carolina bbq pulled pork recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
carolina bbq pulled pork recipe
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The Best carolina bbq pulled pork recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork recipe. As a mom and a food blogger, I’ve had the pleasure of trying many different versions of this classic dish, but this one remains my go-to. The combination of tender pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and the perfect balance of spices is absolute perfection.

My kids love it when I make it for dinner, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Plus, the health benefits of using leaner cuts of pork and incorporating plenty of vegetables into the sauce are a definite bonus.

I like to serve it with a side of coleslaw or baked beans for a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy. One thing I love about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can serve it on a bun as a sandwich, over rice as a main course, or even as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos. The possibilities are endless!

And let’s not forget the leftovers – they’re just as good the next day, if not better. My family loves when I make this recipe for them because they know exactly what to expect: tender, flavorful meat in a rich and tangy BBQ sauce that’s sure to satisfy their cravings. And the best part?

It’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want to impress your family with a home-cooked meal.

Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork

Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork

4.7 from 664 votes

Tender pulled pork slow-cooked with a sweet and tangy Carolina BBQ sauce. Serve on brioche buns with coleslaw for a classic BBQ experience.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time8 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hours 15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork

2 kg pork shoulder

For the Dry Rub

2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder

For the Carolina BBQ Sauce

1 cup apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp hot sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

For Serving

Brioche buns
Coleslaw

👨‍🍳Directions

1Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat dry with paper towels.
2Combine paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.
3Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire pork shoulder, ensuring it is well coated.
4Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
5Pour apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper into the slow cooker.
6Stir to combine the sauce ingredients.
7Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
8The internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C).
9Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
10Use two forks to shred the pork into small pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat.
11Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
12Serve the pulled pork on brioche buns with coleslaw on the side.
13Enjoy the tangy and sweet flavors of Carolina BBQ.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 13g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoky flavor, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce. Leftover pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

This Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is truly a staple in our household. Not only is it delicious and easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile – you can serve it on its own as a main course or paired with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

And don’t even get me started on how well it stores – leftovers are just as tasty the next day! To store leftover pulled pork, simply place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

When reheating leftover pulled pork, simply place it in the microwave or oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork

Q1: What type of pork should I use for this recipe?

The best type of pork to use for Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork is pork shoulder or butt. You can also use other leaner cuts such as pork loin or tenderloin.

Q2: Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

While store-bought BBQ sauce is convenient, I highly recommend making your own from scratch using a combination of ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. This way, you can customize the flavor to your liking.

Q3: How long should I cook the pork?

Cook the pork until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C). This should take about 6-8 hours in a slow cooker or 2-3 hours in the oven.

Q4: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pork and sauce up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.

Q5: How do I reheat leftover pulled pork?

To reheat leftover pulled pork, simply place it in the microwave or oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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