In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover and let it sit for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. If you’d like, you can sear the pork in a hot skillet for about 5 minutes per side to create a brown crust before placing it in the slow cooker, but this step is optional.

BBQ Sauce

Make the BBQ Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Combine with Pork

Once the BBQ sauce is ready, pour it over the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Serving

Shred the Pork

When the pork is finished cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the BBQ sauce.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Serve the BBQ pork on buns, topped with coleslaw and pickles. Enjoy your delicious BBQ pork sandwiches!