This easy North Carolina Barbecue recipe is a tangy and delicious dish that will satisfy your barbecue cravings. Made with a simple vinegar-based sauce and tender pulled pork, this classic recipe is perfect for backyard cookouts and family gatherings. The flavors are bold, smoky, and slightly sweet, offering a true taste of the South. Serve it on a toasted bun with coleslaw for a traditional North Carolina BBQ sandwich, or enjoy it on its own with a side of baked beans and cornbread.
Ingredients
- 4-5 pounds pork shoulder or Boston butt
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
- In a bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, ketchup, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create the barbecue sauce.
- Place the pork shoulder or Boston butt in a slow cooker or smoker. Pour half of the barbecue sauce over the meat and reserve the remaining sauce for later.
- Cook the pork on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until it is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker or smoker, and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat.
- Place the shredded pork in a large bowl and pour the remaining barbecue sauce over it. Mix well to coat the meat evenly.
- Serve the Easy North Carolina Barbeque on toasted buns with coleslaw, or as a main dish with baked beans and cornbread. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
North Carolina BBQ is known for its distinct vinegar-based sauce.
The pork shoulder or Boston butt is the ideal cut of meat for pulled pork as it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
The combination of spices in the barbecue sauce gives the meat a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
North Carolina BBQ is often served with coleslaw to add a refreshing crunch to the sandwich.
Barbecue is a popular tradition in the South and has regional variations in flavor and cooking methods.