Slow-Cooker Honey Garlic Pulled Pork
Description
Slow-Cooker Honey Garlic Pulled Pork is tender, juicy, and packed with sweet and savory flavor. Pork shoulder slowly cooks in a delicious honey garlic sauce made with soy sauce, fresh garlic, brown sugar, and a touch of apple cider vinegar. After hours in the slow cooker, the pork becomes so tender that it easily shreds with a fork, soaking up every bit of the rich sauce.
This easy crockpot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, weekend gatherings, and meal prep. Serve it on toasted buns, over fluffy rice, or alongside mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a comforting homemade meal.
📝 Ingredients
– 3–4 pounds boneless pork shoulder or pork butt
– ½ cup honey
– ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
– ¼ cup chicken broth
– ¼ cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons cold water
– 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
– 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the pork
Trim away any excessive surface fat from the pork shoulder while leaving some fat for moisture and flavor. Cut the pork into two or three large pieces if needed to help it fit comfortably in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Make the honey garlic sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, ground ginger, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Add everything to the slow cooker
Place the pork in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic sauce over it. Turn the pieces to coat them evenly. Cover with the lid.
Step 4: Slow-cook until tender
Cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Cooking time varies depending on the size of the pork pieces and the slow cooker.
Step 5: Shred the pork
Transfer the cooked pork to a large plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized strands, discarding any large pieces of fat.
Step 6: Thicken the sauce
Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan, if desired, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then slowly whisk it into the simmering liquid. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Alternatively, remove excess liquid from the slow cooker, stir in the cornstarch slurry, and cook on HIGH with the lid slightly ajar until the sauce thickens.
Step 7: Combine and serve
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss it thoroughly with the honey garlic sauce. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes so the meat absorbs the flavors.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm on burger buns, over rice, or with your favorite vegetables.
⏱️ Recipe Details
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 8–9 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH
– Total Time: Approximately 8 hours 15 minutes on LOW
– Servings: 6–8
– Course: Main Course
– Cuisine: American-inspired, Asian-inspired flavors
– Cooking Method: Slow cooker
– Difficulty: Easy
💡 Tips for the Best Pulled Pork
– Choose pork shoulder: Pork butt or shoulder contains enough fat and connective tissue to become tender during slow cooking.
– Avoid adding too much liquid: The pork releases moisture as it cooks, so the sauce does not need to cover the meat completely.
– Adjust the sweetness: Reduce the honey or brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
– Add heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a little sriracha gives the sauce a spicy kick.
– Make it ahead: Cook and shred the pork in advance, then refrigerate it with the sauce for easy reheating.
– Get crispy edges: Spread some shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil briefly until the edges caramelize. Watch closely to prevent burning.
– Store safely: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours and use within 3–4 days.
❓ Questions & Answers
Q1: What cut of pork is best for this recipe?
Pork shoulder or pork butt is best because its marbling and connective tissue help create tender, juicy pulled pork.
Q2: Can I cook this recipe on HIGH instead of LOW?
Yes. Cook for approximately 4–5 hours on HIGH, checking that the pork is tender enough to shred easily. LOW generally provides more even, gradual cooking.
Q3: Do I need to brown the pork first?
No. Browning is optional. Searing the pork before slow cooking can add extra flavor, but the recipe works well without this step.
Q4: Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?
Yes. Use a suitable soy-free alternative, such as coconut aminos, and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Q5: How should I serve honey garlic pulled pork?
Serve it on toasted sandwich buns, in tacos, over steamed rice, or alongside mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.
Q6: Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes. Cool the pork, portion it into freezer-safe containers with some sauce, and freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.
Q7: Is this recipe spicy?
No. The basic recipe is sweet and savory rather than spicy. Add chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer some heat.
🍽️ Short Description
Tender, slow-cooked pulled pork coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce! This easy crockpot dinner is sweet, savory, family-friendly, and perfect for sandwiches, rice bowls, or meal prep.