Sweet N Spicy Crock Pot Barbecue
Cook Time: 8 hours
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Category: Pork
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: 87.8
Description:
If you love tender, juicy, and flavorful pork loin, then this Sweet N Spicy Crock Pot Barbecue recipe is for you! The pork is cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, making it incredibly moist and tender, falling apart with just a fork. Paired with a zesty homemade barbecue sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, this dish is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t let the long list of ingredients intimidate you—there are only three measuring tools involved, making it a breeze to prepare. Perfect for summer picnics or a comforting dinner on a busy day, this recipe is simple yet packed with flavor.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless pork loin | 1 |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Onion | 1 medium, sliced |
| Ketchup | 1 1/2 cups |
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup |
| Garlic powder (for sauce) | 1 teaspoon |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Barbecue sauce | 1 cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Black pepper (for sauce) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 87.8 kcal |
| Fat Content | 0.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0 mg |
| Sodium Content | 850.1 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 21.9 g |
| Fiber Content | 1 g |
| Sugar Content | 18 g |
| Protein Content | 1.6 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Pork Loin: Start by trimming most of the excess fat from the boneless pork loin. Place the pork loin in the crock pot, ensuring the fat side is facing up to allow for even cooking.
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Season the Pork: Sprinkle the pork loin generously with garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. The seasoning creates a flavorful base that will blend wonderfully with the barbecue sauce.
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Add the Onion: Layer the sliced onion on top of the seasoned pork loin. The onions will cook down, adding extra sweetness and flavor to the dish.
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Cook on High: Cover the crock pot and cook the pork loin on high for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This initial step helps to lock in the moisture before lowering the heat.
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Switch to Low: After the initial high heat cooking, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the pork for about 4 1/2 hours. The low and slow cooking process allows the pork to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
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Prepare the Sauce: While the pork is cooking, it’s time to prepare the barbecue sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, tomato sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to create a smooth, flavorful sauce. This sauce will bring the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors to your pork.
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Shred the Pork: Once the pork loin has finished cooking, carefully remove it from the crock pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into large chunks.
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Combine the Pork and Sauce: Return the shredded pork to the crock pot and pour the prepared sauce over it. Make sure to stir the pork into the sauce, mixing in the delicious juices from the pork that have accumulated in the crock pot.
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Final Cooking: Allow the pork and sauce mixture to cook on low for an additional hour, letting the flavors meld together. If you’re not ready to serve immediately, you can switch the crock pot to the “keep warm” setting and let it simmer for up to 2 hours.
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Serve: Once the pork is perfectly shredded and infused with the barbecue sauce, it’s time to serve! Spoon the tender pork onto buns and serve as a delicious sandwich. For an extra touch, serve with your favorite side dishes like coleslaw, pickles, or potato salad for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spicier Version: If you love more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce mixture.
- Make it a Meal: Serve the pulled pork on a soft hamburger bun, topped with a little extra barbecue sauce, crunchy slaw, or pickled onions.
- Slow Cooker Size: This recipe works best in a 5-6 quart crock pot, but can be adapted for larger or smaller sizes by adjusting the cooking time slightly.
- Leftovers: Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just reheat in the microwave or on the stove when you’re ready to serve.
This Sweet N Spicy Crock Pot Barbecue recipe is the ultimate combination of ease and flavor. With a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a delicious meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a summer BBQ, or a weeknight meal, this recipe will not disappoint!
