Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bowls Recipe

This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bowls Recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The tender, flavorful pulled pork combined with a fresh slaw and your favorite BBQ sauce creates a delicious meal that’s easy to prepare. Enjoy the convenience of the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over hours, making it a go-to comfort food all year round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy your day.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of BBQ sauce and spices makes each bite bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Meal: Customize your bowls with different toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or extra slaw.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick meals during the week.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty dish that brings everyone together.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delicious bowls, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 6- or 8-quart slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Mixing bowl
• Serving bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: This tool allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring tender meat without constant supervision.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife helps in efficiently slicing vegetables and trimming meat, making prep quicker and easier.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients for the slaw, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

Ingredients

For the Pulled Pork

• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 heaping cup)
• 2 ½ – 3 lb. boneless pork shoulder or Boston butt, patted dry
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups (12 ounces) BBQ sauce of choice
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• Fine salt and black pepper to taste

For the Slaw

• 1 (10-12-ounce) bag coleslaw mix (about 4 cups)
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced (reserve 2 tablespoons green parts for garnish)
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (1 large lime)
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon fine salt, or to taste
• Pinch of chipotle powder or cayenne pepper (optional)

For Serving

• 6 cups cooked rice (from 2 cups uncooked)
• Reserved sliced green onions
• Pickles or jalapeño slices
• Additional BBQ sauce for drizzling

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place the sliced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful base for your pulled pork.

Step 2: Add the Pork Shoulder

Remove any netting from the pork shoulder roast if necessary. Place it on top of the onions.

Step 3: Season and Sauce It Up

Sprinkle minced garlic over the pork. Pour BBQ sauce over it, followed by apple cider vinegar around the meat so it mixes well with the onions below.

Step 4: Slow Cook Your Meat

Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker to LOW for about 8–10 hours.

Step 5: Shred and Season

Once cooked, use two forks to shred the pork directly in the slow cooker. Mix it with its juices and season with salt and pepper to taste. If serving immediately, keep it warm for up to 2 hours.

Step 6: Make Your Slaw

While waiting on your pork, combine coleslaw mix, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, cumin, salt, and optional chipotle powder in a medium bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 7: Assemble Your Bowls

In each serving bowl, add about ½ to ¾ cup of cooked rice followed by ⅓ to ½ cup of slaw and then top with shredded pork. Drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top.

Step 8: Garnish & Enjoy!

Finish off with pickles or jalapeño slices and reserved sliced green onions before serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy a delightful meal featuring this fantastic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bowls Recipe!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bowls Recipe

Serving Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bowls is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some delightful suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Fresh Toppings

• Pickles: Add a tangy crunch to your bowl.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, jalapeños bring heat to the dish.
• Chopped Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro brightens the flavor profile.

Additional Sauces

• Extra BBQ Sauce: Drizzle more BBQ sauce on top for a sweet and smoky taste.
• Sriracha or Hot Sauce: Spice things up with your favorite hot sauce for an extra zing.

Serving Suggestions

• Cornbread: Serve alongside cornbread for a classic Southern pairing.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips can be served on the side for dipping into the pulled pork.

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How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bowls Recipe

To ensure your Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bowls turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Meat: Start with a good quality pork shoulder or Boston butt for tender results.
• Don’t Skip the Marinade: Allow the pork to marinate in BBQ sauce for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
• Check the Temperature: Ensure the internal temperature of the pork reaches at least 190°F for optimal shredding.
• Let it Rest: After cooking, let the pork rest before shredding to retain its juices.
• Customize Your Slaw: Feel free to add other ingredients like apples or nuts to your slaw for added texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bowls Recipe

Pairing sides with your Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bowls can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Coleslaw: A classic crunchy complement that adds freshness.
2. Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans pair perfectly with pulled pork.
3. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese offers comfort and richness alongside your bowls.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a touch of sweetness; grill it for extra flavor.
5. Potato Salad: A cool, creamy potato salad balances the warm pork nicely.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies offer color and nutrients to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bowls Recipe, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Overcooking the pork: Cooking for too long can dry out the pork. Stick to 8-10 hours on LOW for best results.
• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the pork can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper after shredding.
• Neglecting the slaw: The slaw is crucial for balance. Don’t skip it; it adds freshness and crunch that complements the richness of the pork.
• Using low-quality BBQ sauce: A poor sauce can ruin the dish. Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce that you enjoy for maximum flavor.
• Not letting it rest: Shredding immediately can lead to loss of juices. Allow the pork to rest briefly before shredding for juicier meat.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pulled pork, rice, and slaw in separate airtight containers.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days (pork and rice) or 2 days (slaw).

Freezing Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bowls Recipe

• Freeze shredded pork in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze rice separately, as it can become mushy when thawed.

Reheating Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bowls Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pork in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use microwave-safe containers. Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.
• Stovetop: On medium heat, warm pulled pork in a skillet with a splash of water or BBQ sauce, stirring until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about making this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bowls Recipe, here are some answers:

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes! You can use other cuts like pork loin or chicken thighs, but cooking times may vary.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spiciness depends on your choice of BBQ sauce and optional chipotle powder. Adjust these elements according to your taste.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything up to assembly a day ahead. Just reheat before serving.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bowls?

These bowls pair well with cornbread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bowls Recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering delicious flavors and plenty of customization options. Feel free to adapt the slaw ingredients or switch up your favorite BBQ sauce. It’s a meal that everyone will love!