hours or until the pork falls apart with a fork.
5. Remove the pork and shred using two forks—embrace the mess. Skim off excess fat from the cooking liquid, then return the shredded pork to the sauce for 5–10 minutes to absorb every drop of tangy BBQ flavor.
6. Pile the pulled pork high on toasted buns. Serve with coleslaw, pickle slices, or use as a meaty filling for loaded nachos.

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: PT15M
• Cook Time: PT5H
• Total Time: PT5H15M
• Servings: 8 servings

Nutrition per Serving

• Calories: 528 kcal
• Carbs: 46 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Fat: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 98 mg
• Sodium: 803 mg
• Sugar: 17 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g

Tips & Tricks for Next-Level Pulled Pork

• Don’t rush the sear: It locks in juices and builds flavor.
• Adjust the tang: Add more vinegar for bite, more brown sugar for sweetness.
• Meal prep hack: Double the batch and freeze in portions.
• Serving suggestion: Top with quick coleslaw for crunch and color.

That’s how you master fall-apart, tangy slow cooker pulled pork like a boss with this pulled pork.