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Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Dinner Bowl

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A fuss-free, crowd-pleasing slow-cooker pulled pork dinner bowl featuring tender pork shoulder, smoky spices, tangy barbecue sauce, and fresh toppings. Perfect for New Year’s gatherings or any cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (well-marbled)
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (60 ml)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • About 4 cups cooked grain base (rice, quinoa, or farro)
  • Shredded cabbage or slaw mix (for crunch)
  • Avocado slices (adds creaminess)
  • Chopped cilantro (freshness)
  • Lime wedges (for a zesty finish)
  • Pickled jalapeños or hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice mix all over the pork, massaging it well. (5 minutes)
  2. Place sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. (2 minutes)
  3. Set the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic. Pour apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, and barbecue sauce evenly over the pork. (3 minutes)
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork shreds easily with a fork.
  5. Transfer pork to a large bowl and shred using two forks or meat claws, discarding large fat chunks. Stir shredded pork back into the slow cooker juices. (5-7 minutes)
  6. Prepare your choice of rice, quinoa, or farro according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork. (15-20 minutes)
  7. Assemble dinner bowls by spooning cooked grains into bowls, topping with pulled pork, shredded cabbage or slaw, avocado slices, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add pickled jalapeños or hot sauce if desired. (5 minutes)
  8. Serve immediately with your favorite New Year’s drinks.

Notes

Use a small-curd, firm-textured pork shoulder for best pull-apart consistency. Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain temperature. If pork is dry after shredding, stir in extra barbecue sauce or broth. For low-carb or keto, substitute grain base with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini. Pressure cooker can be used to reduce cooking time to 60-75 minutes on high pressure after browning pork.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, pulled pork, dinner bowl, barbecue, New Year's recipe, easy meal, crowd-pleaser, comfort food

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/slow-cooker-pulled-pork-dinner-bowl-easy-new-years-drinks-recipe/