Juicy BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe: Simple Slow Cooker Magic

Succulent pork tenderloin meets mouth-watering BBQ pulled pork in this effortless slow cooker recipe that promises pure comfort.

Seasoned with a blend of rich spices, the meat slowly breaks down into delectable, melt-in-your-mouth strands.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky and savory flavors that dance across your palate.

The magic happens with minimal preparation, letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.

Onions and garlic infuse deep, robust notes into the meat as it simmers gently.

Serve this pulled pork on soft buns or alongside crisp coleslaw for a hearty meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Unleash your inner culinary hero and savor every delicious moment of this simple yet impressive dish.

Cooking BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Low and Slow

• Prep the Tender Protein

Place the pork tenderloin into your trusty slow cooker, ready for a flavor transformation.

• Craft the Magical Sauce

Whisk together a tantalizing blend of zesty BBQ sauce, rich broth, tangy vinegar, sweet brown sugar, and a sprinkle of smoky spices for an explosion of flavor.

• Bath the Meat

Pour the sauce generously over the pork, ensuring every inch gets coated with deliciousness.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and let the slow cooker work its magic – low and slow for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meat falls apart with gentle prodding.

• Shred and Soak

Carefully remove the pork and transform it into tender strands using two forks, then return it to the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pile the saucy pulled pork onto soft buns, tuck into tacos, spread over rice, or pair with your favorite BBQ companions for a mouth-watering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips to Add Depth to BBQ Pulled Pork Sauce

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches 145°F for perfect safety and tenderness without overcooking.
• Choose a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce to add extra depth and personalize the flavor profile according to your taste preferences.
• Resist the temptation to rush cooking time; longer, slower cooking breaks down tough muscle fibers, creating melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork.
• Swap regular BBQ sauce for sugar-free or low-sodium versions to accommodate keto, diabetic, or heart-healthy diet needs. Gluten-free diets can use certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
• Store shredded pork in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Repurpose leftovers into quesadillas, loaded baked potatoes, or protein-packed salad toppers for quick and delicious meals.

Serve Pulled Pork Tenderloin in Sandwiches or Sliders

• Backyard BBQ Bash: Pile pulled pork high on soft brioche buns with crisp coleslaw and extra BBQ sauce drizzled on top.
• Taco Tuesday Twist: Wrap tender pulled pork in warm corn tortillas, top with fresh pico de gallo, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for zesty flavor.
• Loaded Rice Bowl Delight: Serve pulled pork over fluffy white rice, garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha for a hearty meal that packs serious punch.
• Comfort Plate Classic: Create a southern-style platter with pulled pork, creamy mac and cheese, baked beans, and tangy pickles for a complete crowd-pleasing dinner.

Store and Reheat Pulled Pork for Later Flavor

• Slice tenderloin into portion-sized containers for quick grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks.
• Store leftover pulled pork in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keeping sauce and meat together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Seal cooled pulled pork in freezer bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for future fast meals.
• When reheating, sprinkle a little extra BBQ sauce to restore moisture and enhance taste, warming gently in microwave or skillet until heated through.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 7

Pulled Pork Tenderloin in the Slow Cooker Ingredient List

• Pork Tenderloin: Lean and tender cut perfect for slow cooking, choose fresh pink meat with minimal fat for best texture and flavor.

• BBQ Sauce: Provides rich, tangy base flavor, select your favorite brand or homemade version for personalized taste.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens overall meat flavor, low-sodium options work best for controlling salt levels.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Tenderizes meat and brings bright, acidic balance to sauce, look for high-quality unpasteurized versions.
• Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized sweetness and helps thicken sauce, opt for dark brown sugar for deeper molasses notes.

• Paprika: Adds smoky warmth and beautiful reddish color, choose sweet or smoked variety depending on preference.
• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic depth without raw garlic texture, ensure fresh and fragrant.
• Onion Powder: Contributes subtle savory undertones, select finely ground version for even distribution.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, kosher or sea salt recommended.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity, freshly ground delivers best taste.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional ingredient for extra spicy kick, adjust quantity based on heat tolerance.

Tools That Help You Shred and Sauce Pork Easily

• Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the pork tenderly and infusing rich flavors.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together all sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending sauce components without lumps.
• Two Forks: Ideal for shredding the cooked pork into tender pieces.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurately portioning ingredients.

Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

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• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker BBQ pulled pork tenderloin delivers mouthwatering Southern comfort straight to dinner tables. Juicy meat melts with tangy barbecue sauce, promising a delightful meal that brings family and friends together around one irresistible dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 to 2.5 pounds (907 to 1134 g) pork tenderloin (or pork loin)
• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Buns, coleslaw, or rice for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position the pork tenderloin centrally in the slow cooker, ensuring it sits evenly.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk BBQ sauce, chicken broth, vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne into a harmonious, well-blended liquid marinade.
3. Infusion: Thoroughly douse the pork with the prepared sauce, guaranteeing complete coverage and penetration of flavors.
4. Slow Cooking: Secure the lid and allow the tenderloin to simmer on low temperature for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat reaches a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that effortlessly separates with minimal pressure.
5. Shredding and Finishing: Extract the pork from the cooking liquid, then methodically pull apart the meat using two forks, creating delicate, succulent strands. Reintroduce the shredded meat into the remaining sauce, gently folding to ensure each morsel is luxuriously coated.
6. Serving: Present the pulled pork nestled in soft buns, tucked into warm tortillas, cascading over fluffy rice, or accompanied by classic BBQ side dishes for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Choose a well-marbled pork tenderloin for maximum tenderness and flavor, ensuring the meat stays juicy during slow cooking.
• Add extra chicken broth if the sauce looks too thick during cooking to prevent burning and maintain moisture.
• Let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow it to absorb more sauce and become easier to shred smoothly.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control spiciness, or substitute with smoked paprika for a milder, smoky alternative without intense heat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg