nc pulled pork bbq recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best nc pulled pork bbq recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite North Carolina-style pulled pork BBQ recipe. This recipe is a staple in our household, and I just can’t get enough of it. My kids love helping me make it, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings.

I love how tender and juicy the pork becomes after slow-cooking it in the tangy BBQ sauce. It’s a perfect recipe for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event. And the best part?

It’s actually pretty healthy, considering how much meat is involved! The key to making this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, like fresh pork shoulder and homemade BBQ sauce. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the sauce – you can add your own spices and herbs to give it an extra kick.

I like to serve it with some crispy coleslaw and cornbread on the side. My kids always ask for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!) , so I know you’ll love it too.

The secret ingredient that makes this recipe truly special is the patience required to slow-cook the pork. It’s worth every minute, trust me! After all, good things come to those who wait – and in this case, that means waiting for the most tender, fall-apart pulled pork you’ve ever tasted.

North Carolina Pulled Pork BBQ

4.8 from 1429 votes

This classic North Carolina pulled pork recipe features tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder with a tangy vinegar-based sauce. Serve on buns with coleslaw for a true BBQ experience.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time8 hrs
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork

3 lbs pork shoulder
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp smoked paprika

For the Sauce

2 cups apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tsp red pepper flakes

For Serving

8 hamburger buns
Coleslaw

👨‍🍳Directions

1Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder.
2Rub the pork with salt, black pepper, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
3Ensure the pork is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
4Place the pork in the slow cooker.
5Cook on low for 8 hours.
6The pork is done when it is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
7While the pork is cooking, prepare the sauce.
8In a mixing bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
9Once the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
10Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it.
11Stir to combine.
12Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns with coleslaw.
13Enjoy your North Carolina-style pulled pork BBQ.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
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: 40g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can add chopped onions and bell peppers to the slow cooker while cooking the pork. You can also adjust the sauce ingredients to taste.

This North Carolina-style pulled pork BBQ recipe is a game-changer for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize with your favorite flavors and spices.

For example, if you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of hot sauce in the BBQ sauce. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add more hot sauce!

The key is to experiment until you find just the right balance of flavors for your taste buds. And don’t forget to save leftovers for later – they reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Pulled Pork BBQ

Q1: What type of pork should I use for this recipe?

A1: For this North Carolina-style pulled pork BBQ recipe, you’ll want to use a pork shoulder with the bone intact. This will help keep the meat moist and flavorful during the slow-cooking process.

Q2: How long do I need to cook the pork?

A2: You’ll want to cook the pork for at least 8 hours, or overnight if possible. This will ensure that it’s nice and tender before shredding it with two forks.

Q3: Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce instead of making my own?

A3: While store-bought BBQ sauce can be convenient, making your own is worth the extra effort – trust me! Not only will your sauce be more flavorful, but you can also customize it to your taste by adding your own spices and herbs.

Q4: How do I prevent the pork from drying out?

A4: To prevent the pork from drying out, make sure to baste it regularly with its own juices during cooking. You can also add some liquid smoke or apple cider vinegar to give it an extra boost of moisture.

Q5: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

A5: Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker – simply brown the pork in a skillet first before transferring it to the slow cooker with its juices and BBQ sauce.

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