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Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe with Zesty Carolina Mustard Sauce

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A tender, juicy pulled pork slow-cooked to perfection and served with a bright, tangy Carolina mustard sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for BBQ fans looking for a flavorful, comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup yellow mustard
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using) in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend all over the pork and let it sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is optional but recommended.
  3. Pour chicken broth or water into the slow cooker. Place the pork shoulder inside, fat side up, and cover with the lid.
  4. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or until pork is fork-tender and shreds easily. Alternatively, cook on high for 4 to 5 hours.
  5. While the pork cooks, whisk together yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. When pork is done, transfer to a large bowl or platter. Use two forks or meat claws to shred the meat, discarding large chunks of fat.
  7. Pour half of the mustard sauce over the shredded pork and mix gently. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving on the side.

Notes

Searing the pork before slow cooking adds flavor and helps lock in juices but can be skipped if short on time. Keep some cooking liquid to add back if pork seems dry. Store pork and sauce separately in the fridge. Sauce can be made ahead and kept for up to a week. For gluten-free, verify Worcestershire sauce or substitute with tamari. For dairy-free, this recipe is naturally suitable. Variations include adding chipotle powder for smoky heat or substituting brown sugar with honey or maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, Carolina mustard sauce, BBQ, easy recipe, tender pork, slow cooked pork, mustard BBQ sauce

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/tender-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-recipe-with-zesty-carolina-mustard-sauce-easy-and-perfect-for-bbq-fans/