shredded barbecue pork recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best shredded barbecue pork recipe

I’ve been making shredded barbecue pork for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish is a staple of Southern American cuisine, and its origins date back to the early days of barbecuing in the United States. The key technique behind this recipe is slow-cooking the pork until it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork.

This method breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful. The flavor profile of this dish is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky. The barbecue sauce adds a richness that complements the pork perfectly, while the acidity from the vinegar helps to cut through the richness.

The slow-cooking process also allows the flavors to meld together, creating a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with faster cooking methods. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it on its own as a main dish, or use it as a topping for baked potatoes, salads, or even as a filling for tacos.

The leftovers also reheat beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or for feeding a crowd. In terms of health benefits, this recipe is actually quite good for you. The slow-cooking process breaks down some of the tougher proteins in the meat, making it easier to digest.

Additionally, using a homemade barbecue sauce made with vinegar and spices can help reduce your sodium intake compared to store-bought sauces. Overall, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

Shredded Barbecue Pork

4.6 from 1214 votes

Tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder shredded and smothered in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or as a main dish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time5 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time5 hours 15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Pork

2.5 lbs pork shoulder

Dry Rub

2 tsp paprika
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

Barbecue Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
2This helps the dry rub adhere better and promotes a nice crust.
3In a small bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4Rub the mixture evenly over the pork shoulder, ensuring all sides are well coated.
5Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
6Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours until the pork is tender and easily shreddable with a fork.
7While the pork is cooking, prepare the barbecue sauce.
8In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and black pepper.
Set aside.
9Once the pork is done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
10Use two forks to shred the pork into thin strips, discarding any large pieces of fat.
11Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker.
12Pour the barbecue sauce over the pork and stir to combine, ensuring the pork is well coated in the sauce.
13Cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Spoon
Fork

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 100mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 28g

This shredded barbecue pork recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a weeknight dinner.

It’s incredibly easy to make and reheats beautifully for future meals.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it on its own as a main dish or use it as a topping for various dishes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Shredded Barbecue Pork

1. What type of meat should I use for this recipe?

The best type of meat to use for this recipe is pork shoulder or butt. This cut has a lot of connective tissue that breaks down beautifully during the slow-cooking process.

2. Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce?

While you can certainly use store-bought barbecue sauce, I highly recommend making your own homemade sauce using vinegar and spices. This will give you much more control over the flavor profile and allow you to customize it to your taste.

3. How long does it take to cook this dish?

The cooking time will depend on your slow cooker or oven. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. If using an oven, cook at 275°F (135°C) for 6-8 hours.

4. Can I make this recipe in bulk?

Yes! This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, so feel free to double or triple the ingredients if you’re planning to feed a crowd.

5. What are some good sides to serve with this dish?

Serve with coleslaw, baked beans, or roasted vegetables for a classic barbecue spread.

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