Pulled Pork Bowl (Print Version)

Slow-cooked pork shoulder with aromatic spices, served over rice with crisp coleslaw and smoky BBQ drizzle.

# Components:

→ Pork

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless pork shoulder or pork butt
02 - 1 tsp salt
03 - 0.5 tsp black pepper
04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 0.5 tsp garlic powder
06 - 0.5 tsp onion powder
07 - 0.5 tsp ground cumin
08 - 1 cup chicken broth
09 - 0.5 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for serving

→ Rice or Grain

10 - 2 cups cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa

→ Coleslaw

11 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
12 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
13 - 1 medium carrot, grated
14 - 0.25 cup mayonnaise
15 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
16 - 1 tsp honey
17 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Garnishes

18 - Sliced green onions, optional
19 - Fresh cilantro, optional

# Method:

01 - In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Rub the spice mixture generously over all surfaces of the pork shoulder.
02 - Place the rubbed pork in a slow cooker. Add chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
03 - Remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir in 0.5 cup BBQ sauce. Keep warm on low setting.
04 - In a large bowl, combine shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, and grated carrot.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
06 - Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
07 - Divide cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top each portion with generous amounts of pulled pork and coleslaw. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce and garnish with green onions or cilantro if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
  • Every bite balances smoky, tangy, and creamy in one satisfying forkful.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day, which rarely happens in my kitchen.
  • You can swap the base or toppings and it still feels like comfort food.
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting time after shredding, letting the pork sit in the sauce for even ten minutes makes it taste twice as good.
  • If your slaw tastes too sharp, add a pinch more honey, it balances the vinegar without making it sweet.
  • Check your BBQ sauce label if you need this gluten free, some brands sneak in malt or soy sauce.
03 -
  • Sear the pork in a hot skillet before slow cooking if you have time, it adds a deeper caramelized flavor.
  • Taste the slaw before serving and adjust the vinegar or honey, every cabbage has a slightly different sweetness.
  • If you're short on time, use a rotisserie chicken instead of pork and skip the slow cooker entirely.
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