Looking for a hands-free meal that practically cooks itself while you work or play? This decadent maple-balsamic pulled pork is cooked low and slow for eight hours, resulting in bold flavor and fork-tender pork. Set it up in the morning, and you’ll come home to a comforting aroma and a ready-to-serve dinner.
Ingredients
- 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Your favorite barbecue sauce (optional)
Instructions
Warm a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. While the oil heats, pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Sear the pork on all sides for a few minutes each, just until nicely browned—this little step helps seal in flavor.
Transfer the pork to your slow cooker and carefully pour in the chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup. Sprinkle the smoked paprika and garlic powder evenly over the pork, then add any remaining salt and pepper. Put the lid on, set your slow cooker to low, and let everything simmer for 8 hours.
When the time is up, the pork should be incredibly tender. Use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker, mixing the meat with the cooking juices. If you like a tangier kick, drizzle in some barbecue sauce—or keep it classic and let those rich maple-balsamic flavors shine on their own.
Serve the pulled pork in soft buns with your favorite coleslaw or piled high on top of creamy mashed potatoes. You’ll love how effortlessly it comes together, all thanks to your trusty slow cooker.
This recipe makes great leftovers, too: tuck the pulled pork into tacos, nestle it into baked sweet potatoes, or fold it into quesadillas for quick weeknight meals.
In the mood for a savory sandwich or a hearty dinner no one can resist? This dish is for you. The ultra-tender pork suits anyone seeking a protein-packed, flavor-rich meal. If you’re watching your sugar intake, swap out the maple syrup for a drizzle of honey or a sugar-free alternative.
Use low-sodium broth if you prefer less salt. However you fix it up, you’ll have a satisfyingly sweet and tangy centerpiece for your next family meal or get-together. Just set it, forget it, and dig in when the slow cooker’s magic has worked its wonders.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
