Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin is a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish that turns a lean cut of pork into a rich and satisfying meal. Cooked low and slow in your favorite BBQ sauce and seasonings, the pork becomes perfectly shreddable and infused with smoky-sweet flavor. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for sandwiches, sliders, bowls, or hearty plates.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly easy and mostly hands-off
• Turns lean pork tenderloin into juicy, flavorful pulled pork
• Perfect for meal prep, leftovers, or feeding a crowd
• Versatile for sandwiches, tacos, wraps, bowls, and more
• Works with any BBQ sauce you love—sweet, spicy, tangy, or smoky

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pork tenderloin
• BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• Apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: brown sugar or honey for added sweetness
• Optional: sliced onions for extra flavor

Directions

1. Trim any excess fat or silver skin from the pork tenderloin.
2. Place the pork in the bottom of your slow cooker.
3. In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a little brown sugar or honey if you want a sweeter finish.
4. Pour the sauce over the pork and turn to coat. Add sliced onions if using.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3.5–4.5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shredded.
6. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
7. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker, stir into the sauce, and cook on low for another 15–20 minutes to soak up the flavor.
8. Serve hot on buns, over rice, in tacos, or with your favorite BBQ sides.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6–8 hours on low or 3.5–4.5 hours on high
Total time: About 6–8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)

Variations

• Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick
• Stir in pineapple chunks for a tropical BBQ twist
• Use chipotle BBQ sauce for a smoky heat
• Serve on sweet Hawaiian rolls with coleslaw for sliders
• Add pickles or crunchy slaw for texture contrast

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave, adding a splash of extra BBQ sauce or broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use pork loin instead of pork tenderloin?

Yes, pork loin is slightly larger and leaner but still works well. Adjust cook time if needed.

Will the pork tenderloin dry out?

As long as it’s cooked low and slow with enough sauce, it stays moist. Avoid overcooking.

What BBQ sauce works best?

Any style you love—sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy. Try different varieties for new flavor twists.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Store in the fridge and reheat throughout the week.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just be sure your slow cooker is large enough. You may need to add extra cook time.

Can I use frozen pork tenderloin?

It’s best to thaw it first for even cooking and proper seasoning absorption.

How do I serve this pulled pork?

On sandwiches, sliders, tacos, nachos, rice bowls, or even baked potatoes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and seasoning.

Can I add veggies to the slow cooker?

Yes, sliced onions, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots work well.

How do I keep it from being too watery?

If the sauce is thin after shredding, cook uncovered on high for 15–20 minutes to reduce it.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin is the perfect way to transform a lean cut of meat into a juicy, flavor-packed meal. With a few pantry staples and a few hours in the slow cooker, you’ll have tender, shreddable pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, bowls, and beyond. It’s easy, versatile, and always a hit—making it a go-to for weeknights, meal prep, or gatherings.

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