Slow Cooker Mustard-Based Pulled Pork (Carolina Style)
Bring the flavors of the Carolinas to your kitchen with this Slow Cooker Mustard-Based Pulled Pork! This recipe is a tangy, savory, and slightly sweet twist on traditional pulled pork, featuring a mustard-based sauce that’s a hallmark of Carolina barbecue. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping, this dish is tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make thanks to your slow cooker.
Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, a game day party, or just craving some comfort food, this pulled pork recipe is a winner. The slow cooking process ensures the pork is fall-apart tender, while the mustard sauce adds a unique and irresistible flavor. Let’s dive in!
Why This Recipe Works
1. Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work for you! Simply season the pork, set it in the cooker, and let it simmer to perfection. No need to babysit the stove or oven.
2. Bold and Unique Flavor: The mustard-based sauce is a Carolina classic, offering a tangy, slightly sweet, and savory flavor profile that sets this pulled pork apart from the rest.
3. Versatile and Customizable: Serve it on buns, over rice, or even in tacos. You can also adjust the sauce’s sweetness or tanginess to suit your taste.
What’s In Slow Cooker Mustard-Based Pulled Pork?
This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a flavorful and tender pulled pork. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pork Shoulder: The star of the dish! Pork shoulder is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly tender and juicy.
- Yellow Mustard: The base of the sauce, providing tanginess and depth of flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to balance the richness of the pork.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to complement the tangy mustard.
- Spices: A blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for a smoky, savory kick.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the pork moist during cooking and enhances the sauce.
How To Make Slow Cooker Mustard-Based Pulled Pork
This recipe is as easy as it gets! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious pulled pork:
Step 1: Season the Pork
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
- Rub the entire surface with a mixture of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a bit of chicken broth.
- Set aside a small portion of the sauce for serving later.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Pork
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
- Pour the mustard sauce over the pork, making sure it’s well-coated.
- Add the remaining chicken broth to the slow cooker.
- Cover 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 Serve
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Mix the shredded pork with some of the cooking liquid to keep it moist.
- Serve with the reserved mustard sauce on the side.
Sides for Slow Cooker Mustard-Based Pulled Pork
Pair your pulled pork with these delicious sides:
- Coleslaw: A classic pairing that adds crunch and freshness.
- Cornbread: Sweet and buttery, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Baked Beans: A hearty and flavorful side dish.
- Pickles: Adds a tangy contrast to the rich pork.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Yes, you can use pork butt or even a boneless pork loin, but pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content, which keeps the meat tender during slow cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the mustard mixture for extra heat.
Other Recipes To Try
- Carolina-Style BBQ Chicken: A lighter alternative with the same tangy mustard sauce.
- Pulled Pork Sliders with Cola BBQ Sauce: Tender pulled pork simmered in a cola-based barbecue sauce, perfect for parties.
- Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa: A fun twist on traditional pulled pork.
- Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends: A rich and indulgent BBQ treat.
- Dr. Pepper Glazed Meatballs: Sweet and tangy meatballs made with a Dr. Pepper glaze—perfect for appetizers or main dishes.
- Mustard-Glazed Brussels Sprouts: A unique side dish that complements the flavors of the pulled pork.
If you like the look of this, try our 14 Must-Try Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipes
Slow Cooker Mustard-Based Pulled Pork (Carolina Style)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 lbs 1.8 kg pork shoulder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Season the Pork: Rub the pork shoulder with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and ½ cup chicken broth. Reserve ¼ cup of the sauce for serving.
- Slow Cook: Place the pork in the slow cooker. Pour the remaining sauce and chicken broth over it. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours.
- Shred and Serve: Shred the pork with two forks and mix with some cooking liquid. Serve with the reserved sauce.
Notes
- Make Ahead: The pork can be cooked a day in advance and reheated before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze shredded pork in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve on buns, over rice, or in tacos.
- Leftovers: Use leftovers for sandwiches, salads, or breakfast hash.
Nutrition
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Mustard-Based Pulled Pork! Let us know how it turned out in the comments below!