north carolina pulled pork recipe

The Best north carolina pulled pork recipe

North Carolina pulled pork is a classic dish that has been a staple in my home for years. This recipe, a traditional North Carolina barbecue pulled pork. It’s a dish that originated in the Piedmont region of North Carolina and is known for its tangy, vinegar-based sauce.

The pork is slow-cooked until it’s tender and easily shredded, making it perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or just enjoying on its own. My family loves it because it’s a hearty, comforting meal that brings everyone together. The best part is it’s not just delicious but also packed with protein and essential nutrients.

My kids especially love it and its a great meal to serve for family gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner. It’s a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. I often serve it with coleslaw, pickles, and a side of cornbread.

It’s a meal that everyone in the family can enjoy, and it’s always a hit at gatherings. I’ve had friends ask me for the recipe time and again and I always am happy to share it. I love cooking this recipe because it’s a great way to bring people together.

It’s a dish that has been passed down through generations, it’s a great way to connect with my heritage and share it with my family and friends. It’s a dish that I always look forward to making and sharing with others.

North Carolina Pulled Pork Recipe

4.7 from 1680 votes

North Carolina pulled pork is a classic dish featuring tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder with a tangy vinegar-based sauce. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings and can be served on buns with coleslaw and pickles.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time8 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hours 15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

πŸ₯˜Ingredients

Ingredients

3-4 lbs pork shoulder
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³Directions

1Season the pork shoulder with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
2Rub the spices evenly over the entire surface of the meat.
3Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
4Add the apple cider vinegar, water, and brown sugar.
5Pour these liquids evenly over the pork.
6Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
7The pork should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
8If not, cook for an additional 30-60 minutes.
9Once the pork is tender, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
10Use two forks to shred the meat, pulling it apart into small, tender pieces.
11Discard any large pieces of fat.
12Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the cooking liquid.
13This will help keep the pork moist and flavorful.
14If the sauce is too thin, you can cook it on high for an additional 15-30 minutes to reduce it.
15If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water or vinegar to reach your desired consistency.
16Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
17The pork should have a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
18If you prefer a spicier pork, add more cayenne pepper.
19Serve the pulled pork on buns with coleslaw and pickles.

πŸ”§Equipment

Slow cooker or large pot
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Fork or meat shredder

πŸ“ŠNutrition Facts (per serving)

πŸ”₯Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20gπŸ’›Saturated Fat: 7g❀️Cholesterol: 100mgπŸ§‚Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 10gπŸ₯¦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 9gπŸ₯©Protein: 35g

πŸ“Notes

Tips: You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar if you prefer a sharper flavor. For a healthier option, you can use leaner cuts of pork or reduce the amount of brown sugar.

Watch Video Of How North Carolina Pulled Pork Recipe Works

This North Carolina pulled pork recipe is a classic dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone in the family. It’s easy to make in large quantities and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

It’s a great dish to serve for family gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner. It’s a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. You can serve it on buns with coleslaw and pickles, or use it as a topping for tacos or nachos.

You can also mix it with beans and rice for a hearty meal. It’s a dish that I always look forward to making and sharing with others. It’s a dish that has been passed down through generations, it’s a great way to connect with my heritage and share it with my family and friends.

It’s also a great way to use up leftover pork and create a delicious, flavorful meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Pulled Pork

1. Can I use a different cut of pork?

You can use other cuts of pork, such as pork butt or pork loin, but the cooking time may vary. Pork shoulder is recommended because it has a good fat-to-meat ratio, which keeps the pork moist and flavorful during the long cooking process.

2. Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes, you can make this recipe in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300Β°F (150Β°C). Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a large Dutch oven or roasting pan. Add the apple cider vinegar, water, and brown sugar. Cover the pan tightly with foil and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.

3. Can I freeze leftover pulled pork?

Yes, you can freeze leftover pulled pork. Allow the pork to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

4. Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in the slow cooker. Follow the instructions as written, but cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-7 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.

5. Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the sauce by adding more or less cayenne pepper. You can also add hot sauce or diced jalapeΓ±os to the sauce for extra heat. If you prefer a milder sauce, simply omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount used.

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