Perfect Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker

Name: Perfect Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tbsp dry mustard (substitute prepared mustard if you need to); 1 tbsp garlic salt; ½ tbsp cumin; 1 2-3 pound boneless pork loin roast; 1/2 cup chicken broth

posted by Michelle Goth on Mar 10, 2015 (updated Apr 14, 2020)

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In Kansas City, pulled pork sandwiches are a mainstay on restaurant menus. I can honestly say that I never had good pulled pork until I moved here after college. Growing up, pulled pork was typically overcooked mush drowned in barbecue sauce. Kinda like the mystery meat they served for school lunch. Something to be avoided.

Rest assured that this recipe will yield you savory, perfectly cooked pork. Slap a simple 5-spice rub on the pork loin, and let the slow cooker do the rest. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky and is perfect for sandwiches, to top salads, or even to use in your favorite Mexican dishes!

Pulled pork cooked in the slow cooker using five spices

I also feel compelled to mention how affordable this dish can be. I typically buy one of those enormous boneless pork loins (8-9 lbs), and then divide it three ways. One part goes into the slow cooker, the other two pieces are frozen for another day. My store occasionally runs a $1.79/lb special on these giant slabs of pork.

For my little family of 3, cooking a pork loin like this can yield three dinners! We typically use it in enchiladas, tacos, on barbecue sandwiches and just by itself.

Perfect, tender, easy pulled pork!