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 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.
Tracy says
Amazing and Easy!!!
Milli says
This pork recipe is unbelievable. So easy - no liquid needed. It produces liquid and once you shred the pork the liquid just incorporates itself in the pork. You really don't even need to add bar-b-que sauce it is so delicious without it. I added it just because I love sauce. Making it again tomorrow. Buy Hoagie rolls, throw some coleslaw on it and WOW!
Sasha says
I had a 5 pound porkloin. Cooked on low for 8 hours in crockpot and it was not at all to the point of fall apart tender. Parts still had a tight cover of thin fat, yet even cutting the fat off it didn’t shred easy. Any ideas why??
jenniferbanz says
Different thickness of meat will take longer. It needed a bit more time.
Sarah says
Will this work with a frozen pork loin?
jenniferbanz says
You would need to thaw it first. Frozen meats are not recommended for the crock pot. According to Slow Cookers and Food Safety guidelines, you should always thaw meat or poultry before putting it in a slow cooker.
Stephanie Williams says
I literally just goto Aldi and grab a pork loin roast for about $8. I love this meal and I never use slow cooker enough so this is a great way to get use out of it and u would think but the flavor that I spent hours of time preparing this meal.
Dianne Acri-Clinton says
Wow! This turned out better than I had expect as I used to make pulled pork with liquid, but never again. This will be my go to recipe from now on. So easy, and SO GOOD! I even left a few ingredients out from the rib but it turned out perfect!!
Ashley G says
Best pulled pork I’ve ever had; the rub is fantastic!
Patrick McNees says
Add chopped onion to bottom of crock and top of dry rubbed roast. Sliced fresh jalapenos will add an extra kick to the finished product also.
Susie Jeroski says
This looks delicious, I’m going to make it tomorrow. I went ahead and made the BBQ rub recipe you have the link for and I have a 6 pound pork loin roast. Do I use the entire amount of the BBQ rub? I don’t want to scrimp but also not overdue it. Your help appreciated! Thanks so much.
Katie says
Turned out wonderful. I did use real brown sugar in the bbq rub since we're not low carb. I didn't have quite enough time to cook on low the whole time so I did 1 hour on high and 6 on low. Meat fell apart and flavor was great even without bbq sauce. Definitely going to make again.
Barbara says
How much brown sugar did you use? That’s what I was going to do since I do not have sweetener. Making this tomorrow. Can’t wait!
Lisa says
the brown sugar substitutes are usually formulated for measurement same as sugar. Monk fruit or stevia or similar supersweet is added to bring up to sugar equivalent.
Shiela Bostelmann says
Just made this rub, just put in crockpot. I cannot wait to eat dinner tonight! : ) will let you know later how I liked this. Thanks.
Joanne Hunt says
Super simple and unbelievably tasty!
Christopher Zarza says
Excellent recipe. So inexpensive and delicious. Thank you.
Jill says
BEST pulled pork I’ve ever eaten. Made as directed and it fell apart when I touched it with a fork. So flavourful and perfect texture. Didn’t have that “slow cooker flavour” at all. 10/10 thank you!!
Vicky says
I’m making this now for my birthday tomorrow! It seems like it’s going to be AMAZING!
Drew says
This was delicious!!! Had a 1.5 lb pork loin and cooked for 8 hours on low. Didn't add and sauce and it was so good! Definitely will be remaking this often! Thank you!
Lisa Petersen says
I noticed there is liquid in the bottom of your crockpot when the loin is finished cooking. You started shredding it. Did you put water in the crockpot to cook in? Or is this just juices from the meat as it cooked?
This looks amazing and I plan to make it soon!
This low carb eating is new to me and I have been a little depressed about it. Felt like I was going to be deprived but have found you and I am feeling much better about this low carb adventure I am starting. Wish me luck....
jenniferbanz says
Yes, it's the liquid from the meat. You've got this!
Tara says
Awesome recipe! I added my BBQ sauce to the crock pot about 30 mins before serving. Very tasty recipe!
Kelly says
OMG, this was amazing! I only had season salt so I lightly sprinkled that on both sides of a 3.5 lb pork loin and cooked 8 hours on low.
Mary L Kessinger says
Tried this last month and was sooooo good!! Love using a leaner cut of meat. Making it again right now!
Thanks!
Mary
Linda says
I have a piece of pork loin just 1 1/2 pounds. How long would I cook on low in crock pot for shredded pork?
jenniferbanz says
Same amount of time
Charity says
This is a great recipe. My husband and I both loved it and we are making it again for Thanksgiving. We have a total of 10 people that will be at our house.
Capt. Melanie says
Didnt you have a recipe for texas homemade barbecue sauce , using ketchup on here at one time? I've been scearching for it
Shiela Bush says
sorry i said i had wrong. i have a bone in boston butt roast. can that be done in slow cooker? or too greasy?
jenniferbanz says
That would be perfect for the slow cooker as the fat will melt after cooking for a long time
Teri Salsberry says
Can you make this with pork roast? Im trying it tonight.
jenniferbanz says
Definitely!
Dayna says
A m a z I n g!!
I’ve always made this recipe with a pork butt...and everytime I’ve said I think a lion would be better! What a relief to find this recipe and it’s even more amazing that it’s sooo delicious !! What a success!
Thank you for sharing
Melissa Radwancky says
I just made this and I have to say its scrumptious! Honestly I myself think the dry rub recipe makes the dish. I barely used any of the barbecue sauce ( I use the same sauce as stated) Whole famile enjoyef..ty!
Lauren says
How long would you cook it from frozen?? I freeze my meat after I get groceries and put the meat into the crock frozen. 8hrs low? 6hrs high??
jenniferbanz says
It really is not recommended to cook meat from frozen in the slow cooker as there's the risk of harmful bacteria contaminating the meat before it reaches a safe temperature.
Holly says
What is the recipe for the rub?
Jimmy says
Would you recommend increasing the cook time for an 8 lb pork loin?
jenniferbanz says
I think 8 hours on low should still be plenty of time
Jimmy says
Alright, thank you, I will give it a try and test it!
Del says
Has anybody tried adding a liquid to the recipe? (Ex. Broth, soda, water... etc)
jenniferbanz says
You could but the pork releases a lot of liquid while cooking so it really isn't necessary
Jennifer says
Do we drain the juice then shredded and add bbq or shred with juices included?
jenniferbanz says
I shred with the juices but you could take it out and shred without the juices, then add some back to keep it moist.
Carol says
This is delish!!!!!!
Perfect rub, so tasty.
Happy to have found this recipe, and the fact it is made in a crock pot even better?
Cheryl says
Just wow! I used your BBQ rub recipe which I will now make a go to. No need for BBQ sauce, it isn't soooooo good. Thank you for sharing.
Heather says
I have a one lb pork would you recommend doing this recipe in thirds? What about cooking time?
jenniferbanz says
Yes, I would cut the recipe in thirds. I would check it after 2 hours on high and see if it will shred easily.
Taylor says
Do you have to put any water in the crockpot?
jenniferbanz says
Nope! The pork will release a lot of liquid
David L says
Mixing the rub was most ofvthe work. Too all of 10 minutes. 8 hours on low and the loin fell apart on its own. Flavors blended with bbq sauce perfectly. Just crazy easy and really good.
jenniferbanz says
So glad you liked it!
Kelly says
I love an easy, delicious crockpot recipe and will be trying this today. Do you remove any of the fat from the pork loin before cooking?
jenniferbanz says
You can but it is a personal preference
Noelle says
I love crock pot recipes, this looks amazing!
Taryn says
I love how easy this pulled pork is! Thanks for a great recipe.
Samantha says
Do you add any vinegar or water when cooking it?
jenniferbanz says
It's not needed. The pork will release a little of liquid as it cooks.
Lynne says
Thanks for the great recipe! Do you have the recipe for your rub?
jenniferbanz says
Here you go: https://jenniferbanz.com/the-best-bbq-rib-rub