Slow cooking a pork shoulder is more straightforward than you might think.
While we recommend cooking pork shoulder on the smoker for maximum flavour, pork shoulder in the slow cooker is incredibly tasty too. Especially with the right spices and correct liquids added.
Not to mention convenient. You can leave the pork all day in the slow cooker until you come home from work at dinner time.
We like to use the affordable and effective Crock-Pot Slow Cooker Removable Easy-Clean Ceramic Bowl, but you can use whatever slow cooker you prefer.
Slow Cooking a Pork Shoulder Step 1 – Remove Excess Fat
Depending on the pork shoulder you buy, you may need to remove any excess fat.
We always recommend you get your pork shoulder from a local butcher, especially because you can get your butcher to remove any unwanted fat, and ensure the animal had a good life where it was fairly free to roam organically.
If you haven’t got your butcher to remove the fat you will need to do it yourself with a sharp pair of kitchen scissors.
Slow Cooking Pork Butt Step 2 – Add the Dry Rub
We want to liberally cover our pork shoulder all over with a tasty, flavoursome dry rub.
Mix these ingredients together in a bowl and then dust your pork shoulder with them using a spoon. Try to make sure you cover the edges, the top and the bottom of your meat.
Dry Rub For Slow Cooking Pork Shoulder
- 1/2 Teaspoon of Chilli Powder
- 1 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder
- 2 Tablespoons of Smoked Paprika
- 3 Tablespoons of Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon of Salt
- 2 Teaspoons of Black Pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon of Onion Powder
Slow Cook Pork Shoulder Step 3 – Sear the Pork Butt
In order to make sure we get an even cook we need to sear the pork shoulder in the pan before putting it in the slow cooker.
This also helps to seal the flavour into the outside of your meat, and keep the moisture in the middle of the meat.
Slow Cooking a Pork Shoulder Step 4 – Cook in the Slow Cooker for Around 6-8 Hours
Put your pork shoulder in the slow smoker along with a little chicken stock and a small glass of white wine or apple cider.
Leave your pork shoulder in the slow cooker for around 6-8 hours, until you can pull the meat apart with a fork.
Serve in brioche buns with coleslaw and your favourite BBQ sauce for best results.
Great with mashed potato, fries or served on top of a baked potato or mac and cheese.
Slow Cooking a Pork Shoulder in 4 Easy Steps
How to Slow Cook Pork Shoulder for Pulled Pork
- Slow Cooker
- 1/2 tsp Chilli Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 3 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Coarse Salt
- 2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 8-10 pound Pork Shoulder (Pork Butt)
- 1 small glass white wine or apple cider
Slow Cooking a Pork Shoulder Step 1 – Remove Excess Fat
Slow Cooking Pork Butt Step 2 – Make and Add the Dry Rub
Slow Cook Pork Shoulder Step 3 – Sear the Pork Butt
Slow Cooking a Pork Shoulder Step 4 – Cook in the Slow Cooker for Around 6-8 Hours Until Internal Temp of 195-205°F
If you liked this article try this recipe blogpost on ‘Pulled Pork in Smoker Recipe.’
Or this one on ‘Smoked Pork Shoulder Done Temperature.’
For another great article on Slow Cooking a Pork Shoulder try here:
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/slow-cooker-pork-shoulder
