How Long to Cook Frozen Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot for Tender, Flavorful Results

Pulled pork is a crowd-pleasing staple that’ssimple to make in a slow cooker While most recipes call for thawed pork shoulder or roast, you can actually cook frozen pulled pork in the crock pot too With some preparation tips and the right cook time, it turns out just as delicious.

Keep reading to learn how long to cook frozen pulled pork in a crock pot to get mouthwatering, fall-apart tender meat bursting with flavor

Benefits of Cooking Frozen Pork in a Slow Cooker

Using frozen pork in a crock pot offers several advantages:

• Convenience – Skip thawing and prep the night before. Just season and add to the slow cooker.

• More flavor – The low, slow cooking allows seasonings to deeply penetrate the pork.

• Tender texture – Long cook times transform tough cuts into fork-tender shredded meat.

• Food safety – The prolonged heat eliminates bacteria, making frozen pork safe to eat.

• Easy meals – Shredded pork works for tacos, sandwiches, soups, casseroles and more!

With the right timing and preparation, frozen pulled pork can turn out just as moist and delicious as thawed.

How to Prepare Frozen Pulled Pork for the Slow Cooker

Prepping the frozen pork properly is key to ensuring it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors. Follow these tips:

• Choose the right cut – Look for a boneless pork shoulder roast around 3-5 pounds. Avoid oddly shaped cuts.

• Trim excess fat – This helps prevent greasy pulled pork. Leave about 1/4 inch of fat.

• Dry thoroughly – Pat the pork dry with paper towels to help seasoning adhere.

• Season generously – Rub seasoning blends, dry rubs or spice pastes all over the pork.

• Don’t thaw – Cooking from frozen helps keep juices and moisture locked in.

Now the pork is readyfor a long, flavor-building braise.

How Long to Cook Frozen Pulled Pork in a Slow Cooker

The microwave or stovetop can
With the right timing, you’ll end up with succulent, seasoned meat perfect for shredding into pulled pork.

Here are general guidelines for cook times:

• 3-4 pound roast:

  • Low setting: 8-10 hours
  • High setting: 6-8 hours

• 4-5 pound roast:

  • Low setting: 10-12 hours
  • High setting: 8-10 hours

Depending on your slow cooker, high may cook the pork faster. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – aim for 200°F internally.

For 1 inch thick roasts, figure around 1 hour per pound on low. Adjust time as needed to reach the optimum internal temperature.

Seasoning and Flavoring Ideas

One benefit of slow cooking is that the pork soaks up flavors as it braises. Consider these tasty additions:

• Dry rub – Chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, garlic, pepper

• Marinade – Soy sauce, lime, ginger, honey, garlic

• Braising liquid – Chicken/beef broth, beer, apple cider, barbecue sauce

• Aromatics – Onion, garlic, chili peppers, cilantro

• Spice pastes – Cilantro-jalapeño, chili-garlic, Jamaican jerk

Get creative with spices, herbs and sauces to make your pulled pork irresistible.

Step-by-Step Method for Cooking Frozen Pulled Pork

Follow these easy steps for flavored, tender frozen pulled pork every time:

1. Prep pork as desired – trim, pat dry, season all over.

2. Place seasoned pork in slow cooker and add braising liquid.

3. Cook on low for 8-12 hours or high for 6-10 until fork tender.

4. Use 2 forks to shred pork right in the cooker.

5. Stir in barbecue sauce and serve on buns or as desired!

Let the slow cooker work its magic for hassle-free pulled pork.

Serving Ideas for Crockpot Pulled Pork

Versatile pulled pork works in all kinds of dishes:

• Sandwiches – Try barbecue sauce, pickles and coleslaw.

• Tacos – Top with salsa, guacamole, queso, and more.

• Pizza – Use as a topping instead of sausage or pepperoni.

• Salads – Toss with greens, beans, cheese, and vinaigrette.

• Baked potatoes – Load up with cheese, sour cream and green onions.

• Omelets or breakfast tacos – Add eggs and cheese for a hearty start to the day.

The possibilities are endless for savoring delicious pulled pork.

Tips for Moist, Tender Frozen Pulled Pork

Follow these pro tips for the best results when cooking frozen pork in the slow cooker:

• Choose uniform roasts rather than oddly shaped cuts.

• Layer roasts instead of stacking to allow heat circulation.

• Add liquid like broth, soda or juice to braise and prevent drying out.

• Keep lid on and resist peeking/stirring for moisture retention.

• Shred pork with forks once fully cooked and tender.

• Let pulled pork rest in juices for maximum flavor and juiciness.

Now you can skip thawing and let your slow cooker magically transform frozen pork into insanely delicious pulled pork ready to enjoy all week long. Just prep the pork, add seasonings, set it and forget it. In 8-12 hours, you’ll have tender, juicy meat that shreds perfectly for serving up in all your favorite recipes.