I’ve been making this classic pulled pork recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish has its roots in traditional Southern cuisine, where pork was slow-cooked over an open flame to tenderize the meat.
When I first started making this recipe, I was drawn to its simplicity – just a few ingredients and some patience are all you need to create a delicious meal. As I began to experiment with different seasonings and techniques, I discovered that the key to a great pulled pork is in the slow cooking process itself.
By cooking the pork low and slow, you can break down the connective tissues and create a tender, fall-apart texture that’s just perfect for serving on a bun or with some crusty bread. My kids love helping me shred the pork with two forks, and it’s become a fun family activity that we enjoy together.
Whether we’re having a casual Sunday dinner or hosting a larger gathering, this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. And the best part?
It’s relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods, thanks to the lean protein from the pork and the minimal added sugars. I like to serve it with some roasted vegetables or a side salad to round out the meal.
This recipe has been passed down through generations of home cooks, and I’m excited to share it with you today.
Classic Pulled Pork
4.7 from 1892 votes
A classic pulled pork recipe slow cooked with spices and served with a tangy BBQ sauce. This dish is perfect for sandwiches or as a main course with sides.
1In a small bowl, mix together paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
2Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork shoulder, ensuring it is well coated.
3Place the pork in the slow cooker.
4Cook the pork on low heat for 8 hours.
5The pork should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
6If the pork is not tender enough, continue cooking for another hour and check again.
7While the pork is cooking, prepare the BBQ sauce.
8In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
9Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10The sauce should be thickened.
11Once the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
12Use two forks to shred the pork into small pieces.
13Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and pour the BBQ sauce over it.
14Stir until the pork is well coated with the sauce.
15Serve the pulled pork on buns with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw or pickles. Enjoy.
Tips: You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork. It should reach 190°F (88°C) for optimal tenderness.
Watch Video Of How Classic Pulled Pork Works
This classic pulled pork recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a larger gathering with friends and family. The best part?
It’s incredibly easy to reheat and serve – simply shred the cooked pork with two forks and serve on a bun or with some crusty bread. For longer-term storage, you can refrigerate or freeze the cooked pork for up to three months.
When reheating, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat slowly over low heat on your stovetop.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pulled Pork
What type of pork should I use for this recipe?
For this classic pulled pork recipe, you’ll want to use a boneless pork shoulder or butt. This cut is ideal because it’s relatively inexpensive and has plenty of connective tissue that will break down during the slow cooking process.
How long do I need to cook the pork?
The cooking time will depend on your oven temperature and the size of your pork shoulder. Generally speaking, you can expect to cook the pork for 6-8 hours at 275°F (135°C). You can also cook it in a crock pot or Instant Pot if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make this recipe in advance by cooking the pork ahead of time and refrigerating or freezing it until you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have a smoker?
Don’t worry – you don’t need a smoker to make this recipe! You can achieve similar results by using your oven or stovetop with some indirect heat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose gluten-free seasonings and avoid adding any gluten-containing ingredients during preparation.
Can I add other ingredients like onions or garlic?
Of course! Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite aromatics like onions or garlic during the cooking process.
This Cookie in a Jar Mix recipe allows you to create a delicious batch of chocolate chip cookies whenever you want. Simply combine the dry ingredients in a jar,…
This savory garbanzo bean bread is a gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat bread. Made with chickpea flour, it has a dense and moist texture with a nutty…
Top Ramen Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and crunchy ramen noodles. This salad is perfect for a ligh…
A flavorful twist on the classic Greek gyro using seasoned ground chicken, cooked to perfection and served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a creamy…
A moist and tender quick bread that combines shredded zucchini with crushed pineapple for natural sweetness. Perfect for using up summer zucchini, this loaf is …
