Easy North Carolina Barbecue Recipe

5 stars
4.62 (14)
Easy North Carolina Barbecue Recipe
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
810 mins
Total Time:
830mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on August 26, 2023

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Cook the pork on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until it is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  4. Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker or smoker, and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat.
  5. Place the shredded pork in a large bowl and pour the remaining barbecue sauce over it. Mix well to coat the meat evenly.
  6. 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.