If you're craving a mouthwatering BBQ experience that captures the essence of Southern cuisine, look no further than this Eastern North Carolina BBQ Pulled Turkey recipe! With its tender, flavorful turkey drenched in a tangy homemade BBQ sauce, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends at your next gathering. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, this recipe combines the rich traditions of North Carolina BBQ with the health-conscious choice of turkey, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Get ready to elevate your BBQ game and keep your guests coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds turkey breast
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Buns for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey breast by patting it dry with paper towels and generously seasoning with salt and pepper on all sides.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper to create the traditional North Carolina-style BBQ sauce.
- Place the seasoned turkey breast in a slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably without overcrowding.
- Pour the prepared BBQ sauce mixture over the turkey breast, making sure it's evenly coated and the sauce covers most of the meat.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for approximately 4 hours, or until the turkey is extremely tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Once cooking is complete, remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker and transfer to a large cutting board.
- Using two forks, shred the turkey meat, pulling it apart into thin, stringy pieces.
- Return the shredded turkey to the slow cooker and mix with the remaining sauce, allowing the meat to absorb the flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne if desired.
- Serve the pulled turkey hot on soft buns, allowing guests to add extra sauce if they prefer.
Tips
- Choose the Right Turkey: Opt for a boneless turkey breast for easier shredding and a quicker cooking time. Ensure it's fresh for the best flavor.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper when seasoning the turkey. This step enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Let the Sauce Marinate: If you have time, let your BBQ sauce ingredients sit together for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Use a Slow Cooker: Cooking on low heat for 4 hours in a slow cooker ensures the turkey becomes incredibly tender and easy to shred. If you're short on time, you can cook it on high for about 2-3 hours, but keep an eye on it.
- Shred with Care: When shredding the turkey, use two forks to pull apart the meat gently. This method helps maintain the texture and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Taste as You Go: After shredding the turkey, mix it back into the sauce and taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more cayenne for heat or sugar for sweetness.
- Serve with Style: For a delicious serving suggestion, offer a variety of buns and toppings, such as coleslaw or pickles, to let your guests customize their sandwiches.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors deepen over time, making for a fantastic next-day meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 83mg
