Authentic Southeastern North Carolina Pulled Pork with BBQ Sauce
Experience the unmistakable flavor of Southeastern North Carolina with this mouthwatering pulled pork recipe. This dish uses a traditional dry rub featuring New Mexico chili powder, dark brown sugar, and an array of spices to create a tender and flavorful pork roast. Slow-cooked to perfection, the pork is then mixed with a zesty homemade BBQ sauce, delivering a taste that’s rich, smoky, and utterly satisfying. Pair it with classic Southern sides like hush puppies and coleslaw for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for family gatherings, cookouts, or any occasion that calls for a hearty meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless pork roast (Boston Butt recommended)
4-5 lbs (trimmed of excess fat)
True Southeastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce
1/4 to 1/3 cup (homemade, see recipe)
New Mexico chile powder
1/4 cup (ground)
Dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon (packed)
Ground cumin
1 tablespoon
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon
Sugar
1 tablespoon
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 tablespoon
Cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the New Mexico chile powder, dark brown sugar, ground cumin, kosher salt, sugar, fresh ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create a flavor-packed rub.
2
Generously apply the rub all over the pork roast, ensuring it's well coated.
3
Let the seasoned pork sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
4
Preheat your oven to between 250°F and 300°F (120°C to 150°C).
5
Place the seasoned pork roast in a baking pan, adding approximately 1/4 cup of water to maintain moisture.
6
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to retain heat and steam.
7
Bake in the oven for 4 to 5 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
8
Remove the pork from the oven and allow it to rest for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
9
Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
10
Mix in 1/4 to 1/3 cup of True Southeastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce until the pork is well coated, ensuring there’s no excess sauce pooling at the bottom.
11
Serve warm with homemade hush puppies and coleslaw, or pile the flavorful pork onto hamburger buns, adding a generous helping of mustard-flavored coleslaw on top for an added crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of meat is recommended for this pulled pork recipe?
A 4-5 lb boneless pork roast, specifically a Boston Butt, is recommended for this recipe.
What is the recommended cooking temperature for the oven?
The oven should be preheated to between 250°F and 300°F (120°C to 150°C).
How long should the pork bake in the oven?
The pork roast should bake for 4 to 5 hours, or until it is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
What ingredients are in the dry rub?
The rub consists of New Mexico chile powder, dark brown sugar, ground cumin, kosher salt, sugar, fresh ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
How long should the pork sit with the rub before cooking?
It is recommended to let the seasoned pork sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Why is water added to the baking pan?
Approximately 1/4 cup of water is added to the baking pan to help maintain moisture during the long cooking process.
Should the baking pan be covered?
Yes, the pan should be covered tightly with aluminum foil to retain heat and steam.
How long should the pork rest after coming out of the oven?
The pork should rest for approximately 10 to 15 minutes before shredding.
How do I shred the cooked pork?
The pork can be shredded into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
How much BBQ sauce should be mixed into the shredded pork?
Mix in 1/4 to 1/3 cup of True Southeastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce, ensuring the pork is coated without excess sauce pooling at the bottom.
What kind of BBQ sauce is used for this style?
The recipe specifies using a True Southeastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce, which is typically vinegar-based.
What are the traditional side dishes for this meal?
Traditional sides include homemade hush puppies and coleslaw.
How can I serve the pulled pork as a sandwich?
Pile the pork onto hamburger buns and add a generous helping of mustard-flavored coleslaw on top.
What type of chili powder is required?
The recipe specifically calls for ground New Mexico chile powder.
Should I trim the fat off the pork?
Yes, the recipe suggests using a pork roast that has been trimmed of excess fat.
Can I use regular table salt instead of kosher salt?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of kosher salt; if using table salt, you may want to adjust the amount as it is finer.
How much cayenne pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to add a bit of heat to the rub.
Is there both white and brown sugar in the rub?
Yes, the rub contains 1 tablespoon of dark brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of white sugar.
What size pork roast does this recipe accommodate?
This recipe is designed for a 4 to 5 pound pork roast.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is described as rich, smoky, and zesty, featuring traditional Southeastern North Carolina flavors.
How much cumin is used in the spice blend?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of ground cumin.
Is the pork cooked covered or uncovered?
The pork is cooked covered tightly with aluminum foil to ensure it stays tender.
What type of black pepper should I use?
Fresh ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I make this for a large family gathering?
Yes, with 4-5 lbs of meat, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cookouts.
How do I ensure the pork is 'fork-tender'?
By slow-cooking it at a low temperature (250-300°F) for at least 4 hours until it shreds easily.
Is this a spicy recipe?
The recipe includes New Mexico chile powder and cayenne pepper, which provide a mild to moderate kick.
Can I use light brown sugar if I don't have dark brown?
While dark brown sugar is specified for its deeper molasses flavor, light brown sugar can be used as a substitute.
What gives the coleslaw extra crunch on a sandwich?
Using a mustard-flavored coleslaw on top of the pork sandwich provides a distinct crunch and flavor contrast.
Can I use a bone-in pork roast?
The recipe recommends a boneless roast, but a bone-in Boston Butt can be used, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, pulled pork is excellent for meal prep as it can be easily stored and reheated for various meals.