Traditional Pulled Pork

Name: Traditional Pulled Pork
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt); 1 tbsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp black pepper; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 cup apple juice; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 8 hamburger buns

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 6 hours

🍽 Serves: 8

★★★★★

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There's something deeply satisfying about making pulled pork at home. This traditional recipe combines simplicity with rich, mouth-watering flavors, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving a hearty sandwich, this dish won't disappoint.

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Ingredients for Traditional Pulled Pork

Pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt, is the star of this recipe. Its high-fat content ensures juicy, tender meat after slow cooking. The kosher salt and black pepper enhance the natural flavors of the pork. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, which caramelizes beautifully during cooking. The smoked paprika imparts a subtle smokiness without needing a smoker. Both garlic powder and onion powder bring depth and savory notes, while a bit of cayenne pepper gives a gentle kick.

The apple cider vinegar and apple juice combination keeps the pork moist and adds a tangy sweetness. Finally, a bit of chicken broth rounds out the liquid, infusing the pork with savory goodness.

Tips & Tricks

For extra flavor, let the spice rub sit on the pork overnight in the fridge.
If you're in a hurry, you can cook on high in the slow cooker for 4-5 hours.
Save the cooking liquid! It can be reduced on the stove for a flavorful sauce.
If the pork is cooking too fast, lower the oven temp to 275°F (135°C).

Serving Suggestions

Serve your pulled pork on soft hamburger buns with coleslaw for added crunch. It pairs beautifully with a side of baked beans or corn on the cob. For a lighter option, try serving it over a leafy salad with a tangy vinaigrette. You can also use it as a filling for tacos, topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?: While pork shoulder is ideal due to its fat content, pork loin can be used for a leaner option, though it may not be as tender.
How do I store leftovers?: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
What if I don't have apple cider vinegar?: White vinegar or even lemon juice can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Traditional Pulled Pork Recipe Walkthrough

To get started, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) or set your slow cooker to low. This low, slow cooking method is key to achieving that tender, shred-with-a-fork texture we all love. In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This spice rub is your flavor powerhouse.

Next, take your pork shoulder and rub it generously with the spice mixture. Make sure you cover all sides – you want every bite to be packed with flavor. Place the seasoned pork into your roasting pan if using the oven, or directly into the slow cooker. In another bowl, stir together apple cider vinegar, apple juice, and chicken broth, then pour this liquid around the pork. This will keep the pork juicy and flavorful as it cooks.

Cover your roasting pan tightly with foil or secure the lid on your slow cooker. Let it cook for 6-8 hours. The long cook time is essential – patience here pays off with incredibly tender meat. Once done, remove the pork and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Now, using two forks, shred the pork, discarding any large pieces of fat. You're left with beautifully shredded pork, ready to be piled onto hamburger buns and topped with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfectly tender pork that practically falls apart.
A balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors.
Versatile enough for sandwiches, tacos, or even on its own.
Easy to make with minimal prep – let the oven or slow cooker do the work.

Ingredients

4 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt)

1 tbsp kosher salt

1 tbsp black pepper

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion powder

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup apple juice

1/2 cup chicken broth

8 hamburger buns

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) or set your slow cooker to low.

2. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork shoulder, ensuring to cover all sides.

4. Place the seasoned pork into a roasting pan or the slow cooker.

5. In a separate bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, apple juice, and chicken broth. Pour over the pork.

6. Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil or place the lid on the slow cooker and cook for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

7. Once cooked, remove the pork from the pan or slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes.