Authentic Eastern North Carolina Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches
Experience the rich, tangy flavors of Eastern North Carolina with these tender pulled pork sandwiches. Made from succulent Boston butt and slow-cooked to perfection, this BBQ is steeped in vinegar-based goodness that highlights the meat's natural juices. With a kick of crushed red pepper and a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for true Southern comfort food. Pair it with crunchy coleslaw on soft, sesame seed hamburger buns for a delightful lunch that pays homage to our roots.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boston butt or pork loin
6-7 lbs (whole)
Dry rub seasonings
1/4 cup (prepared)
White vinegar
1 cup (liquid)
Apple cider vinegar
1 cup (liquid)
Water
1/2 cup (liquid)
Brown sugar
1 tablespoon (packed)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon (dry)
Sea salt
1 teaspoon (dry)
Fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (dry)
Hamburger buns with sesame seeds
12 (toasted if desired)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the Boston butt (or pork loin) in the crock pot and generously cover with the dry rub seasonings, making sure to massage the rub into the meat thoroughly for maximum flavor.
2
In a separate bowl, combine the white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a marinade.
3
Carefully pour the vinegar mixture around the pork in the crock pot, avoiding pouring directly on top to keep the dry rub intact.
4
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is fall-apart tender.
5
Once cooked, carefully remove the large pieces of fat from the pork. This will enhance the flavor while keeping the dish rich and hearty.
6
Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, mixing it with the juices left in the crock pot for added flavor.
7
To serve, use a slotted spoon to pile the pulled pork onto toasted sesame seed hamburger buns. Optionally, add a layer of crunchy coleslaw on top for an extra zing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recipe for?
Authentic Eastern North Carolina Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches.
What cut of meat is recommended for this recipe?
A 6-7 lb Boston butt or pork loin is recommended.
How long does the pork need to cook?
The pork should cook on the low setting in a crock pot for 8 to 10 hours.
What is the base of the BBQ sauce?
The sauce is a tangy vinegar-based marinade made with white and apple cider vinegar.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
How much dry rub seasoning is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of prepared dry rub seasonings.
Is there any sugar in the North Carolina BBQ sauce?
Yes, the sauce includes 1 tablespoon of packed brown sugar.
What provides the heat in this pulled pork recipe?
1 tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes provides a spicy kick.
How should the vinegar marinade be added to the crock pot?
Pour it around the pork instead of directly on top to keep the dry rub intact.
What is the best way to shred the pork?
Use two forks to shred the tender meat into bite-sized pieces.
Should I remove the fat from the pork?
Yes, carefully remove large pieces of fat after cooking to enhance the flavor.
What type of buns are recommended for serving?
The recipe suggests using sesame seed hamburger buns.
Are there any recommended toppings?
Adding a layer of crunchy coleslaw on top of the pork is highly recommended.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of sea salt.
Should the buns be toasted?
Toasting the buns is optional but recommended if desired for better texture.
What types of vinegar are used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of apple cider vinegar.
Do I need to add water to the slow cooker?
Yes, 1/2 cup of water is mixed into the vinegar marinade.
How do I prepare the meat before cooking?
Generously cover the whole pork piece with dry rub and massage it in thoroughly.
What category of meal does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
Is black pepper included in the seasoning?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper is used.
How should I plate the pulled pork?
Use a slotted spoon to pile the meat onto the buns to avoid making them too soggy.
Can I use pork loin instead of Boston butt?
Yes, the recipe allows for either Boston butt or pork loin.
What is the cooking method for this recipe?
This recipe is designed for a slow cooker or crock pot.
What makes this 'Eastern North Carolina' style?
The use of a tangy vinegar-based sauce rather than a tomato-based sauce defines this style.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor is rich and tangy with a hint of sweetness and a spicy kick.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a true Southern comfort food dish.
How do you ensure the pork is flavorful after shredding?
Mix the shredded meat with the juices remaining in the crock pot.
Is the red pepper preparation dry or wet?
The recipe uses dry crushed red pepper flakes.
How many pounds of meat should I buy?
You should look for a piece of meat weighing between 6 and 7 pounds.
Is the pork cooked on high or low?
The instructions specify cooking the pork on the low setting for maximum tenderness.