Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most incredible slow cooker apple cider pulled pork you’ve ever tasted!
Did you know that the average American consumes about 51 pounds of pork annually? Well, after trying this recipe, you might just bump up that number!
This melt-in-your-mouth dish combines the sweetness of apple cider with savory pork, creating a flavor explosion that’ll have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Let’s dive into this easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe that’ll make you the talk of the town!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish:
- 4-5 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 2 cups apple cider (not apple juice!)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large apples, cored and quartered
Pro tip: For the best flavor, choose a high-quality, unfiltered apple cider. Brands like Martinelli’s or local orchard ciders work great!
Preparing Your Slow Cooker for Success
First things first, let’s get that slow cooker ready:
- Give your slow cooker a good clean (you don’t want last week’s chili flavoring your pork!).
- For this recipe, a 6-quart slow cooker is ideal. If you’ve got a bigger one, no worries – just keep an eye on the cooking time.
- To line or not to line? That’s up to you! A liner makes cleanup a breeze, but it’s not necessary for the recipe’s success.
- We’ll be using the LOW setting for this recipe. It’s all about that low and slow cooking, baby!
Creating the Perfect Apple Cider Marinade
Now, let’s whip up that flavor-packed marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings. Want it sweeter? Add more brown sugar. Spicier? Throw in some red pepper flakes!
- Pour the marinade over the pork in the slow cooker.
- For an extra apple kick, toss those quartered apples right in there!
Slow Cooking Techniques for Tender Pulled Pork
Time to let the magic happen:
- Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for 8-10 hours. Yes, it’s a long time, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Resist the urge to lift the lid and peek. Every time you do, you’re adding 20-30 minutes to the cooking time.
- Your pork is done when it easily shreds with a fork. If it’s not quite there after 8 hours, give it another hour or two.
- The internal temperature should reach 195°F (90°C) for that perfect, fall-apart texture.
Shredding and Serving Your Apple Cider Pulled Pork
We’re in the home stretch now:
- Once your pork is cooked to perfection, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Use two forks to shred the meat. It should practically fall apart on its own!
- Don’t toss that cooking liquid! Strain it and drizzle some over the shredded pork for extra flavor and moisture.
- Serve your pulled pork on brioche buns for a classic sandwich, or get creative with tacos, nachos, or even on top of a salad!
Mouthwatering Side Dish Pairings
Every great main dish deserves some stellar sides:
- Whip up a quick coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing.
- Roast some sweet potato wedges for a healthier alternative to fries.
- Sauté some green apples with onions for a sweet and savory topping.
- Don’t forget the pickles! The acidity cuts through the richness of the pork perfectly.
Health Benefits of Apple Cider Pulled Pork
Believe it or not, this indulgent dish has some health perks:
- Pork is an excellent source of protein, with about 26 grams per 3-ounce serving.
- Apple cider contains antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- The slow cooking method helps retain more nutrients compared to high-heat cooking.
- To make it even healthier, trim excess fat from the pork before cooking and serve with plenty of veggies.
There you have it, folks – the ultimate slow cooker apple cider pulled pork recipe that’ll knock your socks off!
With its irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe has got you covered.
So fire up that slow cooker, and get ready to impress everyone with your culinary skills.
Trust me, once you try this apple cider pulled pork, you’ll never go back to plain old BBQ again. What are you waiting for? Get cooking and let the compliments roll in!
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 4-5 lbs pork shoulder also known as pork butt
- 2 cups apple cider
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large apples cored and quartered
Instructions
- Clean your slow cooker and optionally line it with a slow cooker liner.
- In a bowl, whisk together the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the liquid mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
- Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Add the quartered apples to the slow cooker, arranging them around the pork.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW.
- Cook for 8-10 hours, or until the pork easily shreds with a fork.
- Once done, remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Using two forks, shred the pork.
- Strain the cooking liquid and drizzle some over the shredded pork for extra flavor and moisture.
- Serve on buns or as desired, with your choice of sides.