Description
Pulled pork lovers will adore this slow cooker bbq pulled pork tenderloin that combines tender meat with tangy sauce. Succulent pork melts in your mouth, delivering classic barbecue comfort perfect for weekend gatherings and casual meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 to 2.5 lbs (907 to 1134 g) pork tenderloin
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) barbecue sauce
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp (12.5 g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- buns
- coleslaw
- rice
Instructions
- Preparation: Position the pork tenderloin centrally in the slow cooker ceramic insert, creating a foundation for flavor infusion.
- Marinade Creation: Whisk BBQ sauce, chicken broth, vinegar, brown sugar, and spice blend into a harmonious, glossy liquid that will transform the meat’s character.
- Liquid Coating: Pour the aromatic marinade over the tenderloin, ensuring complete coverage and allowing spices to permeate deeply into the meat’s fibers.
- Slow Cooking: Cover and set the slow cooker to low for a 6-hour gentle transformation or high for a 3-hour rapid tenderization process.
- Meat Breakdown: Test the pork’s readiness by effortlessly pulling it apart with two forks, confirming a silky, fall-apart texture that signals perfect doneness.
- Shredding and Finishing: Transfer the meat to a cutting board, systematically shred into delicate strands, then return to the cooking liquid, gently folding to coat each morsel with the rich, tangy sauce.
- Serving: Plate the pulled pork in versatile presentations – tucked into burger buns, wrapped in tortillas, scattered over rice, or paired with classic BBQ accompaniments.
Notes
- Choose Lean Pork Tenderloin: Select a trimmed, low-fat cut to reduce excess grease and ensure a healthier, more tender pulled pork result.
- Monitor Liquid Levels: Check slow cooker periodically to prevent meat from drying out, adding small amounts of broth if liquid reduces significantly.
- Customize Spice Blend: Experiment with different spice combinations like smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder to create personalized flavor profiles.
- Reduce Sugar for Diet Adaptations: Substitute brown sugar with sugar-free alternatives like stevia or monk fruit for low-carb or diabetic-friendly versions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg