Pulled Pork with Smoky BBQ Sauce

Name: Pulled Pork with Smoky BBQ Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 4 lbs 4–5; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp onion powder; 2 tsp chili powder; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 ½ cups ketchup; ½ cup apple cider vinegar; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp molasses; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp liquid smoke; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Introduction

Pulled Pork with Smoky BBQ Sauce is a dish that embodies the heart and soul of American barbecue. Originating in the Southern United States, this recipe is all about slow-cooked pork that becomes so tender it practically melts apart when shredded. Coated in a bold, smoky, and slightly tangy BBQ sauce, the flavors are deeply satisfying and perfect for gatherings, backyard cookouts, or even cozy family dinners.

The magic of pulled pork lies in its cooking process — low and slow. This technique allows the connective tissues in the pork shoulder (often called “Boston butt”) to break down, resulting in meat that’s succulent and packed with flavor. Combined with a smoky BBQ sauce, it becomes a dish that’s irresistible.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between effort and reward. The prep is simple — season, slow-cook, and shred — yet the result is incredible. The pork absorbs smoky flavors from spices and the sauce, and the texture is melt-in-your-mouth tender.

It’s also a versatile dish. You can serve it in sandwiches, sliders, tacos, or alongside classic BBQ sides like coleslaw and cornbread. The leftovers taste just as good (if not better!) the next day, making it a meal that keeps on giving.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Ultimate comfort food: Tender, juicy pork with rich smoky sauce.
Perfect for gatherings: Feeds a crowd with ease.
Make-ahead friendly: Flavors improve overnight.
Versatile serving options: Sandwiches, rice bowls, tacos, or even on pizza!

Recipe Information

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 6–8 hours (slow cooker) or 4–5 hours (oven)
Total Time: 6.5–8.5 hours
Servings: 8–10 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American (Southern BBQ)
Calories per Serving: ~430 kcal (approx., may vary with sauce and portion size)

Ingredients

For the Pork:

4–5 lbs (1.8–2.2 kg) pork shoulder (Boston butt)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

For the Smoky BBQ Sauce:

1 ½ cups ketchup
½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp molasses (optional, for richness)
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp liquid smoke (optional, for extra smokiness)
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Directions (Step-by-Step Method)

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the spice mixture generously all over the pork shoulder.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork on all sides until browned (about 2–3 minutes per side).

Step 2: Cook the Pork

Slow Cooker Method: Place pork in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours, until tender.
Oven Method: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Place pork in a roasting pan, cover with foil, and cook for 4–5 hours, basting occasionally.

Step 3: Make the BBQ Sauce

While pork cooks, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a saucepan.
Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Shred the Pork

When pork is done, transfer to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat.
Discard excess fat. Return shredded pork to the pot or slow cooker.
Mix in 1–1 ½ cups BBQ sauce, tossing to coat. Reserve some sauce for serving.

How to Serve

Serve pulled pork piled high on toasted brioche buns with coleslaw.
Use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or cornbread.
Top a baked potato or pizza with pulled pork for a fun twist.

Recipe Tips

Trim excess fat from pork shoulder before cooking for less greasy results.
Let pork rest 15 minutes before shredding to retain juices.
Make sauce a day ahead for deeper flavor.
If you like smoky flavor, don’t skip liquid smoke.

Variations

Spicy Pulled Pork: Add extra cayenne or hot sauce to the spice rub and BBQ sauce.
Honey BBQ Pulled Pork: Replace some brown sugar with honey for a sweeter flavor.
Pulled Pork Tacos: Top with avocado, lime, and fresh cilantro in soft tortillas.
Carolina-Style Pulled Pork: Use a vinegar-based BBQ sauce for tangy flavor.
Pulled Pork Sliders: Serve on mini buns for parties.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions (with sauce) for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet or slow cooker with a splash of broth or sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

Slow cooker or Dutch oven (for low and slow cooking)
Large skillet (for searing)
Tongs and two forks (for shredding)
Saucepan (for BBQ sauce)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use pork loin instead of pork shoulder?
Pork loin is leaner and may turn out dry. Pork shoulder is best for pulled pork.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Pulled pork tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Q3: Can I cook pulled pork in an Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on high pressure for about 90 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.

Q4: Can I make it without BBQ sauce?
Yes, the seasoned pork is delicious on its own, but sauce elevates the dish.

Conclusion

Pulled Pork with Smoky BBQ Sauce is a true comfort food classic. With its tender, flavorful meat and bold, smoky sauce, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Whether you serve it at a summer BBQ, a game-day party, or a cozy family dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The best part? It’s versatile, make-ahead friendly, and always satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Print Recipe

Pulled Pork with Smoky BBQ Sauce

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 480 mins Total Time 8 hrs 20 mins

Servings: 10 Calories: 430kcal

Description

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork : In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture generously all over the pork shoulder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork on all sides until browned (about 2–3 minutes per side).
Step 2: Cook the Pork : Slow Cooker Method: Place pork in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours, until tender. Oven Method: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Place pork in a roasting pan, cover with foil, and cook for 4–5 hours, basting occasionally.
Step 3: Make the BBQ Sauce : While pork cooks, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a saucepan.Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Shred the Pork : When pork is done, transfer to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat. Discard excess fat. Return shredded pork to the pot or slow cooker.Mix in 1–1 ½ cups BBQ sauce, tossing to coat. Reserve some sauce for serving.