This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin is super easy to make! Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do all the work while you relax.
The pork becomes tender and juicy, soaking up all that sweet BBQ flavor. I love serving it on soft buns with coleslaw for a fun meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cut is lean and tender, perfect for slow cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breast or turkey can be used, but they may not be as juicy. For more flavor, you could also use pork shoulder, which has more fat.
BBQ Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own. Homemade BBQ sauce can really elevate the flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try a sugar-free or reduced-sugar variety.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness. Yellow onions are great for this recipe, but you could substitute with red onions or even shallots for a milder taste.
Spices: If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder work too. Feel free to adjust the chili powder if you like more or less heat—cayenne pepper can also be a good substitute!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient adds a nice tang. If you want a substitute, try white wine vinegar or lemon juice. Just a tablespoon or two should do!
How Do I Ensure My Pulled Pork Is Super Tender?
The key to delicious pulled pork is cooking it low and slow. Here are some quick tips to make it tender:
- **Timing is Crucial:** Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 4 to 6. The longer it cooks, the more tender it becomes!
- **Don’t Rush the Shredding:** Let the cooked pork rest a bit before shredding. Use two forks to shred it easily, pulling it apart in the direction of the grain.
- **Mix it Back In:** After shredding, return the pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce. This keeps every bite moist and flavorful.
Enjoy making this dish, and don’t hesitate to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste!
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 to 3 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of brand or homemade)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (optional for tang)
For Serving:
- 8 hamburger buns
- Pickles (for serving, optional)
- Coleslaw (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ pulled pork recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to cook it in the slow cooker for 8 to 10 hours on low or 4 to 6 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day—you can set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Start by placing the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. This will add great flavor to your pork as it cooks.
2. Season the Pork:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Take this spice mixture and rub it all over the pork tenderloin. Make sure it’s well-coated; this will give your pulled pork tons of flavor!
3. Cook the Pork:
Now, place the seasoned pork tenderloin on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce and the apple cider vinegar (if you’re using it) over the pork. This will keep it moist and tasty!
4. Let It Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours. You want the pork to be super tender so it shreds easily with a fork.
5. Shred the Pork:
Once it’s cooked, take out the pork tenderloin and place it into a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart easily.
6. Mix It All Together:
Now, return the shredded pork back to the slow cooker and stir it into the remaining sauce. This will soak up all that delicious BBQ flavor!
7. Assemble and Enjoy:
To serve, take a generous portion of the BBQ pulled pork and place it on each hamburger bun. You can add pickles and coleslaw on the side or right on top of the pork, according to your taste. Enjoy your tasty BBQ pulled pork sandwiches!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork tenderloin is great for this recipe, other cuts like pork shoulder or pork loin can also work well. Just note that cooking times may vary; pork shoulder typically requires longer cooking for tenderness, so aim for 10 to 12 hours on low or 6 to 8 hours on high.
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No problem! You can easily make your own BBQ sauce using ingredients like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and spices. Combine about 1 cup of ketchup with 1/4 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and any additional spices you enjoy for a quick homemade version!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of BBQ sauce or water if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Cook This Recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! To make this in an Instant Pot, simply follow the same preparation steps, then cook on high pressure for about 60-75 minutes instead of using a slow cooker. Allow for a natural release of pressure for about 10-15 minutes before shredding the pork. Enjoy your quicker BBQ pulled pork!
