pork shoulder in a slow cooker

Ingredients:

• 4-5 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt or Boston butt), bone-in or boneless
• 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, or water (optional, for added moisture)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the pork shoulder under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat if desired, although leaving some fat can add flavor and moisture to the meat during cooking.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano to make a dry rub.
3. Rub the dry rub mixture evenly over the surface of the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s well coated on all sides.
4. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
5. If using, pour the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, or water around the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. This helps to keep the meat moist during cooking.
6. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the pork shoulder on LOW heat for 8-10 hours, or on HIGH heat for 4-6 hours. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the pork shoulder, so it’s best to check for doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 190°F (88°C) for tender, shreddable pork.
7. Once the pork shoulder is cooked through and tender, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding or slicing.
8. Serve the slow cooker pork shoulder hot, accompanied by your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.
9. Enjoy the delicious and tender slow cooker pork shoulder with its flavorful seasoning and juicy texture!

This slow cooker pork shoulder recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal hands-on time.