Pork boston butt also known as pork shoulder is one of the most flavorful cuts of pork you can buy. It’s packed with connective tissue that breaks down into succulent gelatin when slow cooked, making it ideal for pulled pork. While you can cook pork butt in the oven or on the grill, using a crock pot is hands down the easiest method. The slow, gentle heat of a crock pot tenderizes the meat while keeping it incredibly moist and juicy. In just 8-10 hours, you’ll have fall-apart tender pork that makes for amazing sandwiches, tacos, burritos and more.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook pork butt to perfection in a crock pot, from choosing the right size roast to optimal seasonings and cooking times. Follow these simple tips and you’ll have delicious pulled pork every time.
Choosing the Right Pork Butt for the Crock Pot
When shopping for pork butt to cook in the crock pot there are a few things to look for
-
Boneless or Bone-In – Both boneless and bone-in pork butts work well so choose whichever you prefer. Go with a boneless roast if you want slightly quicker cooking time and easier shredding.
-
Size – For a 6-8 quart crock pot, target a 4-5 pound pork butt. Anything larger may not fit properly. Go smaller if cooking for just 2-3 people.
-
Uniform Shape – Try to pick a roast that’s evenly shaped without odd protrusions which can lead to uneven cooking.
-
Moderate Marbling – Some fat marbling is good since it bastes the meat as it cooks, but avoid excessive fat caps which can make the pork greasy.
Once you’ve selected the perfect pork shoulder, it’s time to get it ready for the crock.
Preparing Pork Butt for the Crock Pot
Pork butt usually comes vacuum sealed so you’ll want to remove any packaging and rinse it before cooking. Pat it completely dry with paper towels.
Next, trim off any excess hard fat. Leave about a 1/4 inch layer intact to baste the meat.
Then, rub the pork all over with spices and seasonings. A simple blend of salt, pepper and garlic powder works great. For bolder flavor, use a dry rub made with smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder and cumin.
Finally, place the seasoned pork into the crock pot and you’re ready to start cooking. No need to brown it first – the slow cooking will take care of that!
How Much Liquid to Add
A common question is whether you need to add any liquid to the crock pot. The short answer is nope!
Pork butt releases a lot of moisture as it cooks so additional liquid isn’t necessary. The meat essentially braises in its own juices.
However, for extra flavor you can add:
- 1 cup of apple juice, pineapple juice or chicken broth
- 1⁄2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1⁄2 cup beer or Dr. Pepper
Just avoid submerging the pork completely in liquid which can make it soggy.
Ideal Cooking Times for Crock Pot Pork Butt
To fully tenderize pork butt, it needs to reach an internal temperature of 195-205°F. This normally takes 8-10 hours on LOW in a crock pot.
Here are some general cooking time guidelines based on roast size:
- 3-4 pounds: Cook 7-8 hours
- 5-6 pounds: Cook 8-10 hours
However, every crock pot cooks differently so use an instant read thermometer to check for doneness, not just time.
After 8 hours, start checking the temp every 30 minutes until it’s between 195-205°F. At this point, the meat should shred easily with a fork.
If serving immediately, let the pork rest about 30 minutes before pulling to allow juices to redistribute. For ultimate moisture, let it rest 1-2 hours.
How to Shred and Serve Crock Pot Pork Butt
Once cooked, here’s how to finish the pork for serving:
- Use forks or bear claws to shred and pull the pork into bite-size pieces.
- Discard any excess fat or bone.
- Drain cooking liquid from crock and skim off fat.
- Add defatted liquid back to pork to keep it moist.
- For pulled pork sandwiches, mix in your favorite barbecue sauce.
- Pile high on buns and enjoy!
Beyond sandwiches, try serving pulled pork over:
- Baked potatoes
- Rice or quinoa
- Nachos
- Salad
- Scrambled eggs
And don’t forget delicious leftovers for burritos, omelets, pizza and more!
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Pork Butt
Follow these tips and tricks for foolproof pulled pork every time:
- Use a digital thermometer to monitor temp, not time.
- Let pork rest 1-2 hours after cooking for juiciest meat.
- Mix the defatted pan juices back into the shredded pork.
- Add barbecue sauce, salsa or other flavorings after, not before, cooking.
- Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of defatted juices.
- Freeze leftovers in portion sizes to pull out for quick meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of pork is best for pulled pork?
The pork butt, also called Boston butt or pork shoulder, is the top choice. It has the perfect marbling and connective tissue for shredding once cooked.
Do you sear pork butt before the crock pot?
Searing isn’t necessary since the long cooking time will fully cook and tenderize the meat. Skipping this step makes the recipe even easier.
Can you overcook pork butt in a crock pot?
It’s difficult to overcook pork butt since the connective tissue needs prolonged moisture heat to fully break down. But letting it go past 205°F can start to dry it out.
How long does cooked pork butt last in the fridge?
Properly stored pulled pork will keep 5-7 days refrigerated. Reheat gently before serving.
Can you freeze leftover crock pot pork butt?
Yes! Let it cool completely then portion into freezer bags or containers. It will keep 3-4 months frozen.
The Easiest Pulled Pork You’ll Ever Make
Cooking pork butt in the crock pot makes for incredibly simple, mess-free pulled pork that’s budget-friendly too. Follow this guide for tender, fall-apart meat and delicious leftovers all week long. Once you master it, this will become your go-to pork crock pot recipe for sandwiches, tacos, burritos and beyond!