With just 5 ingredients, 5 minutes of prep, and no pre-browning, you can make the most epic, tender, juicy melt-in-your-mouth slow cooker pulled pork perfect for sliders, sandwiches, and more.

To make 5 Ingredient Pulled Pork in your Slow Cooker or Crockpot, simply place the pork, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and BBQ sauce into your slow cooker, set it to low, and cook it for 6-7 hours. It’s that easy—no need to check or stir.

Who knew making restaurant-quality pulled pork could be this easy? Leave a comment below if you give it a go, or just to say hi! You’ve gotta try this, it’s a no-brainer!

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5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Ingredients

• 2 lbs (908g) pork tenderloin, silver skin removed
• 2 tsp (10ml) smoked paprika
• 2 tsp (10ml) granulated garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5ml) kosher salt
• ⅓ cup (80ml) BBQ sauce, plus more to taste

How To Make 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Position the tenderloins side by side, alternating the thicker and thinner ends for even cooking.
2. Season the Pork: Evenly sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt over all sides of the pork. Drizzle with ⅓ cup of BBQ sauce, ensuring it’s evenly spread over the pork.
3. Cook the Pork: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-7 hours. The pork should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
4. Shred the Pork: Once cooked, transfer the pork to a cutting board. Shred the meat using two forks or dice it into small pieces. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker.
5. Final Seasoning: Mix the shredded pork with the accumulated juices in the slow cooker. Taste and add more BBQ sauce if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Can I use a different cut of pork for the recipe?

Absolutely! While pork tenderloin is lean and cooks quickly, you can use shoulder or butt for a fattier option that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

Recipe Tips

• Optimal Cooking Time: To achieve the most tender and flavorful pork, try cooking on low heat for the full 7 hours; it really lets the flavors meld beautifully together.
• Shredding Made Easy: Don’t hesitate to use those hand mixers for shredding your pork; it’s surprisingly effective and saves your wrists from a workout!
• Sauce Selection: Go wild with your BBQ sauce choices; trying different flavors can dramatically change the dish’s profile—from smoky to sweet or even spicy.
• Vegetable Addition: Feel free to toss in some onions or apples for added flavor; they cook down and add a lovely, subtle sweetness to your pulled pork.

Recipe Variations

• Spice Things Up: Add a kick with chili flakes or cayenne pepper sprinkled in with your seasoning; it’s a simple way to spice things up if you’re into that heat.
• Low Carb Option: Replace the BBQ sauce with a mix of smoked paprika, mustard, and apple cider vinegar for a lower-carb alternative that still packs a lot of flavors.
• Pulled Pork Tacos: Swap out the traditional sandwich setup for tacos; serve your pulled pork in corn tortillas topped with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
• Pulled Pork Asian Twist: Add a bit of hoisin sauce and five-spice powder for an Asian twist; it pairs wonderfully with steamed buns or over a bowl of fluffy rice.

What To Serve With Pulled Pork

Serve your 5 Ingredient Pulled Pork with a refreshing cucumber salad, savory garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus with lemon zest, a creamy baked macaroni and cheese, and a vibrant quinoa salad.

You can also pair it with caramelized Brussels sprouts or a hearty wild rice pilaf for a delightful taste.

How To Store Leftover Pulled Pork

In The Fridge:

Pack the leftover pulled pork in airtight containers or seal it tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking to maintain its safety and freshness.

In The Freezer:

Freezing is not recommended for this dish as it can significantly alter the texture of the pork, making it less enjoyable when reheated. The sauce and meat can separate and become grainy or overly dry after thawing.

How To Reheat Leftover Pulled Pork

Reheat your leftover Pulled Pork by placing it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power in a covered dish, stirring periodically to ensure even heating.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Pork and Cider Casserole
• Slow Cooked Pickled Pork
• Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Pork