Can I use bone-in pork shoulder instead of boneless?

Yes, absolutely! Bone-in pork shoulder is generally more flavorful because the bone adds richness. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly, it might take a little longer.

Can I make the coleslaw ahead of time?

The vinegar coleslaw is best made fresh. If you make it ahead of time, the cabbage can get a bit soggy. But you can certainly prepare the ingredients and toss everything together just before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pulled pork is even more delicious the next day!

You can freeze the cooked pulled pork for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

While not traditionally used, you could experiment with other types of vinegar like apple cider vinegar or even a white wine vinegar. I've heard of people using a splash of balsamic, but I haven't tried that yet myself. A dash of liquid smoke might add a really unique twist too!

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This recipe is my go-to for effortless entertaining. My friends always rave about it, and let me tell you – it’s so easy, even I can’t mess it up! (And I’ve totally almost ruined a few dishes in my time…)

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. You basically throw everything in a slow cooker and let it do its thing. The slow cooking process creates unbelievably tender pork, and the bright, tangy coleslaw cuts through the richness perfectly. It's the ultimate comfort food—perfect for a chilly evening or a casual get-together.

Classic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Vinegar Coleslaw

Name: Classic Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Vinegar Coleslaw
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 11 h 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Slow-Cooker
Ingredients: 3 pounds Boneless pork shoulder; 2 teaspoons Salt; 1 teaspoon Black pepper; 1 teaspoon Paprika; 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder; 1 cup Chicken broth; 1/2 medium head, shredded Green cabbage; 1 medium, shredded Carrots; 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup Mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Sugar; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper

Tender, flavorful pulled pork, slow-cooked to perfection, paired with a crisp, tangy vinegar coleslaw. This crowd-pleasing recipe is simple to make and always a hit!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 600 minutes

Total Time: 675 minutes

📖 Instructions

First things first, let's prep that pork! Pat your pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps it brown nicely later. Season it generously on all sides with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder are all great choices). I like to rub it in well with my hands, getting really intimate with the pork, if you will.
Next, sear that beauty! Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until nicely browned. This step adds depth of flavor— trust me, it's worth it!
Now, the slow cooker magic begins! Transfer the seared pork shoulder to your slow cooker. Add about a cup of your favorite broth (chicken or beef works well). Don't be stingy!
Let it simmer! Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours. The pork is done when it's easily shredded with a fork.
While the pork is doing its thing, let's tackle the amazing coleslaw. Finely shred the cabbage and carrots. You can do this by hand or with a food processor for ease.
Mix up the coleslaw dressing! In a bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper. I like to add a pinch of celery seed for extra flavor!
Combine! Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat. Now, let those flavors mingle while the pork slow cooks.
Shred it! Once the pork is cooked, let it rest for about 15 minutes before shredding it with two forks. It will be unbelievably tender!
Mix it up! You can mix the shredded pork with some of the juices from the slow cooker for extra moisture and flavor. Some people even add a bit of the coleslaw for a surprising mix of flavors— go wild!
Serve it up! Pile the pulled pork onto buns, and top it with a generous scoop of the refreshing vinegar coleslaw. Enjoy!
Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and flavors! Adding a little brown sugar to the pork creates a sweet and savory balance, while a dash of hot sauce in the coleslaw adds a kick!

📝 Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a tablespoon of brown sugar to the pork.
If you like a spicier slaw, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
Feel free to adjust the amount of vinegar in the slaw to your liking. Some people like it more tangy than others!