Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Pulled Pork – Slow Cooked & Fork Tender
Say hello to your new favorite dinner: Sweet and Savory Pulled Pork! This slow cooker recipe is seriously easy and packed with flavor—think tender, juicy pork in a buttery honey garlic sauce with just the right amount of tang and spice. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing all day long and works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for feeding a crowd.
Serve it on buns, in bowls, or straight from the slow cooker! However you dish it up, it’s going to be a hit.
Recipe Rundown
Slow Cooker Comeback!
I used to be all about slow cooker recipes, and I’m finally getting back into the groove—starting strong with this Sweet and Savory Pulled Pork. This one has been on repeat at our house lately, and it’s safe to say it’s not coming off the menu anytime soon.
The Flavor Vibe
I had a really hard time naming this recipe because it’s got so many flavors working together—garlic, honey, Dijon, soy sauce—but none of them overpower the others. Somehow, it all blends into this magical, buttery, slightly sweet, super savory combo that’s just so good. It’s comforting without being heavy, flavorful without being too much. Basically: it’s a flavor win.
How We’ve Been Eating It
We’ve tried this pulled pork a few different ways and honestly, you can’t go wrong. Here are some favorites:
- Toasted French bread with a little butter, crisped up in the oven
- Over fluffy white rice
- Piled onto creamy mashed potatoes
And bonus: everyone in the family devoured it, it’s totally kid-friendly. This one’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Why I Love a Morning Start
The best thing about slow cooker recipes is that you can throw everything together in the morning and come home to a dinner that’s basically done. I’m most motivated earlier in the day anyway, so it just works. Plus, the smell when you walk back in the door is unmatched.
Still on My Bucket List…
I’m dying to try this recipe with hot honey for a little sweet heat action. If you beat me to it, let me know how it turns out—I seriously want to hear all about it!
FAQ
Can I make this pulled pork in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sear the pork using the sauté function, then pressure cook on high for about 60 minutes with a natural release for 15–20 minutes. Thicken the sauce using sauté mode after shredding the pork.
What’s the best cut of meat for pulled pork?
Boneless pork butt (also called Boston butt) is ideal—it’s marbled and becomes super tender when slow-cooked.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently before serving.
How should I serve this sweet and savory pulled pork?
It’s great on toasted bread, over mashed potatoes, in rice bowls, tacos, or even stuffed into baked sweet potatoes!
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze the shredded pork with the sauce in a sealed container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Sprinkle of Fun
Once this sweet and savory pulled pork is in the slow cooker, your evening just got way easier. No dinner stress = more time for you. Grab a glass of wine, hit play on a fun audiobook (thrillers, rom-coms, or anything with a twist!), and kick back while your house starts smelling amazing.
Need something to do while it cooks? Try a quick puzzle, doodle in your notebook, or catch up on that project that keeps getting put off. It’s all about keeping things simple because dinner is basically taking care of itself.
Sweet and Savory Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs boneless pork butt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Pat the pork dry and season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork for 2-3 minutes per side until it’s golden brown.
- Place the seared pork in the slow cooker.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Stir in the honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and thyme.
- Pour the mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours (or HIGH for 4-5 hours) until the pork is fork-tender.
- Remove the pork to a cutting board and shred it with two forks.
- Skim the sauce in the slow cooker to remove excess fat, then stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until fully incorporated.
- Mix the cornstarch and water and stir it into the sauce. Turn the slow cooker back on and let it cook for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Toss the shredded pork back into the slow cooker to soak up the flavors.
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