This crock pot barbecued pulled pork is slow-cooked to tender, juicy perfection with a flavorful rub and a touch of apple juice and cider vinegar. The low-and-slow method ensures melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or meal prep. Finish with our barbecue sauce recipe or your favorite sauce for a rich, smoky taste in every bite.
Generously sprinkle the pulled pork rub all over the pork, covering all sides. Then pat it to help it adhere. Avoid actually rubbing the mixture in as that will cause it to clump.
Wrap the pork in plastic wrap and place it in a ziplock bag or in an airtight container.
Let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
(Optional) Sear for extra flavor before placing it in the slow cooker - heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
Place the pork in the slow cooker, fat side up.
Mix together apple cider, vinegar, and tomato paste and pour around (not directly on) the pork for moisture.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours (best for tender, juicy meat) or HIGH for 4-6 hours (if short on time). Check from time to time as you get close the stated cooking time; the internal temperature should be between 195 -205℉ or 90-96°C.
Once the pork is fall-apart tender, remove it from the slow cooker.
Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.
Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid if needed.
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with some of the juices for extra moisture and flavor.
Stir in BBQ sauce for a saucier and more flavorful pulled pork.