Slow BBQ Pulled Pork for Two
Slow cooker pulled pork for two is a simple recipe that makes a small batch of pulled pork so that you can enjoy tender pulled pork without all of the extra pork. This easy recipe takes minimal effort to make for an easy weeknight meal.
Pulled pork recipes usually call for a pork shoulder, pork butt or boston butt which weigh around three pounds, and that is a lot of meat for two people! But when you use a smaller cut of meat such as a pork tenderloin, it is doable. Typical pork tenderloin is leaner than pork shoulder and weighs between 1 to 1 2/3 pounds; just enough for dinner leaving you with just a bit left for the next day. In my opinion it is the best cut of meat for making a small batch of pulled pork.
🤍Why you will love this recipe
- Perfect for two servings – pork tenderloin is a smaller cut of meat; which is great for smaller servings.
- Flavor – Even though pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat, the end result is a small batch of fall apart pork tenderloin.
- Easy – This recipe is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients in a slow cooker.
What you will need
Ingredients
- Pork tenderloin
- Onion (all purpose or sweet)
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Honey (or maple syrup)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Hot pepper flakes
How to make slow cooker pulled pork for two
Prepare: Mix the spice blend together and reserve one-half of it. Slice the onion into slices that are about 1/4 inch thick. Mix the honey, vinegar, water and remaining seasoning mixture together.
STEP 1: Rub half of the spice rub on all sides of the meat.
STEP 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot add the spice-coated meat to the skillet and sear the meat on all sides.
STEP 3: Place the onion slices into the bottom of the slow cooker and top them with the seared meat. Pour the honey and vinegar mixture over the top. Set to low and cook for 6 hours.
STEP 4: Shred the pork with two forks or chop it with a knife. Toss in a little bit of your favorite bbq sauce for extra flavor.
How to store leftovers
If there is any leftover pulled pork, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container once it reaches room temperature. The best way to reheat pulled pork is over low heat on top of the stove.
Leftovers taste great in a sandwich, pulled pork nachos, tacos, quesadillas, baked potatoes or in a salad.
Serving suggestions
Serve it as a pulled pork sandwich with your favorite barbecue sauce and a side of coleslaw. You can also serve barbecue shredded pork as a main course with macaroni salad, or potato salad.
Change it up
Meat – Instead of pork tenderloin, swap in two boneless rib chops or switch to boneless chicken thighs or breasts.
Pineapple- Add a cup of chopped pineapple to the slow cooker.
Chipotle – Add a tablespoon of chipotle in adobo sauce with 2 teaspoons of honey.
Cuban – Add a tablespoon of orange juice and 2 teaspoons lime juice, and leave our the chili powder.
Cajun – Add 1 tablespoon hot sauce and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Replace spices with cajun spices (replace chili powder with paprika and add 1/2 teaspoon thyme and a dash of cayenne pepper).
Tips for making the best pulled pork for 2
- Once the pork is shredded, return it to the slow cooker with the cooking juices and a touch of bbq sauce; let it simmer for 15 minutes or more.
- For added texture after sow cooking and shredding, spread the pork on a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the edges.
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Cooking for Two Tips
Make cooking for two easy with these tips and tricks.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use white vinegar or red wine vinegar as alternatives.
Pork shoulder or pulled pork are traditional cuts of pork used for pulled pork, but pork tenderloin works well and so do boneless pork loin chops.
Yes, you can easily make this recipe in a Dutch oven. Sear the meat in the dutch; add the onion, and honey, vinegar mixture and cook for 2 to 3 hours in a 350 degree oven.
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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Two
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin
- 1 tabelspoon olive oil or your favorite cooking oil
- 1 small onion
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper flakes optional
- 1/8 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare: Mix the spices and divide it in half. Slice the onion into 1/4 inch thick slices. Mix the honey, water, vinegar and remaining spice mixture together.
- Rub half of the spice mixture into the meat.
- Heat oil a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the pork and sear it on all sides.
- Place the onion slices into the bottom of the slow cooker and top them with the seared meat.
- Combine honey, vinegar, water and remaining seasoning mixture; pour it over the meat. Add the red pepper flakes if using. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours. Shred with two forks, or cut it into pieces.
