Slow-Cooker Pork Shoulder
Slow-Cooker Pork Shoulder is a tender, flavorful dish where a tough cut of pork is cooked low and slow in a crockpot until it easily shreds. The typical ingredients include pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), aromatics like onions and garlic, and a savory liquid such as broth, barbecue sauce, or a spice rub. This method of preparation is a staple in American home cooking, particularly popular for its convenience and for creating dishes like pulled pork sandwiches.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and fat, providing a substantial amount of iron, zinc, and B vitamins. A typical serving contains roughly 400-500 calories, with the exact count depending heavily on the cut's fat content and any added sauces.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 33 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 75 mg |
| Zinc | 4.5 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.9 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 6.5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.8 mcg |
| Selenium | 35 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 220 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
Per 3 ounces (85 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, slow-cooking a pork shoulder is a cornerstone of American barbecue traditions, especially in the South. Nutritionally, the long cooking process breaks down tough collagen into gelatin, which not only creates the signature tender texture but also makes the meat's minerals more bioavailable.
