Slow Cooker Deviled Pork Shoulder with Spicy Tomato Sauce Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the cooked pork and set it aside, then simmer the remaining liquid in the slow cooker on high or transfer it to a saucepan on the stove. This allows excess moisture to evaporate, concentrating the tangy flavors of the mustard and wine. Whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry if you need even more body.

For a more aromatic finish, you can add a sprig of fresh thyme or a bay leaf to the slow cooker at the beginning. These herbs pair beautifully with the mustard and tomato sauce. Remember to remove any woody stems or whole bay leaves before you begin shredding the meat, as they are not meant to be consumed and can disrupt the texture of the finished dish.

Variations

• Smoky Deviled Pork: Incorporate a teaspoon of smoked paprika alongside the Espelette pepper to add a deep, wood-fired flavor profile that complements the tangy mustard base beautifully.
• Herbed Mustard Pork: Stir in a tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme during the final hour of cooking to infuse the meat with earthy, herbaceous notes that brighten the overall flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheat

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed.

Store any leftover shredded pork in an airtight container to maintain its moisture. It is best to keep the meat submerged in the sauce to prevent it from drying out in the refrigerator.

Consume the leftovers within 3 to 4 days for the best quality and flavor. Always ensure the leftovers are refrigerated within two hours of cooking to maintain food safety standards.

You can assemble the pork and onions in the slow cooker insert the night before and keep it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to cook, simply add the sauce and spices, and start the machine.

This is an excellent way to save time in the morning. Note that you should add the sauce only when you are ready to start the slow cooker to prevent the acidity from affecting the meat texture too early.

Serving ideas

Serve this deviled pork shoulder over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or buttered egg noodles to soak up the delicious, tangy sauce.

A side of roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette provides a nice textural contrast to the soft, shredded meat. The acidity in the sauce pairs well with something starchy and comforting.

For a more casual presentation, pile the shredded pork onto toasted brioche buns to create hearty sliders. Top with a few crisp pickles or a quick slaw to add a refreshing crunch.

This presentation works well for gatherings or family meals where guests can build their own sandwiches. The combination of the spicy, tangy pork and the soft bun is always a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Deviled Pork Shoulder with Spicy Tomato Sauce

Prep 10 minCook 8 hRest 5 minTotal 8 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 3 lb pork shoulder, trimmed
• 2 large yellow onions, sliced
• 1 tsp Espelette pepper
• 1 1/2 cups mustard-tomato wine sauce, made ahead

Instructions

1. Place the pork shoulder into the base of the slow cooker. Scatter the sliced onions evenly around the meat to ensure they cook down into the sauce while the pork tenderizes.
2. Sprinkle the Espelette pepper over the pork and onions. Pour the mustard-tomato wine sauce over the top, ensuring it covers the meat and onions thoroughly to lock in the moisture.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is fork-tender. Once finished, ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C). Remove the pork, let it rest for 5 minutes, then shred it directly into the remaining sauce.

Contains: sulfites, mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

8 g

Fat

28 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

650 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.