Description
A tender, slow-cooked pulled pork dish infused with sweet apple cider, smoky spices, and a rich glaze. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe delivers deep flavor with minimal active prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt)
- 1.5 cups fresh-pressed apple cider
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (optional)
- 3–4 cloves fresh garlic, minced (optional)
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and trim excess hard fat, leaving some for moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and black pepper to create a spice rub.
- Rub the spice blend all over the pork, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Place diced onions on the bottom of the slow cooker (if using), then place the seasoned pork on top.
- Pour apple cider, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce over the pork.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until the pork shreds easily with a fork.
- Remove pork to a bowl and shred using two forks or a hand mixer.
- Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes to reduce the sauce into a thick glaze.
- Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the reduced sauce.
- Taste and adjust salt if needed, then serve.
Notes
Do not skip the step of reducing the sauce uncovered at the end; apple cider is watery and needs to be concentrated to create a proper glaze. Fresh apple cider is preferred over juice for better flavor depth. If using a Dutch oven, sear the pork first, then braise on low heat for 2-3 hours.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup pork + sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 22
Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, crockpot, apple cider, fall recipes, comfort food, easy dinner, pork shoulder