Smoky Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Let’s talk about a mouthwatering slow cooker bbq pulled pork tenderloin that promises pure comfort on a plate.

This tender meat practically melts in your mouth with rich, smoky flavors.

Southern-style cooking meets convenience when you combine simple ingredients and minimal effort.

The magic happens while the slow cooker works its transformative charm throughout the day.

Juicy pork absorbs delectable seasonings, creating a meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Minimal prep means maximum satisfaction for anyone craving a hearty, no-fuss dinner.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when deliciousness matters most.

What Goes Best With Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin

• Craft a Classic BBQ Sandwich: Stack the pulled pork on soft hamburger buns, topped with crisp coleslaw for a zesty crunch that perfectly balances the rich, tender meat.
• Pair with Refreshing Beverage: Serve alongside an ice-cold craft beer or tangy hard cider to cut through the BBQ sauce's sweetness and complement the savory pork.
• Match with Zingy Side Dishes: Add creamy mac and cheese or butter-roasted corn on the cob to bring out the BBQ flavors and create a complete, satisfying meal.
• Create a Flavor Explosion with Pickles: Serve dill pickle spears or quick-pickled onions on the side to add a bright, acidic contrast that enhances the pulled pork's deep, smoky taste.

Recipe Twists For Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin

• Spicy Southwest Pulled Pork: Swap BBQ sauce with salsa, add cumin and chili powder for a Mexican-inspired flavor profile. Perfect for street-style tacos or burrito bowls.
• Honey Mustard Pulled Pork: Replace BBQ sauce with honey mustard, incorporate Dijon mustard and a touch of apple cider vinegar. Ideal for sandwiches or loaded baked potatoes.
• Apple Cider Pulled Pork: Use apple cider instead of chicken broth, add cinnamon and nutmeg for a subtle autumn-inspired taste. Excellent for fall-themed meals and gatherings.
• Caribbean Jerk Pulled Pork: Incorporate jerk seasoning, coconut milk, and a splash of rum. Creates a vibrant, tropical-inspired protein perfect for Caribbean rice dishes or island-style sliders.

Common Questions About Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin

• Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

Absolutely! While tenderloin works great, pork shoulder or pork butt are excellent alternatives that are more forgiving and often more budget-friendly. They have more fat, which helps keep the meat extra juicy during slow cooking.

• Is it okay to use homemade BBQ sauce instead of store-bought?

Yes! Homemade BBQ sauce can add a unique, personalized flavor to your pulled pork. Just ensure the consistency is similar to store-bought sauce so it creates the right amount of liquid in the slow cooker.

• How spicy will this pulled pork be with cayenne pepper?

The cayenne adds just a subtle kick. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a tiny pinch. For spice lovers, you can increase the amount to make it more fiery. The brown sugar helps balance any intense heat.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can mix the sauce ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply pour over the pork and start your slow cooker. Meal prep made easy and delicious!

Why Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Is A Crowd Favorite

• Effortless Cooking: Slow cooker method requires minimal preparation, allowing you to toss ingredients together and walk away while delicious flavors develop without constant monitoring.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Shredded pork can be transformed into multiple dishes like sandwiches, tacos, rice bowls, making it perfect for different meal preferences and reducing dinner-time stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Balanced BBQ sauce with sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes creates a mouthwatering dish that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table stays happy.
• Time-Saving Convenience: Long, slow cooking transforms tough meat into tender, succulent pulled pork with just 3-4 hours of hands-off cooking, ideal for busy weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients Needed For Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin

• Pork Tenderloin: A lean and tender cut perfect for slow cooking, creating a juicy and flavorful pulled pork dish.

• BBQ Sauce, Chicken Broth, Vinegar: Combination creates a tangy and rich base that tenderizes and flavors the meat.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide depth of flavor and classic BBQ seasoning profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste and balancing flavors.
• Cayenne Pepper (Optional): Adds a subtle heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

How To Make Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin

Step 1: Prepare Pork Tenderloin for Slow Cooking

Place the succulent pork tenderloin into your trusty slow cooker, ready to transform into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Step 2: Craft Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Tangy BBQ sauce
• Chicken broth
• Zesty vinegar
• Rich brown sugar
• Smoky paprika
• Aromatic garlic powder
• Savory onion powder
• Kosher salt
• Cracked black pepper
• Optional fiery cayenne pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they blend into a harmonious flavor explosion.

Step 3: Bathe the Pork in Sauce

Pour the magical sauce mixture over the pork, ensuring every inch gets coated with deliciousness.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: Cook for 6-7 hours
• High setting: Cook for 3-4 hours

The goal is tender pork that falls apart with minimal effort.

Step 5: Shred the Tender Meat

Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker. Using two forks, gently pull the meat apart into delectable shreds.

Step 6: Reunite Meat with Sauce

Return the shredded pork to the sauce, stirring to ensure every morsel is gloriously coated.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Get creative with serving! Pile onto soft buns, stuff into tacos, scatter over fluffy rice, or pair with classic BBQ sides. Let the feast begin!

Tips For Juicy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin

• Sauce Perfection: Balance the BBQ sauce's sweetness and tanginess by adjusting brown sugar and vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
• Tenderness Trick: Choose pork tenderloin for a leaner, more tender pulled pork that still delivers incredible flavor and juiciness.
• Spice Control: Customize heat levels by adding or reducing cayenne pepper, making the dish mild or spicy according to your family's tolerance.
• Meal Versatility: Transform leftovers into sandwiches, nachos, salads, or stuffed baked potatoes for multiple delicious meals throughout the week.
• Liquid Magic: Use chicken broth to keep the meat moist and enhance the overall depth of flavor during slow cooking.

How To Store Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin

• Seal leftover pulled pork in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days, ensuring the meat stays moist and flavorful.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for convenient future meals, keeping the pork delicious for up to 3 months.
• When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness, bringing back the juicy, tender texture of your original slow-cooked masterpiece.

Slow Cooker Bbq Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin delivers mouthwatering southern comfort straight to your dinner table. Tender meat marinates in rich, smoky sauce, promising a delicious meal that brings family and friends together with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 to 2.5 pounds (907 to 1134 grams) pork tenderloin
• ½ teaspoon salt

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) barbecue sauce
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (12.5 grams) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Serving Suggestions:

• Buns
• Coleslaw
• Rice

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Instructions

1. Unwrap the pork tenderloin and position it centrally in the slow cooker ceramic insert.
2. Craft a flavor-packed marinade by vigorously whisking together BBQ sauce, chicken broth, vinegar, brown sugar, and spice blend until thoroughly combined and glossy.
3. Carefully cascade the aromatic liquid mixture over the tenderloin, ensuring complete coverage and allowing spices to penetrate every crevice of the meat.
4. Secure the slow cooker lid and set temperature to low for a gentle, transformative 6-hour cooking process, or alternatively use high setting for a quicker 3-hour method.
5. Verify meat tenderness by attempting to pull apart with two forks; the pork should effortlessly separate and exhibit a silky, pull-apart texture.
6. Transfer tenderloin to a sturdy cutting board and utilize two parallel forks to methodically shred the meat into delicate, uniform strands.
7. Return shredded meat to the slow cooker, gently folding it through the remaining cooking liquid to ensure each morsel is luxuriously coated with rich, tangy sauce.
8. Present the pulled pork in versatile serving formats – nestled within soft burger buns, tucked into warm tortillas, scattered over fluffy rice, or accompanied by classic BBQ side dishes.

Notes

• Choose a lean pork tenderloin to keep the dish healthier and reduce excess fat while maintaining incredible flavor and tenderness.
• Experiment with different BBQ sauce varieties like smoky, spicy, or sweet to customize the flavor profile and match your taste preferences.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt content to control the overall sodium levels for a more diet-friendly meal.
• Prep the meat the night before by mixing the sauce and storing it in the refrigerator to enhance flavor penetration and save morning cooking time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg