Ingredients:
For the Rub:
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt roast
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
For the Rub:
Prepare the Pork:
- Rinse the pork shoulder or pork butt under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Apply the Rub:
- In a small bowl, mix together all the rub ingredients: brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub this mixture generously all over the pork, covering it evenly. You can do this the night before and refrigerate the pork for even more flavor.
For the Sauce:
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This is your Texas-style barbecue sauce.
Slow Cooking:
Slow Cook the Pork:
- Place the seasoned pork roast in your slow cooker.
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the pork, making sure it's well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Shred and Serve:
- Once the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the cooking juices and sauce.
- Let it cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to soak up more flavor.
Serve:
- Serve your Texas pulled pork on hamburger buns, Texas toast, or in tortillas, as you prefer.
- Optionally, serve with coleslaw, pickles, and extra barbecue sauce.
Enjoy your homemade Texas-style pulled pork, packed with bold flavors and tender meat. It's perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or as a main dish with your favorite sides.