Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

Learn how to make classic Carolina BBQ pulled pork at home with this easy recipe. The pork is slow-cooked to perfection, then pulled apart and smothered in a tangy and savory barbecue sauce. Serve it on buns with coleslaw for a mouthwatering sandwich or enjoy it on its own with your favorite sides. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that captures the true flavors of Carolina barbecue.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds pork shoulder or Boston butt
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Hamburger buns, for serving

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to make the dry rub.
2. Rub the dry rub all over the pork shoulder, covering it completely. Place the pork shoulder in a large resealable bag and refrigerate it overnight or for at least 8 hours.
3. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the pork shoulder from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
4. Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan and roast it in the preheated oven for 5 to 6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C) and the meat is tender and easily pulls apart.
5. While the pork is cooking, prepare the barbecue sauce. In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Once the pork is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Using two forks, shred the meat into small pieces.
7. Pour the barbecue sauce over the shredded pork and mix well to coat the meat.
8. Serve the Carolina BBQ pulled pork on hamburger buns with coleslaw or your favorite sides.
9. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts