Pulled pork is a flavorful, budget-friendly staple that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. However, traditional recipes call for cooking a pork shoulder low and slow for 8-12 hours. Ain’t nobody got time for that! Here are my tips for how to speed up pulled pork in the crock pot without sacrificing moisture and flavor.
The Problem with Rushing Pulled Pork
Pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt or pork butt, is the preferred cut for authentic pulled pork because it contains a high amount of fat and connective tissue. Low and slow cooking gives the fat time to render and the collagen to break down into luscious gelatin.
If you try to rush the process by cranking up the heat, you’ll likely end up with dry stringy meat. Not very appetizing!
While tempting, taking shortcuts like skipping the sear or wrap steps also reduces moisture in the end result. So what’s the solution for fast crock pot pulled pork?
Choose a Leaner Cut of Pork
The most important part of speeding up pulled pork is selecting a different cut of meat. Pork tenderloin cooks in a fraction of the time compared to pork shoulder. Here’s why it works so well:
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Cooks faster – A 2 lb tenderloin takes only 3-4 hours versus 8-12 for shoulder.
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Naturally tender – With less fat and connective tissue, no long braise is needed.
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Mild flavor – Absorbs smoke, spices and sauce beautifully.
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More budget-friendly – Costs much less per pound than shoulder.
Trim Excess Fat
Pork tenderloins are already lean, but do contain a thin layer of silvery fat. For fast crock pot cooking, trim this off completely. The little bit of fat won’t have time to properly render.
Give it a Rub
Creating a flavorful spice rub is key when using a lean cut like tenderloin. The meat benefits from thorough seasoning before cooking.
Try a homemade rub with smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt and pepper. Let the pork marinate in the rub for at least 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Cook on High Heat
Once you’ve prepped the tenderloin, it’s time to use that crock pot’s high setting to your advantage.
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Cook for 3-4 hours on HIGH until fork tender.
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Check temp with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s at least 160°F internally.
High heat not only cooks the pork faster, but also helps create a nice browned exterior layer called bark.
Maintain Moisture
Since pork tenderloin is so lean, moisture is key. Here are some ways to keep it juicy:
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Add liquid like broth, juice or water to the crock pot.
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Wrap tightly in foil after 2-3 hours to steam and braise.
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Shred and moisten with leftover cooking liquid.
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Finish with a sauce made from the juices.
Pull, Sauce and Serve
Once cooked, let the pork rest about 20 minutes before pulling with two forks. Mix in your favorite barbecue sauce to taste.
Serve on buns, over rice, with veggies, or tucked into tacos or enchiladas. Get creative!
Recipe for Fast Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Now let’s put it all together in an easy recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork tenderloin, trimmed
- Dry rub with smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, etc
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- BBQ sauce
Instructions:
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Trim excess fat from tenderloins. Apply dry rub generously.
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Add broth to crock pot. Add pork.
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Cook 3-4 hours on HIGH until 160°F.
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Remove pork, wrap tightly in foil and rest 20 minutes.
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Shred pork using two forks. Moisten with cooking liquid.
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Stir in desired amount of BBQ sauce.
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Serve on buns, over rice, stuffed into tacos, etc.
Follow these steps for tender, juicy pulled pork in a fraction of the usual time. No more all-day cooking marathons!
FAQs
What if I’m short on time?
Cut tenderloins into 1-inch chunks before cooking. This exposes more surface area and reduces cook time even further.
Can I use pork loin instead?
Yes, boneless pork loin roasts work well too. They’re larger so may need 4-6 hours on high.
Do I have to add liquid?
Some moisture is needed when cooking lean cuts like tenderloin. Try broth, juice or even just water.
What temp should it reach?
Cook until fork tender and 160°F at minimum. Up to 205°F is ideal for shredding.
Do I need to rest it after?
Resting for 15-30 minutes allows juices to reabsorb for moister pork.
The Takeaway
With the right cut, spices and techniques, you can transform fast crock pot cooking into incredibly moist and flavorful pulled pork meals.
Stick to pork tenderloin or lean roasts, add seasoning rubs and moisture, use the high setting, wrap mid-way, and rest before pulling.
Your patience will be rewarded with succulent pulled pork in a fraction of the normal time. No more waiting around all day for dinner – now that’s something to get excited about!
What are your favorite tips for speeding up crock pot pulled pork? Share your shortcuts in the comments below!