Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth, flavor-packed meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe for authentic North Carolina pulled pork will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of barbecue country. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for a weekend feast, a casual weeknight dinner, or even a crowd-pleasing party. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
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For the Pork:
- 3-4 lbs boneless pork shoulder (butt roast)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
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For Serving (optional):
- Brioche buns
- Coleslaw
- Pickled onions
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Pork
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better and promotes a nice crust.
Step 2: Making the Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
Step 3: Marinating the Pork
Place the pork shoulder in a large oven-safe dish or slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the pork, ensuring it's evenly coated. Cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors.
Step 4: Cooking the Pork
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the uncovered dish in the oven and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-93°C).
Slow Cooker Method: Place the covered dish in your slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
Step 5: Shredding the Pork
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven or slow cooker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pulled pork. Using two forks, shred the pork into smaller pieces.
Step 6: Serving the Pulled Pork
Serve the pulled pork on brioche buns with coleslaw and pickled onions, or enjoy it as is! The possibilities are endless – you can also add it to tacos, nachos, or salads.
Tips and Variations:
- For a smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as white vinegar or rice vinegar.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little heat.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking.
- For a quicker cooking time, you can use a smaller cut of pork shoulder.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on serving size and additions. For a 4-serving recipe, using a 3-lb pork shoulder and excluding buns and toppings, you're looking at approximately:
- Calories: 400-500
- Protein: 40-50g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 10-20g
This North Carolina pulled pork recipe is a delicious and relatively healthy meal option, perfect for a satisfying and flavorful quick dinner. Enjoy the journey of creating this easy recipe and the delicious results!