One of my all-time favorite slow cooker dinner recipes is this one. Happy cooking! With this Slow Cooker Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork, the sweet and savory flavors go well together to make a hearty meal.
Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that’s beloved for its super tender, fall-apart texture and rich, smoky flavor. While traditionally smoked low and slow over a wood fire, you can easily replicate smokey pulled pork right at home in your slow cooker with just a dash of liquid smoke.
But exactly how much liquid smoke should you use? Using the right amount is key to infusing your pork with authentic smoky essence without overwhelming the meat. Follow this guide to learn how much liquid smoke makes sense for perfect pulled pork every time.
What is Liquid Smoke?
Liquid smoke is a concentrated, liquid seasoning that imparts a smoky flavor It’s made by capturing and condensing the natural smoke created when burning wood chips from flavors like hickory, mesquite, applewood, pecan, and more.
The resulting liquid smoke contains powerful smoky compounds that allow you to conveniently add smoke flavoring without needing an actual fire or smoker. It comes in a small bottle and is used drop by drop to provide a smoky note.
How Much Liquid Smoke is Needed for Pulled Pork?
When making pulled pork in a slow cooker, a good rule of thumb is to use 1-2 tablespoons of liquid smoke per 3-5 pounds of pork
For a average 4-6 lb pork shoulder or butt, that means using about 1-3 tablespoons of liquid smoke total. This provides plenty of smoky flavor without overwhelming the meat.
Here are some more specific guidelines:
- For a 3 lb pork roast, use 1-2 tablespoons liquid smoke
- For a 5 lb pork shoulder, use around 2 tablespoons
- For a 6-8 lb pork butt or picnic roast, use 2-3 tablespoons
Always start on the lower end of the range. It’s easy to add more liquid smoke later on if you want more smoky flavor, but you can’t take it away once it’s added. Remember that a little liquid smoke goes a long way!
How to Add Liquid Smoke to Pulled Pork
Adding liquid smoke to your slow cooker pulled pork couldn’t be easier. Here’s a simple process:
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Prepare the pork Select a Boston butt, picnic roast, or pork shoulder in the 3-6 pound range Rinse well, trim excess fat, and pat dry Apply your favorite spice rub and let marinate 1-2 hours.
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Add liquid smoke to cooker: Pour 1-3 tablespoons of liquid smoke directly into the bottom of your slow cooker. Hickory and mesquite are classic flavors for pork.
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Add pork and coat: Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker insert and turn to coat all sides with the liquid smoke. This helps evenly distribute smoky flavor.
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Add other liquids: Pour in any additional braising liquids like broth, apple cider, root beer, etc. Use about 1 cup total.
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Cook on low 8-12 hours: Cover and cook on low for 8-12 hours until incredibly tender. Cooking time varies based on size of roast.
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Shred pork: Use two forks to shred and pull pork. Toss with barbecue sauce to coat.
The liquid smoke infuses the pork with smoky essence as it slow cooks low and slow. For even more smoky flavor, you can add another splash of liquid smoke midway through cooking.
Liquid Smoke Tips
Here are some additional tips for using liquid smoke successfully:
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Always start with less liquid smoke and add more to taste later on if desired. It’s easy to overdo it.
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Hickory, applewood, and mesquite are versatile flavors, while oak and pecan are bolder choices.
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Look for all-natural brands without extra preservatives or additives.
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Add liquid smoke at the beginning so the flavor has time to permeate the meat fully.
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Mix into braising liquids like broth or cider vinegar rather than applying directly for a more even distribution.
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Use a spray bottle to lightly mist meats or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
Make Delicious Pulled Pork in Your Slow Cooker
With just a dash of liquid smoke, you can easily achieve authentic smoked barbecue flavor at home without a fancy smoker or grill. Use about 1-2 tablespoons per 3-5 pounds of pork shoulder, and be sure to add it at the beginning of cooking so the essence has time to infuse the meat.
Let the power of liquid smoke take your pulled pork and other slow cooker favorites to new smoky heights! Just remember that a little bit goes a long way.
How to make Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork In Instant Pot:
Converting this crock pot pulled pork Recipe into an Instant Pot Recipe isn’t that difficult. Here are the things that you are going to do differently:
- Even though the recipe says to follow the steps to the letter, add 1/2 cup of water or broth before you close the lid. So the meat doesn’t get dry, this lets steam happen.
- Close the lid, set it to sealing, then push manual. Set your timer for 30 minutes.
- After the time is up, let it cool down on its own. Then, shred the pork and put it on the rolls.
- Don’t rush it. If you wait for it to finish, I promise you will get the best results.
Related recipe: These Slow Cooker BBQ Country Ribs are a family favorite and are so easy to make!
If you want more help converting this recipe into an instant pot recipe, check out our YouTube channel and the video below! Subscribe to our channel here!
Watch how to make Smoky Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker and Instant Pot:
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Best way to Cook PULLED PORK Sous Vide – Liquid Smoke VS Real Smoke Pulled Pork
FAQ
How much liquid to make pulled pork?
Can you add liquid smoke to a slow cooker?
How to add smoke flavor to pulled pork?
How do you smoke pulled pork in a slow cooker?
Begin with 1-2 tsp. Use 1-2 tbsp for a 5 lb roast for pulled pork. Scale up for larger cuts. Add liquid smoke directly to the slow cooker. No need to mix with other ingredients. Stir and coat pork with smoke flavor early in cooking. For stronger smoke, add another dash halfway through cooking. Go easy! It’s easy to overdo. Add gradually and taste.
Can one eat pork?
A cooked, medium pork cutlet or steak provides 239 calories, 34 grams protein, 10 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 697 milligrams sodium, and 0 grams carbohydrate, if you eat only the lean part of the steak. Pork contains many of the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) found in beef and it is high in protein, but can be lower in fat than beef—depending on cut and preparation. Meat from any kind of mammal, including pork, can cause an allergic reaction (and some people who are allergic to mammalian meat also react to poultry).
How much liquid smoke do you put in a slow cooker?
Liquid smoke couldn’t be easier to use. Just follow these tips: Start small – a little liquid smoke packs a big punch! Begin with 1-2 tsp. Use 1-2 tbsp for a 5 lb roast for pulled pork. Scale up for larger cuts. Add liquid smoke directly to the slow cooker. No need to mix with other ingredients.
Can you cook pulled pork without a smoker?
You can have smoky, tender pulled pork without a smoker. Your slow cooker can create the most flavorful pulled pork for dinner tonight. Make dry rub by mixing first 7 ingredients together. This can be made days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. Using paper towels, dry pork on all sides to remove all excess moisture.