Dinner/ Recipes

saucy crock pot pulled pork

So, if I left you on a cliffhanger by yesterday’s post I’m sorry.

But the pork did go on!

What I left out from the story was that after I paid for my pork butt (and dug deep into my barbecue sauce laden purse), I immediately retreated to the Whole Foods bathroom where I dabbed my purse with toilet paper, took some deep yoga breathes and then scurried calmly to the sauce aisle where I picked up a jar of my second favorite barbecue sauce ever—Bone Suckin’ Sauce.

And then I paid for the second time, got into my car and sobbed.

Anyway! All that is besides the point now because I still managed to make the pulled pork and it was absolutely delicious (and dare I say perfect?) in every way.

If you liked my pulled chicken, you MUST try this pulled pork. It’s kinda ridiculous. The bad part is that you really do need a slow cooker to make it, but the good news is that I bought one yesterday at Target for only $20 and it works great!

And trust me, this pulled pork is worth that twenty dollars alone.

It couldn’t be easier to make, too. All you do is rub your pork shoulder with a mix of spices and then stick it in the crock pot with the barbecue sauce and an onion and you’re set!

The end result is tender, saucy pulled pork with a hint of spice. Sunday night we ate it with some homemade cornbread and then yesterday I made sandwiches with the leftovers for lunch.

You need this pork in your life. You really, really do.

Saucy Crock Pot Pulled Pork

adapted from The Southern Living Slow Cooker Cookbook

serves 6

Print this recipe!

2 lbs pork butt shoulder (ask your butcher if you don’t see it on the shelf)

1/2 bottle Lawry’s Baja Chipotle Marinade

1/2 bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce

1/2 onion, chopped

1 tsp salt

1 tsp ground mustard

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Rub the salt, ground mustard and cayenne all over the pork shoulder then brown the shoulder on all sides in a heavy pan on medium/high heat. This should take about 10 minutes.

Remove browned shoulder from the pan and place in a crock pot along with the chopped onion and sauces. Turn crock pot on high and cook for 6-8 hours. You’ll know the pork is ready when it falls apart when stabbed with a fork.

Remove the pork from the crock pot and shred with a fork then place back in the sauce and serve.

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  • Alex
    February 22, 2011 at 5:24 am

    That looks absolutely delicious!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    February 22, 2011 at 5:26 am

    This is such a simple recipe but it sounds so good! I’m not a big pork eater but I wonder if you could sub chicken in instead….. maybe I should check out your pulled chicken recipe too! 🙂

  • Samantha Ullrich
    February 22, 2011 at 5:27 am

    Bone Suckin’ Sauce is the best!! I get it all the time at the Bottle King down the street haha. And pulled pork is probably one of my favorite foods… if only there was a way to pair it with goat cheese……..

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing
    February 22, 2011 at 5:28 am

    There is something awesome about pulled pork, esp in a crock pot. I’ve always thought of the crock pot as “cheating” but there are a few recipes that truly turn out the best using one!

    • Tiffany
      February 22, 2011 at 6:09 am

      Cheating?? No way!! When you have kids and a crazy busy schedule, the crock pot is a warm, home cooked meal! It’s love in a slow cooked dish. Don’t feel bad using the crock pot 🙂

  • Jessica @ How Sweet
    February 22, 2011 at 5:29 am

    Absolutely adore pulled pork. It’s my favorite meat to eat… after bacon of course.

  • Elizabeth@The Sweet Life
    February 22, 2011 at 5:30 am

    I thought you were going to say that you cooked it in your purse! Looks so delicious. Wow.

  • Hannah (Culture Connoisseur)
    February 22, 2011 at 5:30 am

    As Anthony Bourdain would say, “this is some hard core food porn.”

    It is 8:28AM and I am totally diggin this for a breakfast meal. 🙂

  • megan @ blackberries for jam
    February 22, 2011 at 5:31 am

    I’ve never considered buying a slow cooker, but now I’m feeling the urge to race out and buy one.

  • Jillian @ Reshape Your Life
    February 22, 2011 at 5:32 am

    I’ve never tried to make pulled pork myself, in Texas there are some kick butt bbq joints so I haven’t had to make any… But this recipe is making me rethink that logic.

    Ps. Does anyone else see the irony in the fact that she cooked a pork shoulder while Adam is recovering from shoulder surgery?? It made me giggle… No just me? 😉

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat)
    February 22, 2011 at 5:34 am

    Ahhh Bone Suckin’ Sauce is the best! I went to school in NC so it was local aka everywhere. Hahaha I always tell myself to take yoga breaths…glad they helped. It’s just a purse…I mean just a bottle of sauce.

    PS love the new header!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite
    February 22, 2011 at 5:37 am

    We love pulled pork! Especially in the slow cooker. Have you ever made it with a can of root beer? Its delicious 🙂

  • Amanda (Eating Up)
    February 22, 2011 at 5:39 am

    I’m thisss close to buying a slow cooker. This may have put me over the edge.

  • Heather @ Heather's Dish
    February 22, 2011 at 5:46 am

    You’re right, I really do need this pork in my life! Makes it feel like summer 😉

  • Justeen @ Blissful Baking
    February 22, 2011 at 5:48 am

    I don’t even like pork, and this recipe sounds delicious to me!

  • Melomeals: Vegan for $3.33 a Day
    February 22, 2011 at 5:49 am

    I love crockpots!

  • Kristen @ Change of Pace
    February 22, 2011 at 5:50 am

    LOVE this idea!

  • laura
    February 22, 2011 at 5:53 am

    i like the new header. i feel like i can smell the california citrus. and that is a good thing in the snowy, grey chicago suburbs this morning!

  • Kath
    February 22, 2011 at 5:53 am

    I’m guessing these photos were taken in the afternoon instead of your usual morning because they are smokin’!

  • Megan
    February 22, 2011 at 5:54 am

    YUM! I love pulled pork! I’ll definitely have to give this recipe a try!

  • Christie {Nourishing Eats}
    February 22, 2011 at 6:02 am

    Yum! I haven’t made pulled pork in ages. Bone suckin’ sauce is also my favorite but I also have a sweet spot for Sweet Baby Rays – even with it’s HFCS.

    • Katie @ cooklaughmove
      February 22, 2011 at 12:49 pm

      I know…Sweet Baby Ray’s is my favorite…HFCS and all…

      • Jenna K
        February 22, 2011 at 3:58 pm

        completely agree.

  • Christie {Nourishing Eats}
    February 22, 2011 at 6:02 am

    Oh and p.s. I also love the new header!!

  • Jenny
    February 22, 2011 at 6:15 am

    Yum-looks splendid!

  • Marisa @ Loser for Life
    February 22, 2011 at 6:17 am

    Yum! I don’t usually have great luck with the crockpot, but this looks like something I can’t really mess up! LOL!

  • Sabrina @ Radioactive Runner
    February 22, 2011 at 6:20 am

    Oh, I’m sorry to hear what happened about the sauce and your purse…. what a bummer.
    This recipe does look awesome though… i may just have to surprise my husband with it.

  • Meredith @ An Epic Change
    February 22, 2011 at 6:21 am

    I adore pulled pork. Hands down my favorite food. You can also do this in a dutch oven if you don’t have a crockpot. It takes about 4 hours in the oven instead of 6-8, and that’s the way we’ve been doing it in Virginia forever (you know how Virginians are about our pigs!!)

  • megan @ whatmegansmaking
    February 22, 2011 at 6:41 am

    I absolutely love pulled pork! I just posted a buffalo chicken sandwich post that I think you would find very tempting as well!

  • mary (sisters running the kitchen)
    February 22, 2011 at 6:44 am

    jenna!! love the new header!!

  • Jessie
    February 22, 2011 at 6:45 am

    I love Bone Suckin sauce, definitely one of my faves!

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape
    February 22, 2011 at 7:02 am

    Yum!! Pulled pork was one of my favorite foods growing up. Whenever my mom asked what I wanted for dinner, I would beg her to make it! Your recipe looks fantastic, as always 😀

  • sonia
    February 22, 2011 at 7:04 am

    Very inviting dish and nice presentation and pictures… !

  • Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food
    February 22, 2011 at 7:06 am

    I just had a pulled pork sandwich last week and I was thinking that I had to make it! Can’t wait to try the recipe!

  • Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen
    February 22, 2011 at 7:12 am

    This looks absolutely incredible.

  • Natalia - a side of simple
    February 22, 2011 at 7:12 am

    “The girl can’t help it. It’s a Vlasic!” Perfect accompaniment 🙂
    Loving the header, Jenna!!

  • Doc (The Healthy PhD)
    February 22, 2011 at 7:21 am

    Looks great! I do this with a pressure cooker and it fills my house with bbq vapor! Might be my favorite way to treat a sinus headache 😉

  • kaila @ healthyhelper blog!
    February 22, 2011 at 7:23 am

    i like your new header! I don’t eat pork but I think I will have to try your pulled chicken it looks wonderful!

  • Stephanie @ Living and Loving
    February 22, 2011 at 7:25 am

    This is going on the list! I really wish I could come over and eat some for lunch though 😉 Delish!!!

  • Heather
    February 22, 2011 at 7:37 am

    Pulled pork is hubby’s first love…after me, of course! This will enter our crock pot VERY soon!

  • Krystina (Organically Me)
    February 22, 2011 at 7:39 am

    These pictures remind me of summer and make me very happy.

  • Angharad
    February 22, 2011 at 7:41 am

    Love that last picture with all the green in the background – so pretty! And argh, I suppose now I have to get a slow cooker. Where in the world will I find counter space for such a thing though, that is my question?!
    p.s. Love the new header…did you try it out with the macaroon photo too? Cos that would be pretty bad ass as well 🙂

  • Kelly
    February 22, 2011 at 8:14 am

    YUM! My favorite BBQ sauce is Stubbs…have you ever tried that one? Especially since Adam is from Texas.

  • katie
    February 22, 2011 at 8:17 am

    This looks amazing! My fiance loves pulled pork! I saw the mishap with the sauce in your purse post, ughhhhhhhhhh Im sorry that happend : p

    Your photos look extra amazing!

  • Michelle
    February 22, 2011 at 8:19 am

    Haha, crisis averted! And loving the new header.
    http://gold-heartedgirl.tumblr.com/

  • Moni'sMeals
    February 22, 2011 at 8:20 am

    wowzers!

  • Heather
    February 22, 2011 at 8:42 am

    I made this fabulous recipe the last time you posted it! Love love love. One of my boyfriend’s faves. Make it, people!

  • Brenna
    February 22, 2011 at 8:58 am

    YUMM! I never grew up eating pulled pork, but discovered it when I befriended a southerner! I have to make up for lost time! a la cuisine!

  • Kristen @ That Hoosier Girl
    February 22, 2011 at 9:26 am

    I can’t believe I have NEVER used my crock pot for pulled ANYTHING! I think that might just be a crime – especially with my Southern roots and living in the Midwest now. Must try this soon 🙂

  • Mary (what's cookin' with mary)
    February 22, 2011 at 9:26 am

    I am totally making this for our next backyard BBQ! What a great recipe. Is this one like your Mom’s…? I had saved that one a while back and haven’t gotten a chance to make it yet. It’ll be my first time making pulled pork 😀

    Bone Suckin’ Sauce is SO yummy. I need to run to WF’s and grab some.

  • cathyb.@brightbakes
    February 22, 2011 at 9:29 am

    Mostly I’m just glad that I caught this post before noon…and before I headed to the grocery store….hellloo supper!
    🙂
    love,
    cathy b.

  • Kim
    February 22, 2011 at 9:48 am

    That recipe looks awesome Jenna and so does your NEW website re-design!!!!!! Love it!!!!!!! 🙂

  • Kristen
    February 22, 2011 at 10:15 am

    Mmmm… Bone Suckin’ Sauce! I lived in eastern North Carolina for 8 years and would gladly start eating meat again if it meant an eastern style pulled pork sandwich cookied at a whole in the wall joint with hush puppies every day.

  • Laura @ prettylittlewords
    February 22, 2011 at 10:18 am

    Slow cooked pork is one of my favorite foods ever…

    Although I recently just tried pork belly…and, um…oh mah gawd. Have you ever cooked with that cut?

  • Katie @ Healthy Heddleston
    February 22, 2011 at 10:21 am

    Hey — Love the new header!

  • Sara
    February 22, 2011 at 10:31 am

    I’ve never had pork belly, the name for the cut of meat just freaks me out. But I might be tempted to go for it after this post. Looks delicious!

    P.S. Also, so so SO sorry to hear about your bbq and purse incident.
    P.S.S. I love the new header!!

  • kate
    February 22, 2011 at 10:39 am

    Were such pulled pork fans in this house. Love the stuff!

  • Heather @ Get Healthy with Heather
    February 22, 2011 at 11:22 am

    A crockpot makes a mean pulled pork! It always turns out so tasty and tender. Looks great Jenna!

  • Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit
    February 22, 2011 at 11:33 am

    Yummm I bet this tastes AMAZING. Pulled pork is such a Stampede type meal to me – you know, horses, bulls, cowboys…I love Alberta. I can’t wait for summer!!

  • Stephanie Rose
    February 22, 2011 at 11:39 am

    Pulled pork and cornbread? That’s like PB and J for me… so yummy. And I love the new banner! I screamed out loud when I saw it. Jeesh

  • Ida
    February 22, 2011 at 11:57 am

    I love the header!

  • Morgan
    February 22, 2011 at 12:02 pm

    I must say I think we’ve got some pretty awesome BBQ down here in Austin, but that looks awesome!

  • Amy @ What Jew Wanna Eat
    February 22, 2011 at 12:33 pm

    Pulled pork is my favorite food ever. And I already own a slow cooker. It is meant to be!

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
    February 22, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    Pork…well, I am a plant based girl and havent eaten pork in a couple decades and hubs is Jewish (he’d still probably like me to make that pork for him though..LOL) so not lots of pork in our house but your recipe looks wonderful!

    But what looks even more wonderful is your new header. I love it!! So crisp and clean. I really dig it, Jenna! I just went thru a massive blog makeover and self hosting/server migration stuff about a month ago and all i can say is all blog changes take far more time/energy than they should…so i know some major work went into your header and it looks awesome!
    🙂

  • Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf
    February 22, 2011 at 1:23 pm

    Mmm. I’ve been looking for an excuse to order some pork shoulder from my rancher/meat supplier.

    It’s on!

  • kathleen
    February 22, 2011 at 2:10 pm

    i had a similar experience with kombucha and at least a bbq’d purse smells better than a kombucha’d purse. your pulled pork looks lovely. i’ve only ever slowly cooked pork in the oven. i don’t want to invest in more food appliances when we’re probably moving for the 3rd time in a year soon.

  • Maria @ The Fitted Apron
    February 22, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    Thanks for the recipe, it looks very good. Perfect for a summer day!

  • JaNelle
    February 22, 2011 at 4:16 pm

    This is so getting made this weekend! Thanks! Nom nom nom

  • Lisa (Dishes of Mrs. Fish)
    February 22, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    Oh, I can’t wait to make this! 🙂

  • Heidi - Apples Under My Bed
    February 22, 2011 at 7:13 pm

    OMG it looks amazing!!! Pulled pork goodness.
    Heidi xo

  • Kim
    February 22, 2011 at 8:25 pm

    Bone Suckin’ sauce is my absolute fave. My mom always uses that for her BBQ. If you ever find yourselves in NYC in June, you and Adam should check out the Big Apple BBQ Festival. BBQers from all over the country pull up giant trailers and showdown. It’s amazing.

    LOVE the new header!

  • Jessica @ Healthy Dairyland
    February 22, 2011 at 9:09 pm

    I’m in the midst of a 30 day vegan challenge, and my last big meal before starting was pulled pork. It will also be my first meal when I’m done. Pulled pork is proof that God wants us to be happy.

  • elizabeth
    February 23, 2011 at 5:31 am

    What substitution would work if you can’t find the lawry’s marinade?

  • grill
    February 23, 2011 at 9:04 am

    I like your website and will recommend it to my friends.We invite you to visit our new website http://www.indoorgrillcooker.com specializing in small kitchen appliances. Include indoor grills, multi cookers,slow cookers,waffle and sandwich makers, rice cooker. Provides a wide variety of products, as well as information and pictures.

  • Stacey
    February 23, 2011 at 9:07 pm

    I picked up a pork roast today at the grocery store because they were on sale and instantly decided to make pulled pork. It’s marinading in the fridge to go into my slow cooker in the morning ?

  • Amelia
    February 24, 2011 at 8:56 am

    Jenna,

    I saw your previous post on the bbq sauce accident. If you want any bbq sauce from Charleston, I would be happy to send some your way!

  • Tiffany
    February 24, 2011 at 6:03 pm

    Made this tonight and the whole family loved it! Thanks for such a yummy, easy recipe!

  • Tara
    February 25, 2011 at 5:34 am

    I made this the other night for my boyfriend’s birthday dinner…….and I will now bow down to the goddess of “pulled meats” that is jenna. omg.

  • Danielle @ InDeesKitchen
    February 25, 2011 at 11:19 am

    I was vegetarian in another life, but I will be making this over the weekend.

  • Rachel Wilkerson
    February 27, 2011 at 11:42 am

    I made this yesterday and LOVED it! It’s so simple and the ingredient list is so short, but it was amazing. Definitely going to be a regular menu item in my kitchen.

  • barklie eliot
    February 27, 2011 at 12:31 pm

    By all means use a slow cooker if it works for you. However, setting the oven at 300° and cooking it for 4 to 5 hours will achieve the same results. Also, you can play with spices–try paprika, thyme, smoked paprika,oregano, etc. if you don’t add barbecue sauce to the entire mixture, you can put it in tacos,add it to rice and beans, or freeze the extra for later.

  • barklie eliot
    February 27, 2011 at 12:31 pm

    By all means use a slow cooker if it works for you. However, setting the oven at 300° and cooking it for 4 to 5 hours will achieve the same results. Also, you can play with spices–try paprika, thyme, smoked paprika,oregano, etc. if you don’t add barbecue sauce to the entire mixture, you can put it in tacos,add it to rice and beans, or freeze the extra for later.

  • Amber
    March 6, 2011 at 6:04 pm

    Question: if I might have to leave this in the cooker for 8-12 hours, would you recommend having it on low instead of high? Or would that alter it in some way? I usually work really long days and am worried I might get stuck at work for longer than the cooking time 🙂 Thank you!

  • April
    May 19, 2011 at 6:00 am

    If you want amazing pulled pork in about 1/4 of the time, use a pressure cooker! I recently discovered mine, and it’s amazing!

  • Katie P
    May 19, 2011 at 1:24 pm

    Hi Jenna, What if I don’t have a crock pot (my kitchen is tiny and I choose a Kitchenaid mixer over crock pot for my limited space)? Can I slow cook this in my oven on a low temp?

  • Stacy @ Modern Day Runner
    July 5, 2011 at 5:46 pm

    OMG! I need to make this like, asap!! Looks sooooooo delicious!!!

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  • Megan
    November 3, 2018 at 6:30 pm

    This has been my go to BBQ pulled pork recipe for years. I love it. Easy and delicious! Sure I could go gourmet and make my own sauce, but I want a crockpot recipe to be effortless and tasty and this is! Thank you!