Quick & Juicy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker bbq pulled pork tenderloin brings comfort to your dinner table like nothing else.

Tender meat falls apart with minimal effort, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Southern-style cooking meets modern convenience in this simple yet delectable dish.

Juicy pork absorbs rich barbecue flavors while slowly simmering throughout the day.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor, letting you spend more time enjoying company instead of standing over a stove.

Spices and sauce blend perfectly, creating a meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Serve this hearty recipe and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation.

Why You’ll Love BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

• Simplify Cooking: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it transform tough pork into a mouthwatering meal with minimal hands-on effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Bomb: Packed with smoky barbecue sauce, spices, and tender meat, this recipe guarantees happy faces around the dinner table for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Serve on buns for sandwiches, stuff into tacos, top salads, or enjoy as a protein-packed main dish that adapts to multiple meal styles and preferences.
• Hands-Off Convenience: Set the slow cooker and walk away while it works its magic, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or when you want delicious food without constant kitchen supervision.

Must-Have Ingredients For BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

• Pork Tenderloin: A lean and tender cut of meat that becomes incredibly soft and flavorful when slow-cooked.

• Barbecue Sauce, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: A blend of spices and sauce that provides a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor profile to the pork.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that helps tenderize the meat and balance the sauce's sweetness.
• Minced Garlic: Introduces a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the barbecue sauce.

• Onion: Creates a flavorful base in the slow cooker and adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.

• Hamburger Buns, Pickles, Coleslaw: Optional accompaniments that enhance the pulled pork's texture and provide additional flavor and crunch.

Quick Steps For BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Step 1: Create Flavor Foundation

Slice onions and spread them across the bottom of your slow cooker to create a delicious base for the pork. This layer prevents sticking and adds incredible depth to the dish.

Step 2: Craft Magical Sauce

• Barbecue sauce
• Minced garlic
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Apple cider vinegar

Whisk everything together until perfectly blended and aromatic.

Step 3: Massage Pork with Flavor

Take the pork tenderloin and generously rub it with the prepared sauce mixture. Ensure every inch gets coated for maximum taste explosion.

Step 4: Build Delicious Layers

Gently place the sauce-covered pork on top of the onion layer in the slow cooker. Pour any remaining sauce over the meat, allowing it to drip down and infuse every fiber.

Step 5: Transform Through Slow Cooking

Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Let the magic happen for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the pork to become mouthwateringly tender and packed with flavor.

Step 6: Shred into Perfection

Remove the cooked pork and use two forks to pull it apart into beautiful, tender strands. Return the shredded meat to the cooking liquid and stir to coat thoroughly.

Step 7: Create Your Dream Sandwich

Pile the succulent pulled pork onto soft hamburger buns. Add optional toppings like crisp pickles or creamy coleslaw for extra excitement. Devour and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Tips To Get BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe Just Right

• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of bourbon or whiskey to the BBQ sauce for a rich, complex taste that elevates the pulled pork's profile.
• Perfect Meat Texture: Choose a pork tenderloin with some marbling to ensure maximum tenderness and prevent dryness during slow cooking.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper to match your heat tolerance, or substitute with smoked chipotle powder for a smoky kick without overwhelming heat.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pulled pork a day ahead and reheat gently in the slow cooker, allowing flavors to meld and intensify overnight.
• Dietary Swap Tip: Replace traditional BBQ sauce with a sugar-free or low-sodium version for health-conscious eaters, maintaining the dish's delicious essence.

Tasty Swaps For BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

• Spicy Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork: Replace regular barbecue sauce with chipotle-flavored sauce for a smoky, spicy kick that brings bold southwestern flair to the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Option: Skip hamburger buns and serve pulled pork inside crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced meal perfect for keto dieters.
• Caribbean-Style Pulled Pork: Swap standard barbecue sauce with a mix of pineapple juice, rum, and jerk seasoning to create a tropical-inspired pulled pork with Caribbean undertones.
• Instant Pot Quick Version: Transform the slow cooker method into a faster Instant Pot recipe, reducing cooking time from 6-8 hours to approximately 45-60 minutes while maintaining tender meat texture.

Top Pairings With BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

• Savor Flavor-Boosting Pairings
• Complement Tangy Pulled Pork with crisp, cold craft beer that cuts through the rich meat's fatty texture, like an amber ale or hoppy IPA.
• Match Refreshing Coleslaw by selecting a zesty white wine such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, which brightens the entire meal's profile.
• Create Southern-Style Experience with traditional sweet tea or sparkling lemonade that balances the smoky barbecue sauce and provides cooling contrast.
• Enhance Comfort Food with creamy potato salad or cornbread sides that absorb the delicious sauce and complete the hearty meal's flavor journey.

How To Store BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

• Transfer cooled pulled pork to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring tight sealing to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack shredded pork in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Place pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra sauce, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Your BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe FAQs

• Is pork tenderloin a good choice for pulled pork?

Pork tenderloin is leaner than traditional pulled pork cuts, making it a healthier option. It becomes tender and easily shreds when slow-cooked, creating a delicious and lighter version of classic pulled pork.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, you can adjust the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or using a spicier barbecue sauce. Start with a small amount and increase gradually to suit your taste preferences.

• Do I need to trim the pork tenderloin before cooking?

Remove any silver skin or excess fat before coating with the barbecue sauce mixture. This helps the seasonings penetrate the meat and ensures a more even cook.

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker BBQ pulled pork tenderloin delivers mouthwatering Southern comfort right to your dinner table. Tender meat glazed with smoky sauce promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) pork tenderloin

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Sauce and Aromatics:

• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Serving Options:

• 8 hamburger buns
• Pickles (optional)
• Coleslaw (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic foundation by layering thinly sliced onions across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base that prevents meat from sticking.
2. Craft a robust sauce by whisking together barbecue sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and apple cider vinegar until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
3. Massage the pork tenderloin generously with the prepared sauce, ensuring comprehensive and even coverage to maximize flavor absorption.
4. Gently position the sauce-coated tenderloin atop the onion layer in the slow cooker, then cascade the remaining sauce evenly over the meat.
5. Secure the lid and slow cook at low temperature (approximately 200°F) for 6-8 hours, allowing the meat to become exceptionally tender and infused with complex flavors.
6. Carefully extract the cooked tenderloin and use two forks to meticulously shred the meat into succulent, bite-sized pieces. Reintroduce the shredded meat to the cooking liquid, stirring to ensure complete sauce integration.
7. Serve the pulled pork on soft hamburger buns, optionally garnishing with crisp pickles and creamy coleslaw for added texture and complementary flavors.

Notes

• Trim excess fat from the pork tenderloin to reduce greasiness and ensure a leaner, healthier dish.
• Use a low-sodium barbecue sauce to control salt intake and create a lighter version of the recipe.
• For a spicier kick, experiment with different hot sauces or add extra cayenne pepper to customize heat levels.
• Create a gluten-free option by using gluten-free barbecue sauce and serving on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg