Authentic North Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Savor the rich and tangy flavors of the South with these Authentic North Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches. This recipe showcases a tender, slow-cooked boneless pork shoulder, perfectly infused with a sweet and spicy vinegar-based sauce. After hours of low and slow grilling, the pork can be effortlessly shredded to create a mouthwatering filling for toasted hamburger buns. Optional crunchy coleslaw adds a delightful texture and coolness, making this dish perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a cozy family meal. Enjoy a true Southern classic that's sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your household.
N/A
Servings
375
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless pork shoulder
4-6 lbs (Trim excess fat and rub with salt and black pepper)
Cider vinegar
2 cups (Used in BBQ sauce)
Brown sugar
1/4 cup (Packed)
Red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon (For added spice)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (Used in BBQ sauce)
Salt
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Hot pepper sauce
to taste (For additional heat)
Hamburger buns
10-12 (Split and toasted)
Coleslaw
optional (For topping)
Wood chips
4 cups (Soaked and drained (hickory or oak recommended))
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cider vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and hot pepper sauce. Divide the mixture into two equal portions and set aside: one for marinating the pork, and the other for serving.
2
At least 1 hour before grilling, soak the wood chips in enough water to cover them; drain before use.
3
Prepare the pork by rubbing it generously with salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor.
4
For charcoal grills: Ignite the preheated coals and arrange them around a drip pan to create medium indirect heat. Pour 1/2 inch of hot water into the drip pan to maintain moisture during cooking. Sprinkle half of the drained wood chips over the coals.
5
Place the seasoned pork shoulder on the grill rack over the drip pan. Cover and grill the pork for approximately 4 hours or until it is very tender, adding more preheated coals, wood chips, and hot water every 1 to 1.5 hours to maintain consistent heat and smoke.
6
Once the pork is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and cover it with foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes to lock in the juices.
7
Using two forks, shred the rested meat into long, thin strands. Pour one portion of the prepared sauce over the shredded pork and toss to coat evenly.
8
Serve the pulled pork on toasted hamburger buns, with optional coleslaw on top for added crunch. Keep the remaining sauce on the side for drizzling.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
29g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is North Carolina BBQ pulled pork?
It is a Southern classic featuring slow-cooked pork shoulder shredded and tossed in a tangy vinegar-based sauce.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
A 4-6 lb boneless pork shoulder is recommended for its tenderness and fat content.
What are the main ingredients for the NC BBQ sauce?
The sauce consists of cider vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and hot pepper sauce.
Why do I need wood chips for grilling?
Wood chips, like hickory or oak, provide the authentic smoky flavor essential for traditional BBQ.
How long should I soak the wood chips?
Soak the wood chips in water for at least 1 hour before grilling to ensure they smoke rather than burn.
Should I trim the fat from the pork?
Yes, trim the excess fat before rubbing the meat with salt and black pepper for seasoning.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
You should maintain a medium indirect heat throughout the 4-hour cooking process.
What is the purpose of the drip pan?
The drip pan catches meat juices and, when filled with water, helps maintain a moist environment inside the grill.
How often should I add more coals?
Add preheated coals, wood chips, and hot water every 1 to 1.5 hours to maintain consistent heat.
How long does the grilling take?
The pork typically takes about 4 hours to grill, or until it is very tender.
Why must the meat rest after cooking?
Letting the meat rest for 20-30 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the pork is moist when shredded.
How do I shred the pork?
Use two forks to pull the rested meat apart into long, thin strands.
When do I add the sauce to the pork?
Pour one portion of the prepared vinegar sauce over the meat immediately after it has been shredded.
What should I do with the second portion of sauce?
The second portion should be served on the side for guests to drizzle over their sandwiches.
What type of buns are best for these sandwiches?
Standard hamburger buns are recommended; they should be split and toasted for the best results.
Is coleslaw a traditional topping for NC BBQ?
Yes, adding crunchy coleslaw on top of the pork is a classic North Carolina way to serve these sandwiches.
Is this BBQ recipe spicy?
The sauce has a spicy kick due to the inclusion of red pepper flakes and hot pepper sauce.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make approximately 10 to 12 sandwiches.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 375 calories in one serving of this pulled pork sandwich.
How much fat is in one sandwich?
Each serving contains about 17 grams of fat.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
One sandwich provides approximately 25 grams of protein.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Cider vinegar is traditional for North Carolina BBQ and provides the specific tang required for the flavor profile.
Which wood chips are recommended?
Hickory or oak wood chips are the best choices for providing an authentic Southern BBQ flavor.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are approximately 29 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to preheat the charcoal?
Yes, ensure the coals are preheated before arranging them around the drip pan for indirect grilling.
Can I use bone-in pork shoulder?
The recipe calls for boneless, but bone-in can be used; just note it may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Do I need to cook the BBQ sauce?
No, the sauce ingredients are simply whisked together in a bowl and divided for marinating and serving.
What makes this 'North Carolina' style?
The 'North Carolina' style is defined by its thin, vinegar-based sauce rather than a thick tomato or molasses-based sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for picnics?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for picnics, gatherings, and large family meals.
How do I season the pork before grilling?
Rub the meat generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the pork during the slow cook.