If you’ve ever wondered if you can make pulled pork with pork loin instead of pork shoulder, the answer is yes and it’s easier than you think.
This crock pot pork loin pulled pork is a simple, no-fuss recipe that gives you tender, shredded BBQ pork without needing a fatty cut of meat. It’s made right in the slow cooker with just a few ingredients and comes out juicy, flavorful, and perfect for busy days.
Most people think you need pork shoulder to make good pulled pork, but pork loin works really well when it’s cooked low and slow with enough sauce to keep it from drying out.
If you’re looking for an easy pulled pork recipe, a lighter option, or just something you can throw in the crock pot and forget about, this is one you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Pulled pork in the crock pot is the simplest dinner recipe you can make on a busy weeknight or even a Sunday dinner. All you need to do is make sure your pork loin is thawed and ready to go at least 4 hours before dinner time. This BBQ pulled pork in the crock pot is Low carb and keto friendly! Serve it with Keto Mashed Potatoes for a complete meal.
Can you use pork loin for pulled pork?
Yes, you can use pork loin for pulled pork.
Most traditional pulled pork is made with pork shoulder because it has more fat, which makes it very juicy and tender. Pork loin is much leaner, but it still works really well in the crock pot if you cook it low and slow.
The key is not overcooking it and making sure there is enough moisture from the sauce. When done right, pork loin makes a lighter version of pulled pork that still shreds easily and tastes amazing.
If you’re looking for a leaner option, pork loin is a great choice.
What is the best meat for pulled pork?
The best cut of meat for pulled pork is usually pork shoulder (also called pork butt) because it has more fat and connective tissue.
That said, pork loin is a great option if you want something leaner.
Here’s the difference:
- Pork shoulder: more fat, very juicy, more forgiving
- Pork loin: leaner, slightly firmer texture, still shreds when cooked properly
If your goal is something a little lighter but still easy to make, this crock pot pork loin recipe is perfect.
Can you use a pork tenderloin for pulled pork?
You can use pork tenderloin, but it’s not the best option.
Pork tenderloin is smaller and much leaner than pork loin, so it cooks faster and can dry out more easily.
If you do use it:
- Reduce the cooking time
- Keep plenty of sauce in the slow cooker
- Check it early so it doesn’t overcook
For best results, pork loin is the better lean option for crock pot pulled pork.
How to make pork loin pulled pork in the slow cooker
The hardest part of this crock pot pork loin recipe is lugging out your slow cooker. We place the pork loin into the slow cooker and cover it with BBQ rub and rub it in. Then flip it over and cover the other side and rub it in.
Now we just place the lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
The meat will literally fall apart when it is finished. I like to shred the meat right in the crock pot with the juices to keep this crock pot pork loin extra moist.
Most pork loins are around 5 pounds so I like to make the pulled pork and then freeze half of it for future recipes. You can freeze it for up to 6 months in a freezer safe container.
After the crock pot pork loin is all shredded, top it with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Why is my pulled pork dry?
Pulled pork can turn out dry for a few simple reasons:
- It was overcooked
- There wasn’t enough liquid or sauce
- The cut of meat was too lean without enough added moisture
Since pork loin is leaner, adding enough BBQ sauce and cooking it just until tender makes a big difference.
If your pork seems a little dry after shredding, just mix in more sauce before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make pulled pork with pork loin?
Yes. It’s a leaner version of pulled pork, but it still shreds well when cooked in the crock pot.
How long do you cook pork loin in a slow cooker for pulled pork?
Cook on low for 6–8 hours or until the pork is tender and easy to shred.
Is pork loin or pork shoulder better for pulled pork?
Pork shoulder is more traditional and juicier, but pork loin is a great leaner alternative.
Can you overcook pulled pork in a crock pot?
Yes. Even in a slow cooker, pork can become dry if it cooks too long, especially lean cuts like pork loin.
Then you can serve it however you want! I love to have mine as a sandwich with 90 second bread and with some crispy keto coleslaw on top. So good!
Into easy Crockpot meals? Check these out: Cube Steak Recipe, Crockpot Swedish Meatballs, Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce, Crockpot Chicken Fajitas, Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos, and Crack Chicken
Crock Pot Pork Loin BBQ Pulled Pork
Method
- Place the pork loin in the crock pot and cover with BBQ rub and rub into the pork. Flip to the other side and repeat. Place the crockpot lid and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
- When finished cooking, shred the pork directly in the crock pot. Top with BBQ sauce and serve.
Julie says
Love the variety of receipes.
Kathy Baffone says
This pork was delicious and SO easy. I used the rub that was also great. Will be my new go to pulled pork recipe and I have used many.
TJ says
Excellent flavor but it was a little dry. To keep moist, would suggest a small amount of liquid (Worcestershire sauce, broth, liquid smoke, etc.)
John says
This recipe is fantastic
Helene says
So easy. I love the GH Huges sauces. Thanks for sharing.
Vivian says
Made this recipe for the first time last night. Loved it! The rub adds a wonderful taste to it. I used STUBB's Original BBQ sauce which I added during the last 30 minutes of cooking. I just added 1/2 a bottle or less as the juices and taste of the rub were so tasty. Definitely a recipe I will be making periodically. A high recommend.
Jennifer Wooten says
Excellent recipe! The pork is so flavor packed, juicy, and just perfect.
Amanda S says
I had a frozen pork loin I had no idea what to make. I found this recipe and so glad I did. My kids and husband loved it, I’m so glad it was not dry. It was moist and the seasoning was FULL of flavor. I did trim some of the fat, and I shredded with a hand mixer. It was delicious!!
Pamela Huggins says
Do you cut the fat off?
Jennifer Banz says
You can if you like
Laura says
This was absolutely fabulous….will definitely make again for extra servings and for freezer meals! Thank you for sharing. ????
Shia says
I put this on my smoker on 225 for an 1 an a half first then the crock pot. This really gave it such amazing flavor, really recommend trying this.
Jennifer Banz says
That's a great idea!
Elisa says
How about if I cook it the day before? Do you suggest shredding it after it’s cooked or wait to shred the next day after reheating?
Jennifer Banz says
I think either way will work. Shredding it after it cooks would usually dry meat out but since this is being shredded into the liquid, that shouldn't be an issue. If you do shred it the day after, make sure to keep the liquid that released from the cooking process.
Michelle says
This was a very tasty dish. Fantastic recipe. The pork was so moist and flavorful. Very easy to make. thankyou
hal ballard says
no liquid to prevent drying out?
Jennifer Banz says
The pork loin will release a lot of liquid as it cooks.
Chemene Jackson says
Can you do this with a frozen pork loin or do I need to thaw it first?
Jennifer Banz says
You would need to thaw it first. It is not recommended to use frozen meat in a slow cooker due to food safety reasons.
Kathy says
This is a great recipe for pulled pork and without adding any liquid! The rub was easy to make and the meat was so flavoful and juicy. My roast was just a little over three lbs and it cooked on low for 10 hours.This recipe is a keeper, thanks so much!
Tony says
Very easy and the rub is fantastic with a little cayenne in it.
BBQ bob says
Simple easy and taste delicious
Dawn says
Hi!
I made your rub recipe but that looks like a lot. How much do I use on a 3.10 lb loin?
Thanks!
jenniferbanz says
I would use enough to coat the roast.