Easy Tender BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe with 2 Ingredients Perfect for Beginners
A simple and fuss-free pulled pork recipe using only pork shoulder and BBQ sauce, cooked low and slow for tender, flavorful results. Perfect for beginners and busy cooks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours (slow cooker low) or 1 hour (Instant Pot high pressure)
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes (slow cooker low) or 1 hour 10 minutes (Instant Pot)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt or Boston butt)
- 1½ to 2 cups BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
Instructions
- Trim the pork shoulder to remove any thick excess fat, leaving some fat for tenderness (about 5 minutes).
- Place the trimmed pork shoulder into your slow cooker or Instant Pot (about 2 minutes).
- Pour the BBQ sauce over the pork, coating it well. Use about 1½ cups for a 3-pound pork shoulder or up to 2 cups for larger cuts (about 2 minutes).
- Cook low and slow: For slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours until tender and easily shredded. For Instant Pot, seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then allow natural release for 15 minutes.
- Remove the pork and place it on a cutting board or bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat into strands (about 10 minutes).
- Return the shredded pork to the cooker or mixing bowl and stir to combine with the juices and sauce. Add more BBQ sauce or reserved cooking liquid if it looks dry.
- Serve warm on buns, plates, or with your favorite sides.
Notes
If you don’t have a slow cooker, bake the pork shoulder covered in foil at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours until tender, checking every hour to keep moist. For extra flavor, add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce. Let the meat rest a few minutes before shredding to keep juices locked in. Avoid over-shredding to maintain texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 oz (113 g) c
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 17.5
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 7.5
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 27.5
Keywords: pulled pork, BBQ pulled pork, slow cooker pulled pork, easy pulled pork, BBQ sauce, pork shoulder, Instant Pot pulled pork, beginner recipe