Effortless Teriyaki Pulled Pork: A Slow Cooker Recipe for Deliciousness

This recipe brings the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki to tender, juicy pulled pork, all with the ease of a slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this slow cooker teriyaki pulled pork is incredibly simple to prepare and yields amazing results. Forget complicated sauces and hours spent babysitting a stovetop; this recipe is all about letting the slow cooker do the work.

## Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pulled Pork

* **Minimal Effort:** Seriously, just dump the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. It’s perfect for busy individuals or families who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
* **Incredible Flavor:** The combination of teriyaki sauce, ginger, garlic, and other aromatics creates a deeply savory and slightly sweet flavor that’s irresistible. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, infusing the pork with deliciousness.
* **Versatile:** This pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Serve it on buns for sandwiches, over rice bowls, in lettuce wraps, or even on top of salads. The possibilities are endless!
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Make a big batch of this on the weekend and enjoy delicious meals throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good, if not better, the next day.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This recipe is always a hit with family and friends. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at potlucks, barbecues, or any casual gathering.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt):** This cut of pork is ideal for pulled pork because it’s rich in connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat. Aim for a 3-4 pound pork shoulder.
* **Teriyaki Sauce:** Use your favorite store-bought teriyaki sauce, or make your own for a more customized flavor. If using store-bought, look for a low-sodium option to control the saltiness of the final dish.
* **Soy Sauce:** Adds depth and umami to the teriyaki sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
* **Brown Sugar:** Provides sweetness and helps to create a sticky, caramelized glaze.
* **Rice Vinegar:** Adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness and savory flavors. Apple cider vinegar can be substituted if needed.
* **Fresh Ginger:** Grated fresh ginger adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic provides a pungent and savory note.
* **Sesame Oil:** Adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the sauce. A little goes a long way.
* **Green Onions:** Sliced green onions add a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.
* **Sesame Seeds:** Adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal as a garnish.
* **Optional Ingredients:**
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** For a touch of heat.
* **Pineapple Juice:** Adds sweetness and helps to tenderize the pork.
* **Hoisin Sauce:** For a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Cornstarch Slurry:** To thicken the sauce at the end (optional).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high

**Yields:** 8-10 servings

**Equipment:**

* Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot)
* Large Bowl
* Fork or Two Forks

**Instructions:**

**1. Prepare the Pork Shoulder:**

* Remove the pork shoulder from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps to create a better sear, but searing is optional. If you prefer, you can skip this step and go straight to the slow cooker.
* If desired, trim off any large pieces of excess fat from the pork shoulder. Leaving some fat is important for flavor and moisture, but you don’t want to leave overly thick layers.
* You can cut the pork shoulder into smaller chunks (about 4-5 pieces) if you want it to cook faster. This is optional but can reduce the cooking time by an hour or two.

**2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. If using red pepper flakes, add them now. If using pineapple juice or hoisin sauce, add those as well.
* Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more brown sugar for sweetness, rice vinegar for acidity, or soy sauce for saltiness.

**3. Combine Pork and Sauce in the Slow Cooker:**

* Place the pork shoulder (whole or in chunks) into the slow cooker.
* Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the pork, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Use tongs to turn the pork over to ensure it’s completely submerged in the sauce.

**4. Slow Cook the Pork:**

* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork is done when it is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
* The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker. Check the pork after the minimum cooking time and adjust as needed. It should be very tender and easily shreddable.

**5. Shred the Pork:**

* Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker using tongs and place it on a cutting board or in a large bowl.
* Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat or gristle.

**6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):**

* If you want a thicker sauce, you can create a cornstarch slurry by whisking together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2-4 tablespoons of cold water.
* Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker with the remaining sauce and stir well.
* Cook on high for 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent lumps from forming.

**7. Combine Shredded Pork and Sauce:**

* Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it into the teriyaki sauce. Make sure the pork is evenly coated with the sauce.
* Let the pork simmer in the sauce for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

**8. Serve and Garnish:**

* Serve the teriyaki pulled pork hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

## Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker teriyaki pulled pork is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Pulled Pork Sandwiches:** Serve on toasted buns with coleslaw or pickled vegetables.
* **Rice Bowls:** Serve over steamed rice with stir-fried vegetables or a side salad.
* **Lettuce Wraps:** Spoon the pulled pork into crisp lettuce cups for a lighter option.
* **Tacos:** Use the pulled pork as a filling for tacos with your favorite toppings.
* **Salads:** Top a green salad with the pulled pork for a protein-packed meal.
* **Loaded Fries or Nachos:** Add the pulled pork to loaded fries or nachos for a flavorful twist.
* **Pizza Topping:** Use the pulled pork as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza.
* **Sliders:** Make mini pulled pork sandwiches using slider buns.

## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pulled Pork

* **Don’t overcook the pork:** Overcooked pork can become dry and stringy. Check the pork after the minimum cooking time and adjust as needed. It should be very tender and easily shreddable.
* **Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker:** Overcrowding the slow cooker can prevent the pork from cooking evenly. If necessary, cook the pork in batches.
* **Adjust the sweetness to your liking:** If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar or add a squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice.
* **Add a touch of heat:** If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
* **Use a meat thermometer:** To ensure that the pork is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature should be at least 190°F (88°C).
* **Sear the pork for added flavor (optional):** Searing the pork before adding it to the slow cooker can add a deeper, more complex flavor. To sear the pork, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Sear the pork on all sides until it is browned.
* **Let the pork rest before shredding:** Letting the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful pulled pork.
* **Freeze for later:** Leftover teriyaki pulled pork can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chicken:** You can substitute the pork shoulder with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a lighter option. Reduce the cooking time accordingly.
* **Beef:** You can use beef chuck roast instead of pork shoulder. The cooking time will be similar.
* **Vegetarian:** For a vegetarian option, you can use jackfruit instead of pork. Jackfruit has a similar texture to pulled pork and absorbs flavors well. Reduce the cooking time significantly.
* **Gluten-Free:** Make sure to use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce and soy sauce.
* **Spicy:** Add a chopped jalapeno or a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
* **Sweet and Sour:** Add a can of pineapple chunks and a tablespoon of rice vinegar to the sauce for a sweet and sour twist.

## Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving size.)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

## Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pulled Pork: Recipe Card

**Ingredients:**

* 3-4 pound pork shoulder (Boston Butt)
* 1 cup teriyaki sauce
* 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* Sliced green onions, for garnish
* Sesame seeds, for garnish
* Optional: Red pepper flakes, pineapple juice, hoisin sauce, cornstarch slurry

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the pork shoulder: Pat dry and trim excess fat (optional). Cut into chunks (optional).
2. Make the teriyaki sauce: Whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl.
3. Combine pork and sauce: Place pork in the slow cooker and pour sauce over it, ensuring it’s coated.
4. Slow cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until fork-tender.
5. Shred the pork: Remove pork and shred with two forks. Discard excess fat.
6. Thicken the sauce (optional): Mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Pour into slow cooker and cook on high for 15-30 minutes, or until thickened.
7. Combine shredded pork and sauce: Return pork to the slow cooker and stir into the sauce. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
8. Serve and garnish: Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pulled Pork!

This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy tender, flavorful pulled pork with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it at a party or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious meal!