Some days, I want to cook. Other days, I want the illusion of cooking while doing absolutely nothing. That’s when this Hairy Bikers pulled pork comes into play. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell like a low-and-slow barbecue joint… while you binge-watch telly in your pyjamas and only get up to check on the cat.
I made this on a rainy Saturday once, completely winging it with some leftover rolls, half a bottle of cider vinegar, and an onion that had seen better days. Six hours later, we had sticky, juicy pulled pork piled high on soft buns, slathered in sauce, and barely made it to the table before we were devouring it straight from the forks. No regrets. Just napkins.
Why You’ll Love It
- You toss it in the slow cooker and walk away — actual magic.
- The smell alone is worth it — smoky, tangy, sweet… mouthwatering.
- Melts apart with a fork, no elbow grease needed.
- Brilliant for feeding a bunch of hungry people without stress.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully (and taste even better the next day).
- So versatile: sliders, tacos, wraps, straight from the spoon — go wild.
Ingredients
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 pork shoulder (3–4 lbs), trimmed of excess fat
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Buns, for serving
- Coleslaw, for serving
How to Make It
Whip up the saucy base:
In the bottom of your slow cooker, stir together the onion, ketchup, tomato paste, vinegar, and all the spices. It’ll look gloopy now — trust the process.
Nestle in the pork:
Place the pork shoulder on top of the sauce. Spoon some of that mixture over it to coat. Give it a nice rub of salt and pepper, too.
Choose your setting and walk away:
Pop the lid on. Cook on HIGH for 5–6 hours or LOW for 8–10. Either way, don’t peek too often — let the magic happen.
Shred and stir:
Once it’s fall-apart tender, lift the pork out onto a chopping board. Use two forks to tear it into chunks or strings — whatever you like. Toss it back into the cooker and stir it through the juices.
Serve it up:
Spoon that saucy pork onto warm buns, top with a heap of coleslaw (don’t skip the slaw), and maybe add pickles if you’re feeling fancy.
Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
Why is my pork dry?
It might’ve been cooked too long on high heat or trimmed too lean. Keep some fat on and cook it low and slow for best results.
The sauce is too thin — what now?
You can reduce it in a pan for a few minutes or add a quick cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornflour + water) and stir it in at the end.
Too vinegary for me…
Next time, cut the vinegar down slightly or add a touch more ketchup or brown sugar to mellow it out.
Can I skip searing the pork first?
Yes. You can sear for added flavour, but if it’s a lazy day, just chuck it in and carry on. The slow cooker won’t judge you. Neither will I.
Storage and Reheating
Fridge:
Cool it fully, then store in a sealed container for 3–4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in portions with some sauce — it’ll keep up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
To reheat:
Microwave: Cover and heat on medium, stirring now and then.
Stovetop: Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Oven: Cover with foil and warm at 160°C for 20 mins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of pork should I use?
Go for pork shoulder (also called Boston butt). It’s fatty, flavourful, and made for slow cooking.
Do I need to add liquid?
Not much. The sauce base and natural pork juices are plenty — no need to drown it.
Can I cook this overnight?
Absolutely — on LOW for 8–10 hours. Just set it up before bed and wake up to a delicious-smelling house.
Can I make it spicier?
Go ahead and add chilli flakes, chipotle paste, or hot sauce to the mix — tailor the heat to your liking.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 500 kcal
Fat: 20g
Carbs: 50g
Protein: 25g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 500mg
Fiber: 6g
More Hairy Bikers Recipe:
- Hairy Bikers Lamb Tagine Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Chicken And Mushroom Risotto
- Hairy Bikers Gammon Orange Juice
Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork Slow Cooker
Description
This slow-cooked pulled pork is rich, tender, and packed with smoky, tangy flavour — perfect for piling into buns with slaw or devouring straight from the pot.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix onion, ketchup, paste, vinegar, and spices in slow cooker.
- Add pork, coat with sauce, season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on HIGH for 5–6 hrs or LOW for 8–10 hrs.
- Remove pork, shred with forks, and mix back into sauce.
- Serve hot on buns with coleslaw or your favourite sides.
Notes
- Searing the pork before slow cooking adds depth but is optional.
- Use pork shoulder with some fat for the juiciest result.
- Leftovers freeze beautifully — great for meal prep.
- Reduce sauce on the hob if you prefer it thicker.