This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is not only tender, but juicy and full of flavor. Since this pulled pork has been simmering all day in apple cider and BBQ juice, you just know that it is going to be good.
Heat a large sized non-stick pan to medium heat. Once the pan is heated, add in the olive oil and sauté the onions until they are golden brown, stirring them regularly so they don’t burn.
While the onions are cooking, whisk the apple cider and the BBQ sauce together in the slow cooker. Turn it to low or program it for low, 8 hours.
When the onions are done, remove them and set to the side in a small bowl.
Place the skillet back on the burner and turn the heat up to medium high. Place the pork shoulder into the skillet and sear (brown) the pork shoulder on all sides. Searing the pork helps to keep the juices inside of thepork.
Once the pork has been seared, carefully set it into the slow cooker and in the liquids.
Lay the cut apples, carrots, and sautéed onions on top of the meat.
Place the cover on and cook for 6 to 8 hours until the pork is fall apart tender.
Pull the pork apart in the slow cooker using two forks. You will also want to remove any large fat pieces.
The carrots and apples should easily break down and mix nicely into everything.
We turned this into sandwiches and enjoyed a bit of purple cabbage on top of the sandwich. This is optional though.
Notes
The goal of the apples and carrots is to add more flavor and healthy goodness. The apple will easily fall apart after cooking that long. Thinly slicing the carrots will allow them to do the same if they are in the slow cooker all day too.