Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe Easy Slow Cooker with Crispy Edges
This Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork is slow-cooked to tender perfection, then crisped under the broiler for irresistible edges and tossed in a tangy, vinegar-based sauce. It’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours (slow cooker) or 5-6 hours (high)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Ingredients
- 4–5 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt), bone-in preferred
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1½ tsp garlic powder
- 1½ tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar (for slow cooker)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar (for sauce)
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (for sauce)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1½ tsp hot sauce
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
- Brioche buns or soft sandwich rolls (optional, for serving)
- Pickles (optional, for serving)
- Extra BBQ sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and cayenne in a small bowl. Rub the mixture all over the pork.
- Place the seasoned pork into your slow cooker. Pour in ½ cup apple cider vinegar around the sides. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or high for 5-6 hours, until fork-tender.
- While the pork cooks, whisk together 1 cup apple cider vinegar, ⅓ cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 1½ tsp hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust to taste and set aside.
- Transfer cooked pork to a cutting board. Skim excess fat from cooking juices. Shred pork using two forks.
- Spread shredded pork in a thin layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle ½ cup of the sauce over the meat. Broil on high for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until edges are crispy and golden.
- Transfer crispy pork back to the slow cooker or a serving dish. Toss with more sauce if desired. Serve hot on buns, topped with coleslaw and pickles, or with your favorite sides.
Notes
For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and buns. Trim excess fat for a leaner dish, but some marbling keeps the pork tender. Watch closely when broiling to avoid burning. The sauce can be adjusted for sweetness, tang, or heat. Pork shoulder is best, but chicken thighs can be substituted. Leftovers are great for sandwiches or nachos.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (about 15
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 950
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: Carolina BBQ, pulled pork, slow cooker, crispy edges, vinegar sauce, comfort food, easy BBQ, family dinner, potluck, Southern recipe