Print

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Balsamic Pulled Pork Recipe with Creamy Apple Slaw

slow cooker brown sugar balsamic pulled pork - featured image
Print Recipe

A cozy slow cooker pulled pork infused with brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, paired with a crisp and creamy apple slaw for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), well-marbled
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (dark brown sugar preferred)
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 large apples, peeled and julienned (Granny Smith or Gala)
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the mixture all over the pork, pressing gently.
  2. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth in another bowl. Pour evenly over the pork. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until fork-tender.
  3. While the pork cooks, combine shredded cabbage and julienned apples in a large bowl. Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Pour dressing over cabbage and apples, toss gently, cover, and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Remove cooked pork from slow cooker and shred using two forks or meat claws. Return shredded pork to slow cooker and stir into cooking juices.
  5. Serve pulled pork warm on buns or plates topped with creamy apple slaw.

Notes

Check pork at 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low to avoid overcooking. Let pork rest 5-10 minutes before shredding. Stir shredded pork back into cooking juices for best flavor. Slice apples just before serving or toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Prep slaw dressing just before serving for best texture. For dairy-free slaw, substitute mayonnaise with avocado oil-based mayo or coconut yogurt. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and broth for gluten-free meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, brown sugar pulled pork, balsamic pulled pork, creamy apple slaw, easy pulled pork recipe, slow cooker recipes, comfort food

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/slow-cooker-brown-sugar-balsamic-pulled-pork-recipe-with-creamy-apple-slaw/