Picture this: hot pulled pork, stuffing, gravy, maybe a dash of apple sauce, all piled into a fresh white cob, with a bit of crackling on the side. It has to be one of the ultimate sandwiches, doesn’t it?

My old man Dennis has been in the butchery game since he was about five years old, and he has basically mastered pulled pork. I say mastered — he likes to think he invented pulled pork back in his youth. I’m surprised he can remember that far back, but that’s the story he bores us with every time pulled pork gets mentioned.

Most people think pulled pork came from the southern USA, but who knew it was actually invented in Bushbury, Wolverhampton?

Joking aside, this slow cooker pulled pork recipe is really easy. All it takes is a good piece of pork shoulder, a bit of seasoning, some liquid, and enough time for the meat to become soft enough to shred with two forks.

This version is more of a British-style pulled pork, served with stuffing, gravy and crackling, rather than a sticky barbecue version. It is simple, comforting, and absolutely worth the wait.

What Is the Best Cut of Meat for Pulled Pork?

The best cut for pulled pork is pork shoulder.

Pork shoulder contains more fat and connective tissue than leaner cuts, which makes it ideal for long, slow cooking. As the pork cooks, the connective tissue breaks down and the fat helps baste the meat naturally, keeping it juicy and tender.

Lean cuts can dry out in the slow cooker, but pork shoulder has enough structure and flavour to handle a long cooking time.

The best cut for pulled pork is pork shoulder.

Can You Make Pulled Pork in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, the slow cooker is one of the easiest ways to make pulled pork.

It gives the pork time to soften gently without needing much effort from you. Once the pork shoulder has cooked for long enough, it should pull apart easily with two forks.

For the best result, cook pulled pork on low for several hours. It takes patience, but the texture is much better than trying to rush it.

Can You Put Raw Pork in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can put raw pork directly into a slow cooker.

Some people like to brown pork shoulder first in a hot pan to add extra flavour, but it is not essential. For this simple slow cooker pulled pork recipe, you can put the pork straight into the slow cooker with stock and seasoning.

Does Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Need Liquid?

Yes, it is best to add some liquid when making pulled pork in the slow cooker.

The pork will release fat and juices as it cooks, but adding stock or water helps stop the meat from drying out and gives you a base for the gravy.

You do not need to completely cover the pork. Around 500ml of stock or enough liquid to sit in the bottom of the slow cooker is usually plenty. If it starts to dry out, you can always add a little more.

Why Is My Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tough?

If your slow cooker pulled pork is tough, it usually needs longer.

Pork shoulder contains collagen and connective tissue, which take time to break down. If the pork does not shred easily, put the lid back on and keep cooking.

For most pork shoulder joints, 6 to 8 hours in the slow cooker is usually the sweet spot, depending on the size of the joint and the heat of your slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

This is a simple slow cooker pulled pork recipe using pork shoulder, stock, seasoning and sage and onion stuffing. It is great served in bread rolls with gravy, apple sauce and crackling.

Ingredients

• 1kg pork shoulder
• 40g sage and onion stuffing
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 beef stock cube
• 500ml hot water
• Apple sauce, optional, to serve
• Fresh white bread rolls, to serve

Method

1. Add the pork to the slow cooker - Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. If you are using a deep casserole dish in the oven instead, place it in there.
2. Add the stock - Mix the beef stock cube with 500ml of hot water, then pour it into the slow cooker.
3. Season - Season the pork with salt and black pepper.
4. Cook low and slow - Cover and cook for around 6 hours, turning halfway through if possible. If using the oven, cook in a covered casserole dish at 140°C / 120°C fan / Gas Mark 1.
5. Check the pork - The pork is ready when it pulls apart easily with two forks. If it still feels firm, cook it for longer.
6. Remove the rind - Take the pork out of the slow cooker and remove the rind. Set the rind aside if you want to make crackling.
7. Shred the pork - Shred the pork using two forks, then return the meat to the slow cooker.
8. Add the stuffing - Stir in the sage and onion stuffing. This helps thicken the juices and gives the pulled pork that proper roast pork sandwich flavour.
9. Make the crackling - Salt the rind generously and place it under a preheated grill on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it starts to bubble and turn crispy. Keep a close eye on it so it does not burn.
10. Serve - Serve the pulled pork in fresh white bread rolls with gravy, apple sauce and crackling.

How Long Does Pulled Pork Take in a Slow Cooker?

Pulled pork usually takes around 6 to 8 hours in the slow cooker.

The exact time depends on the size of the pork shoulder and your slow cooker. Smaller joints may be ready after 6 hours, while larger joints may need closer to 8 hours.

The easiest way to check is with two forks. If the pork pulls apart easily, it is ready. If it feels tight or tough, keep cooking.

Should You Cook Pulled Pork on High or Low?

For the best slow cooker pulled pork, cook it on low.

Cooking on low gives the fat and connective tissue time to break down properly. You can cook it on high if you are short on time, but the pork is usually more tender when cooked slowly.

How Do You Make Pulled Pork Crackling?

If your pork shoulder has rind on it, you can turn the rind into crackling after the pork has cooked.

Remove the rind from the pork, salt it generously, then place it under a hot grill for a few minutes until it bubbles and crisps. Keep watching it, because crackling can go from perfect to burnt very quickly.

If the rind is not too hot, rubbing the salt in with your hands seems to help. I cannot promise the science behind it, but it does seem to make better crackling.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This version is made for proper roast pork-style sandwiches, but it is versatile.

Good serving ideas include:

• Fresh white bread rolls or cobs
• Gravy
• Apple sauce
• Sage and onion stuffing
• Crackling
• Roast potatoes
• Chips
• Coleslaw
• BBQ sauce
• Pickles

You can keep it British with stuffing, gravy and apple sauce, or go more BBQ-style with slaw and barbecue sauce.

For another sticky pork recipe, try our oven cooked pork burnt ends.

Can You Freeze Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?

Yes, slow cooker pulled pork freezes well.

Allow the pork to cool fully, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Defrost thoroughly in the fridge before reheating. Reheat gently with a little gravy, stock or sauce to stop it drying out.

Tips for Better Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

• If the pulled pork seems too wet, stir in a little more stuffing.
• If the pork does not shred easily, cook it for longer.
• Do not completely cover the pork with liquid; you only need enough in the bottom.
• Use pork shoulder rather than lean pork for the best texture.
• Save the rind and make crackling if your pork shoulder comes with skin on.

Final Thoughts

Slow cooker pulled pork is one of those recipes that proves simple food can be the best food. Pork shoulder, stock, seasoning, stuffing and time are all you really need.

Cook it low and slow until it shreds easily, stir in the stuffing, make the crackling if you have rind, and pile it into soft white rolls with gravy and apple sauce.

Dennis may not have actually invented pulled pork in Wolverhampton, but he will probably keep telling us he did.

You can also browse our full pork range for more roasting joints, pork belly, bacon, gammon and family favourites.

FAQs

What is the best cut for slow cooker pulled pork?

Pork shoulder is the best cut for slow cooker pulled pork because it contains enough fat and connective tissue to stay juicy and become tender during long cooking.

How long does pulled pork take in the slow cooker?

Pulled pork usually takes 6 to 8 hours in the slow cooker. It is ready when it pulls apart easily with two forks.

Can you put raw pork in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can put raw pork straight into the slow cooker. Browning first can add flavour, but it is not essential.

Does pulled pork need liquid in the slow cooker?

Yes, a little liquid helps stop the pork drying out and gives you a base for gravy. Around 500ml of stock is usually enough for a 1kg pork shoulder.

Why is my pulled pork tough?

If pulled pork is tough, it usually needs longer. Keep cooking until the pork shoulder becomes soft enough to shred easily.

Can you overcook pulled pork in a slow cooker?

Pork shoulder is forgiving, but it can eventually dry out if cooked for too long without enough liquid. Cook until tender, then keep warm or serve.

Can you freeze pulled pork?

Yes, pulled pork freezes well. Cool it fully, portion it, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat with a little gravy, stock or sauce.

Can you make pulled pork in the oven?

Yes. Place the pork in a covered casserole dish with stock and cook low and slow at around 140°C / 120°C fan / Gas Mark 1 until tender.