Get ready to transform your kitchen into a barbecue paradise with this legendary North Carolina Style Pulled Pork recipe that will make your taste buds dance and your guests beg for seconds! This isn't just another pulled pork recipe - it's a slow-cooked journey of flavor that captures the heart and soul of Southern cooking. Imagine tender, juicy pork infused with a perfect blend of spices, falling apart at the mere touch of a fork, and dripping with tangy barbecue sauce that will transport you straight to a Southern summer cookout.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 lb pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 8 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pork shoulder. Trim any excess fat from the surface, but leave some fat for flavor and moisture during cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create a dry rub.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork shoulder, ensuring it's well coated. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Once the pork is seasoned, place it in a slow cooker or a large Dutch oven. If using a slow cooker, set it to low heat. If using a Dutch oven, preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C).
- Pour the apple cider vinegar over the pork. This will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor as it cooks.
- If using a slow cooker, cover with the lid and let it cook for about 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork. If using a Dutch oven, cover it with a lid and place it in the preheated oven for the same duration.
- After 8 hours, check the pork for tenderness. It should be fork-tender and easily pull apart. If it’s not quite there, let it cook for an additional hour.
- Once the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker or Dutch oven and place it on a large cutting board or platter. Allow it to rest for about 15 minutes.
- While the pork is resting, you can prepare your hamburger buns. If desired, lightly toast them on a grill or in the oven.
- After resting, use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded pork with the barbecue sauce, adjusting the amount to your taste. You can add more sauce if you prefer a wetter pulled pork.
- Serve the pulled pork on the toasted hamburger buns. You can add additional barbecue sauce on top, if desired, and serve with your favorite sides like coleslaw or baked beans.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Always use pork shoulder (also called pork butt) for the most tender and flavorful result. The marbling ensures juicy meat.
- Patience is Key: Don't rush the cooking process. Low and slow is the golden rule for perfect pulled pork - 8 hours might seem long, but it's what creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Spice Rub Technique: Massage the dry rub thoroughly into the meat, ensuring every inch is covered for maximum flavor penetration.
- Vinegar Magic: The apple cider vinegar isn't just for flavor - it helps break down the meat's proteins, making it incredibly tender.
- Rest and Shred: Always let the meat rest before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the pork moist.
- Sauce Smartly: Add barbecue sauce gradually. You can always add more, but you can't take it away once mixed.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 125mg
