This Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork recipe combines brown sugar, garlic, red pepper, lemon pepper and ginger for a delicious main dish that is ready for dinner when you are.
Alright, so since I’ve been sharing so many 30-minute recipes lately, I feel like it is about time I shared one that takes a little bit longer. Like, 8 hours.
Enter, Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork.
Just LOOK at that beautiful bark on the outside of the pork. Would you believe me if I told you that you DON’T have to pre-sear this pork before cooking it?
….or that it doesn’t require an overnight marinade?
It’s like Christmas came early, right?! A slow cooker recipe that cooks 8-10 hours (enough time for you to get in a full work day!), doesn’t require an overnight marinade, and doesn’t dirty up a pan on your stove.
What more could you ask for?
Well, other than an easy recipe for simple slaw to go along with it, of course.
Get ready to make some amazing pork sandwiches, tacos or wraps, people!
Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork Recipe
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Ingredients
For the Pork
- 2.5 pounds boneless pork loin roast
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon Lemon Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Ginger
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Choice of BBQ sauce - optional
Simple Slaw
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
For the Pork
- Pat the pork dry and place in a 5-quart or larger slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and spices. Rub the mixture over the top and sides of the pork. Drizzle the vinegar over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or until pork shreds easily with a fork.
- Optional: Preheat oven broiler. Toss shredded pork with 1 cup BBQ sauce and spread onto baking sheet. Broil 6 inches away from heat source for 4 to 6 minutes until slightly crispy.
For the Simple Slaw
- Place the cabbage and carrot in a large bowl.
- Combine the olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk vigorously to emulsify. Pour over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
- Let sit 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition

Pork and the slow cooker were made for each other. That cooking method really deepens the flavors with pork. Always popular with my family and guests.
So true, Carol!
A nice recipe. Thank you.
You had me at doesn’t dirty up a pan on your stove….
Looks amazing, Anetta!
Thanks, Liz! My laziness knows no limits 🙂
This turned out amazing! Really loving the slaw recipe…going to make another batch today even!
Awesome!! You know how I love simple recipes 🙂
It sounds as if the pork might quite dry with as little liquid is included. Is it?
Nope – the beauty of the slow cooker is the moisture doesn’t evaporate. The pork is not dry at all!
I have a serious weakness for all of your recipes…you have to stop posting new ones, or I will never be able to make my way thru the archives lol! Already have this in the crock pot….going on 7 hours now….oh man it smells awesome!!!
This is what I like to hear, Denise! I terrible problem to have 🙂