Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

• Spice rub
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
  Swaps for light brown sugar

  Instead of brown sugar

  • White sugar + molasses: 1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp molasses (light) or 2 tbsp (dark). The same as store-bought.
  • White sugar: The same amount. Crisper, paler cookies with less caramel flavor.
  • Light and dark brown sugar: The same amount, either way. Dark brown sugar tastes stronger and makes bakes a bit darker and moister.

  All 4 swaps for brown sugar

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  Swaps for smoked paprika

  Instead of paprika

  • Sweet paprika + a pinch of chipotle or cumin: The same amount of paprika, plus a pinch. Some smokiness without the full smoked flavor; chipotle adds heat.
  • Chipotle powder: About ¼ the amount. Smoky and much hotter.

  More for paprika

• 2 tsp kosher salt
  Swaps for kosher salt

  Instead of salt

  • Table salt or fine sea salt: About half as much as Diamond Crystal kosher, about ¾ as much as Morton kosher. The same saltiness when measured this way.
  • Salt by weight: 1 tsp is about 6 grams of table salt, 5 grams of Morton kosher, 3 grams of Diamond Crystal kosher. The most reliable way to swap, especially in baking and brines.

  More for salt

• 1 tsp garlic powder
  Swaps for garlic powder

  Instead of garlic

  • Fresh garlic: 1 clove for each ⅛ tsp powder, minced fine. Sharper and stronger.
  • Granulated garlic: About twice as much as the powder. The same flavor in coarser grains, which blend better into rubs.

  More for garlic

• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
  Swaps for ground cumin

  Instead of cumin

  • Ground coriander: The same amount. Brighter and citrusy, less earthy.
  • Chili powder: Twice as much. Contains cumin, plus chile heat and garlic.
  • Caraway seeds, ground: Half as much. A related flavor, a bit sharper.

  More for cumin

• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  Swaps for cayenne pepper

  Instead of cayenne pepper

  • Red pepper flakes: The same amount, crushed fine. Slightly milder, with visible flakes.
  • Hot sauce: A few dashes for each pinch. Adds vinegar and a little liquid.
  • Chipotle powder or hot paprika: The same amount. Chipotle is smoky; hot paprika is milder and fruitier.

  More for cayenne pepper

• Pork
• 4 lb boneless pork shoulder, also called Boston butt, trimmed of thick fat and cut into 3 or 4 chunks
• 1 large onion, sliced
  Swaps for onion

  Instead of onion

  • Another onion: The same amount. Yellow is the all-rounder; white is sharper and crisper; red is milder raw and adds color; sweet onions are mildest.
  • Shallots: The same amount, chopped. Milder and sweeter, with a hint of garlic.
  • Leeks: About 1½ times as much, white and light green parts. Milder and softer when cooked.

  All 4 swaps for onion

• ½ cup chicken broth
  Swaps for chicken broth

  Instead of broth

  • Vegetable broth: The same amount. Lighter and slightly sweeter.
  • Bouillon cube, powder or paste + water: Follow the label for the amount of liquid. Close in flavor; a little saltier.
  • Water + extra seasoning: The same amount, with ½ tsp salt per cup and extra garlic, onion or herbs. Flatter and lighter, but fine where other ingredients bring plenty of flavor.

  More for broth

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  Swaps for apple cider vinegar

  Instead of vinegar

  • White wine vinegar or lemon juice: The same amount. Less fruity than apple cider vinegar.

  More for vinegar

• 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving
• To serve
• 10 hamburger buns, toasted
• coleslaw and pickles (optional)

Cooking for a crowd? Pans, timing and salt for 12 to 50.

Missing something? Tap Swaps next to an ingredient, or see all substitutions.

Cook to 145°F inside (check with a thermometer).