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Delicious slow cooker apple cider pulled pork ready to serve with seasonal flavors

Apple Cider Pulled Pork

A cozy and easy slow cooker recipe for sweet and tangy pulled pork flavored with apple cider, perfect for busy weeks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 323
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3-4 pounds Pork shoulder (Boston butt) Best cut for pulled pork
  • 2 cups apple cider Not vinegar, just plain cider
  • 1 medium onion, sliced To flavor the juices
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup For thickness and sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Optional, for balance
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar Optional, if cider is not sweet
  • 1-2 teaspoons salt To taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • pinch chili flakes Optional for heat

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the onion and scatter it in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. Pat the pork dry with paper towels. Mix salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme, then rub it all over the pork.
  3. Put the pork on top of the onions. Add garlic, tomato paste, apple cider, and the optional vinegar and brown sugar.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 5 to 6 hours.
  2. When it’s done, shred the pork easily with a fork and stir it back into the cooking liquid.

Notes

Do not skip seasoning the meat. Keep the lid on to avoid adding cooking time. Shred while it's hot and taste before serving to adjust sweetness.