carolina bbq pulled pork recipe

The Best carolina bbq pulled pork recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. I love the tender, juicy texture of the pork, smothered in a tangy and sweet BBQ sauce.

The key to this recipe is in the slow-cooking process, which breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, making it fall-apart tender. My kids can’t get enough of this dish, and it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I’ve even served it at our family gatherings and potlucks, and it’s always the first dish to be devoured.

But what really sets this recipe apart is the health benefits – by using leaner cuts of pork and a homemade BBQ sauce, we’re able to enjoy this delicious meal without feeling too guilty about the calories. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good BBQ? It’s just one of those classic flavors that never goes out of style.

And have you ever noticed how much more flavorful pulled pork is when it’s made from scratch? It’s just one of those things that elevates the entire dish from bland to grand. So if you’re looking for a new recipe to add to your repertoire, look no further than this Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork recipe – it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time!

I like to serve this dish with some crusty buns or over rice, but honestly, you can’t go wrong either way. And don’t even get me started on how well this recipe pairs with some crispy coleslaw or baked beans on the side – it’s just one of those match-made-in-heaven kind of combinations. But back to the recipe itself – I’ve found that using a mix of pork shoulder and boneless pork loin yields the most tender results, so be sure to keep that in mind when shopping for ingredients.

Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork

4.6 from 1113 votes

This Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork recipe features tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder smothered in a tangy, vinegar-based sauce. Perfect for sandwiches or as a main dish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time10 hours 15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork

2 lb pork shoulder
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

1 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp hot sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
2Rub the mixture evenly over the pork shoulder.
3Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
4Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5While the pork is cooking, prepare the sauce by combining apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
6Stir well to combine.
7Once the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
8Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top.
9Stir the pork and sauce together until well combined.
10Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
11Serve the Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork on buns with coleslaw or pickles, if desired.
Enjoy immediately.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Fork

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can grill the pork shoulder before placing it in the slow cooker. This will give it a smoky taste similar to traditional barbecue.

This Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is one that never fails – whether you’re serving it at home or taking it to a potluck or family gathering, it’s sure to be devoured quickly! One of my favorite ways to serve this dish is with some crusty buns or over rice, topped with all your favorite fixings like coleslaw or baked beans.

And if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!) , you can easily store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for later use.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork

What type of wood should I use for smoking the pork?

I prefer to use hickory wood for smoking my pork because it adds such a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy BBQ sauce.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can definitely make this recipe in a slow cooker! In fact, I often do just that when I’m short on time or want to come home to a ready-to-eat meal.

How long does it take to cook the pork?

The cooking time will depend on your desired level of tenderness – if you prefer your pork more tender and falling apart easily, you may need to cook it for up to 10 hours. However, if you prefer it slightly less tender but still juicy and flavorful, 6-8 hours should do the trick.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce instead of making my own?

I wouldn’t recommend using store-bought BBQ sauce for this recipe because it lacks the depth of flavor that homemade sauce provides. Plus, making your own sauce is actually quite easy and only requires a few basic ingredients!

Is there any way to make this recipe more spicy?

You can easily make this recipe more spicy by adding some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to your BBQ sauce mixture.

Similar Posts