Slow Cooker Buffalo Pulled Pork: Spicy, Tangy, and Effortless
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and easy meals, this Slow Cooker Buffalo Pulled Pork is about to become your new favorite! Inspired by the classic buffalo wing sauce, this dish combines tender, slow-cooked pork with a spicy, tangy sauce that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even salads. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving something delicious, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort.
Originating from the beloved flavors of Buffalo, New York, this dish takes the iconic buffalo sauce and pairs it with succulent pulled pork. The result? A mouthwatering combination of heat, tang, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work for you. Simply toss in the ingredients, let it cook, and come back to a flavorful, tender meal.
2. Customizable Heat: Love it spicy? Add extra hot sauce. Prefer it mild? Adjust the amount to suit your taste. This recipe is versatile and adaptable.
3. Perfect for Crowds: This pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, or family dinners. Serve it with buns, slaw, and extra sauce for a DIY sandwich bar.
What’s In Slow Cooker Buffalo Pulled Pork?
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and bold flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pork Shoulder: A well-marbled cut that becomes tender and juicy when slow-cooked.
- Buffalo Sauce: The star of the dish, providing a spicy, tangy kick.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the pork moist and adds depth to the sauce.
- Garlic and Onion: Enhance the savory base of the dish.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps mellow the heat of the buffalo sauce.
How To Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Pulled Pork
This recipe is as easy as it gets. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this flavorful dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
- Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and season it generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the pork in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Base
- In a bowl, mix together buffalo sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, diced onion, and apple cider vinegar.
- Pour the mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
Step 4: Shred and Sauce
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Strain the cooking liquid and skim off any excess fat. Mix the liquid with additional buffalo sauce and melted butter.
- Toss the shredded pork in the sauce until well-coated.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the pulled pork on buns, in tacos, or over a salad. Garnish with blue cheese crumbles, celery sticks, or ranch dressing for extra flavor.
Sides for Slow Cooker Buffalo Pulled Pork
Pair your buffalo pulled pork with these delicious sides:
- Classic Coleslaw: A cool, crunchy contrast to the spicy pork.
- Garlic Parmesan Fries: Crispy fries with a cheesy twist.
- Cornbread: Sweet and savory, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Celery and Carrot Sticks: A fresh, healthy option to balance the richness.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The pulled pork can be made a day in advance and reheated in the sauce before serving. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
What If I Don’t Have a Slow Cooker?
You can make this in an Instant Pot or Dutch oven. For the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 90 minutes. For the Dutch oven, cook at 300°F (150°C) for 4-5 hours.
How Spicy Is This Dish?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you use. For a milder version, opt for a mild sauce or reduce the amount. For extra heat, add more sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Other Recipes To Try
- Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: A vegetarian twist on buffalo wings, perfect for snacking.
- Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa: Sweet and spicy pulled pork tacos with a tropical twist.
- Buffalo Chicken Dip: A creamy, cheesy dip that’s perfect for parties.
- Korean BBQ Pulled Pork: A fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
If you like the look of this, try our 14 Must-Try Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipes
Slow Cooker Buffalo Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 3 lbs 1.4 kg pork shoulder
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper. Place it in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix buffalo sauce, chicken broth, garlic, onion, and apple cider vinegar. Pour over the pork.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until the pork is tender.
- Remove the pork and shred it with two forks. Strain the cooking liquid and mix it with melted butter and extra buffalo sauce.
- Toss the shredded pork in the sauce until well-coated. Serve on buns, tacos, or salads.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your taste.
- Make Ahead: The pork can be cooked and shredded a day in advance.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Serving Ideas: Serve with coleslaw, fries, or celery sticks.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: Use an Instant Pot or Dutch oven if you don’t have a slow cooker.
Nutrition
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Buffalo Pulled Pork! Let us know how it turned out in the comments below!