Carolina Style BBQ Pulled Pork
Experience the delicious flavors of the South with this Carolina Style BBQ Pulled Pork. Perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked for hours, this dish is bursting with flavor and is ideal for gatherings, especially during football season. By preparing everything a day ahead, you can ensure a stress-free game day. Serve this succulent pork on toasted buns with a zesty slaw on the side for the ultimate comfort food experience that will leave your guests raving!
10
Servings
600
Calories
25
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Butt
5-6 pounds (Whole)
Salt
To taste (Use for seasoning)
Cracked Black Pepper
To taste (Use for seasoning)
Garlic Powder
To taste (Use for seasoning)
Onion
1/2 large, grated (Grated)
Garlic
1 whole head (Peeled)
Bay Leaves
2 (Whole)
Light Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Apple Cider Vinegar
2 cups (For sauce)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
2 teaspoons (For sauce)
Cayenne Pepper
1 teaspoon (For sauce)
Ketchup
1 cup (For sauce)
Water
4 cups (2 cups for cooking, 2 cups for the sauce) (Use as directed)
Tabasco Sauce
To taste (For sauce)
Light Corn Syrup
3/4 cup (For sauce)
Tomato Paste
1/2 cup (For sauce)
White Vinegar
1/2 cup (For sauce)
Molasses
3 teaspoons (For sauce)
Brown Sugar
3 teaspoons (For sauce)
Liquid Smoke
1 teaspoon (For sauce)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Onion Powder
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Paprika
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
1. Prepare the BBQ sauce one to two days in advance for enhanced flavor. Combine apple cider vinegar, ketchup, light corn syrup, tomato paste, white vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, liquid smoke, cayenne, and salt in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer until thickened to desired consistency. Cool and store in the refrigerator.
2
2. The day of cooking, rub the pork butt generously with salt, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while you prepare for cooking.
3
3. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the pork butt in a roasting pan and cover tightly with foil. Bake for about 8-10 hours, until the meat is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
4
4. Once the pork is done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes. While resting, prepare a large pot with 2 cups of water and add bay leaves, 3-4 chopped onions, and a whole head of garlic. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
5
5. Transfer the pork to the boiling pot, ensuring it is submerged halfway. Cover and simmer for about 3 hours, or until the pork easily falls apart.
6
6. Remove the pork from the pot and reserve the broth for future use (great for beans or soup!). Shred the meat and combine with your prepared BBQ sauce.
7
7. Serve on toasted buns, optionally topped with slaw. For an authentic touch, serve alongside Southern Barbecued Beans.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
80g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carolina Style BBQ Pulled Pork?
Carolina Style BBQ Pulled Pork is a southern dish featuring slow-cooked, seasoned pork butt that is shredded and tossed in a tangy vinegar-based sauce.
What cut of meat is used for this recipe?
This recipe uses 5-6 pounds of pork butt.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What are the calories per serving for this pork?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 250°F (120°C).
How long does the pork cook in the oven?
The pork butt should bake for about 8-10 hours until tender.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to prepare the BBQ sauce one to two days in advance for enhanced flavor.
What ingredients are in the BBQ sauce?
The sauce includes apple cider vinegar, ketchup, light corn syrup, tomato paste, white vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, liquid smoke, cayenne, and salt.
How long should the pork rest after roasting?
The pork should rest for 30 minutes after being removed from the oven.
What is the simmering process for the pork?
After roasting and resting, the pork is simmered in a pot with water, bay leaves, onions, and garlic for about 3 hours.
Can I reuse the cooking broth?
Yes, the reserved broth is excellent for future use in beans or soup.
What spices are used in the dry rub?
The rub consists of salt, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder.
What type of vinegar is used in the sauce?
The sauce uses both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar.
How do I shred the cooked pork?
Once the meat is tender and has fallen apart, you can easily shred it using a fork.
What are some recommended side dishes?
It is traditionally served with zesty slaw and Southern Barbecued Beans.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 30 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 25 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 80 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does the recipe include liquid smoke?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke is added to the sauce for a smoky flavor.
What kind of onions are used for simmering?
The recipe calls for 3-4 chopped onions for the simmering pot.
Is there any sweetener in the sauce?
Yes, the sauce uses light corn syrup, molasses, and brown sugar.
How long should the seasoned pork sit before cooking?
The pork should sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes after being rubbed with seasonings.
What type of pot should I use for the sauce?
A medium pot should be used to combine the sauce ingredients and bring them to a boil.
How much water is needed for the simmering stage?
You will need 2 cups of water for the large simmering pot.
How do I serve the pulled pork?
Serve the shredded pork on toasted buns, optionally topped with slaw.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 25 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is cayenne pepper used in the recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of cayenne is used in the sauce for a bit of heat.
What is the preparation for the garlic used in the pot?
One whole head of garlic should be peeled before being added to the simmering pot.
Are there bay leaves in the recipe?
Yes, 2 whole bay leaves are added to the simmering liquid.
Is this recipe suitable for game day?
Yes, it is specifically noted as ideal for gatherings and football season because it can be prepped ahead of time.