Looking for a hassle-free way to savor tender and flavorful pulled pork? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tenderloin recipe. With a blend of spices and a touch of sweetness, this dish promises effortless perfection.
Looking for more?
Try these great side dishes! Pork Saltimbocca, Old Fashioned Coleslaw, Creamy Dill Potato Salad, and Crispy Baked Potatoes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Elegance: This recipe brings gourmet flavors to your table with minimal effort. The slow cooker does the work, transforming pork tenderloin into tender, pull-apart goodness.
- Flavorful Fusion: The combination of tangy BBQ sauce, spices, and a hint of sweetness creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly complement the pork, ensuring every bite is a taste sensation.
- Versatile Delight: Whether served on buns, rolls, or over rice, this slow cooker pulled pork is a versatile centerpiece for gatherings or weeknight dinners, promising a crowd-pleasing dish every time.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in recipe card for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tenderloin.
- Vegetable Oil - Prevents sticking in the slow cooker. You can also use cooking spray for a non-stick base.
- BBQ Sauce - Infuses rich, smoky flavor and tanginess. You can opt for different BBQ sauce flavors to customize taste.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - Adds acidity and depth to the sauce. Substituting white vinegar can offer a similar tangy effect.
- Chicken Broth - Enhances moisture and savory undertones. Vegetable broth serves as an alternative for depth.
- Brown Sugar - Balances flavors with a touch of sweetness. Honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar.
- Prepared Mustard - Provides a zesty, tangy kick. Dijon mustard can be used for a milder flavor.
- Chili Powder - Imparts heat and complexity. Adjust spice level with paprika or cayenne pepper.
- Garlic Powder - Elevates the overall savory profile. Fresh minced garlic offers a potent alternative.
- Onion Powder - Adds depth and aromatic notes. Chopped fresh onions can be a substitute.
- Smoked Paprika - Infuses a smoky essence. Regular paprika combined with a touch of liquid smoke works well.
- Pork Tenderloin - The star protein for tender, shredded pork. Pork shoulder or butt can be used for a more succulent result.
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker - The essential appliance for long, low-temperature cooking.
- Medium Bowl - To mix and whisk the sauce ingredients.
- Whisk - For blending and smoothing out the sauce mixture.
- Cutting Board - To shred the cooked pork and cut it into smaller strips.
- Forks - For shredding the pork and manipulating it as needed.
- Measuring Spoons - To accurately portion out the various spices and seasonings.
- Cooking Utensils - For stirring and handling the ingredients.
- Cooking Spray or Brush - To apply oil or non-stick spray to the slow cooker.
- Knife - For trimming the pork and cutting it if necessary.
How to Make this Recipe
Full step-by-step instructions listed below in recipe card for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tenderloin.
To create this delicious Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tenderloin, start by preparing your equipment. Rub the interior of your slow cooker with a light coating of vegetable oil or use non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, prepared mustard, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk the mixture until well blended, creating a flavorful liquid base.
Place the pork tenderloin into the prepared slow cooker. Pour the liquid mixture evenly over the pork, ensuring it's fully coated. Now, it's time for the slow cooker to work its magic. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on the LOW setting. Let the pork cook for 5-6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork tenderloin from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. With the help of two forks, shred the pork into succulent strands. For an added burst of flavor, consider adding back one to two cups of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker to the shredded pork. This step enhances the juiciness and taste of the final dish.
Serve your Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tenderloin on buns, rolls, or even over a bed of rice. The result is a mouthwatering combination of tender meat and a well-balanced, smoky-sweet sauce. Enjoy this effortless and flavorful pulled pork recipe that's perfect for any occasion.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy twist.
- Asian Fusion: Replace BBQ sauce with a blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for an Asian-inspired pulled pork.
- Mango Tango: Incorporate mango puree or diced mangoes into the sauce for a fruity and tropical flavor dimension.
- Apple Infusion: Use apple juice or apple cider in place of some of the chicken broth to add a hint of apple sweetness.
- Smoky Chipotle: Introduce chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and slightly smoldering flavor profile.
- Coffee Twist: Enhance richness with brewed coffee or espresso in the sauce for a deep and earthy undertone.
- Maple Elegance: Swap brown sugar with maple syrup for a different level of sweetness and a touch of earthy flavor.
- Hawaiian Delight: Incorporate pineapple juice, pineapple chunks, and a touch of soy sauce for a tropical-inspired pulled pork.
- Cajun Inspiration: Mix Cajun spices into the sauce and serve the pulled pork with coleslaw and cornbread for a Southern flair.
- Herb Infused: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the sauce for an aromatic twist.
Wine Pairing
Zinfandel: A Zinfandel wine, especially one with a touch of spice and berry notes, can complement the BBQ sauce's sweetness and the smokiness of the pork. Its fruit-forward profile can enhance the overall dining experience.
Syrah/Shiraz: A Syrah/Shiraz wine offers a bold and peppery character that pairs well with the smoky and spicy elements of the pulled pork. Its dark fruit flavors can harmonize with the dish's richness.
Malbec: Malbec's dark fruit flavors and soft tannins can provide a smooth contrast to the tangy BBQ sauce. The wine's plummy notes can add depth to the meal.
Grenache: A Grenache wine with its red fruit flavors and hints of spice can match the pork's flavors and create a harmonious balance.
Merlot: A softer and fruit-forward Merlot can provide a gentle pairing, especially if you're looking for a wine with milder tannins that won't overpower the dish.
FAQ's
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for pork tenderloin, you can also use pork shoulder or pork butt for even more succulent and flavorful results. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness?
Yes, you can. If you prefer a milder or spicier dish, adjust the amount of chili powder and other spices to your taste. Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! Slow-cooked dishes like this often taste even better the next day. Prepare the pulled pork ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve. Keep any leftover liquid to add moisture when reheating.
What's the difference between pork shoulder and pork tenderloin?
Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is more marbled with fat, which makes it ideal for slow cooking as it becomes tender and juicy. Pork tenderloin is leaner, so it's important not to overcook it to prevent it from becoming dry.
Can I freeze leftover pulled pork?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover pulled pork. Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bags. When reheating, add a bit of liquid (such as reserved cooking liquid) to prevent it from drying out.
What sides go well with this pulled pork?
Coleslaw, cornbread, potato salad, baked beans, or even a simple green salad are all great options to serve alongside this pulled pork.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or even balsamic vinegar if you're looking to experiment with different flavors.
How do I prevent the pork from drying out?
Cooking on the low setting and using a flavorful liquid mixture helps prevent the pork from drying out. Also, be sure not to overcook the pork, as lean cuts like tenderloin can become dry if cooked for too long.
Can I use fresh garlic and onions instead of powders?
Absolutely! Fresh garlic and onions can add a more pronounced flavor. Use minced fresh garlic and finely chopped onions as substitutes.
What's the best way to shred the pork?
Use two forks to shred the cooked pork directly in the slow cooker or on a cutting board. The tender meat should easily pull apart into strands.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: While pork tenderloin is used in the recipe, consider using pork shoulder or pork butt for more succulent and flavorful results due to their higher fat content.
- Marination Option: For enhanced flavor, marinate the pork in the sauce mixture in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Low and Slow: Cooking on the low setting is key to achieving tender pulled pork. Avoid the temptation to cook on high, as it can result in tough meat.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Check the pork for tenderness around the 5-hour mark, especially if your slow cooker runs hot. Adjust cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
- Shred with Ease: Once cooked, the pork should effortlessly shred with two forks. If it's not shredding easily, it might need more time to cook.
- Save Cooking Liquid: If you like saucier pulled pork, reserve some of the cooking liquid to add back when shredding. It keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
- Customize Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors or even create your own homemade sauce for a unique twist.
- Rest Before Shredding: Let the pork rest for a few minutes after removing it from the slow cooker. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
- Toppings and Sides: Enhance your dish with toppings like pickles, coleslaw, or diced onions. Pair with sides that balance the meal, such as cornbread or roasted vegetables.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for a few days, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently with a bit of liquid to prevent dryness.
Looking for more recipes?
Try these great side dishes! Old Fashioned Coleslaw, Creamy Dill Potato Salad, and Crispy Baked Potatoes.
Did You Make this Recipe?
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Recipe Card
📋 Recipe
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tenderloin
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Ingredients
- 1 tsp. Vegetable Oil
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- ½ cup Chicken Broth
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbsp. Prepared Mustard
- 1 Tbsp. Chili Powder
- 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp. Onion Powder
- ½ tsp. Smoked Paprika
- 2.5-3 lb. Pork Tenderloin
Instructions
- Rub the inside of the slow cooker with vegetable oil. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, prepared mustard, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This mixture will be the flavorful liquid that cooks the pork and creates the sauce.
- Place the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the pork tenderloin, ensuring it's well-coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Cook on LOW heat setting for 5-6 hours. The pork should become tender and easily shred with a fork when it's done.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the pork tenderloin from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
- Use two forks to shred the pork tenderloin. If you prefer smaller pieces, you can also cut the shredded pork into smaller strips.
- Optional: If you'd like a saucier pulled pork, you can add back one to two cups of the liquid mixture from the slow cooker into the shredded pork. You can also stir in additional BBQ sauce according to your taste preference.
Notes
- Choose the Right Cut: While the recipe calls for pork tenderloin, using pork shoulder or pork butt can yield even more flavorful and tender results due to their higher fat content.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Slow cookers can vary in temperature, so monitor the pork's tenderness after about 5 hours; cooking times might need to be adjusted based on your specific appliance.
- Enhance Flavor Overnight: For even more depth of flavor, consider marinating the pork in the liquid mixture overnight in the refrigerator before placing it in the slow cooker.
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