This 5-ingredient slow cooker pork recipe is the kind of practical summer dinner that earns a permanent place in the rotation: minimal prep, big flavor, and tender meat that cooks while you get on with the day. Pork shoulder steaks are especially well suited to low, gentle heat because their marbling gradually softens into rich, savory bites, and with just a few pantry ingredients you can build a sauce that tastes far more complex than the short ingredient list suggests.
Serve this pork with buttery corn on the cob, a crisp cucumber or coleslaw-style salad, baked beans, or simple roasted potatoes. The saucy shredded or sliced pork also works well spooned over rice, tucked into sandwich rolls, or paired with watermelon and iced tea for an easy warm-weather meal.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Summer Sensation Pork Shoulder Steaks
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
4 raw pork shoulder steaks, about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds total
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray or a thin film of oil if desired for easier cleanup. Scatter half of the sliced onion in the bottom, then lay the raw pork shoulder steaks on top in an even layer.
2. In a small bowl or measuring cup, stir together the barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the pork, then top with the remaining sliced onion.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
4. Serve the pork steaks whole with plenty of sauce spooned over the top, or shred the meat right in the cooker for a more pulled-pork style texture. Taste the sauce and spoon it over the meat when serving.
Variations & Tips
For a sweeter summer version: Use a honey-style or brown sugar barbecue sauce and add a few pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking for a fruitier, sunnier flavor profile.
For a tangier finish: Stir in a small splash of apple cider vinegar at the end of cooking if you want to brighten the richness of the pork and sharpen the sauce a bit.
For sandwiches: Shred the pork thoroughly and pile it onto soft sandwich buns with crunchy slaw. This is especially good if you are feeding a crowd and want an easy, casual presentation.
For best texture: Pork shoulder steaks have enough fat and connective tissue to stay moist in the slow cooker, but you still want to avoid overcooking on HIGH for too long, which can make the meat seem stringy instead of succulent.
For easy cleanup: A slow cooker liner can help, especially with sweet sauces that tend to caramelize around the edges during a long cook.
