North Carolina Heritage Pulled Pork
Discover the authentic taste of North Carolina with this classic pulled pork recipe. Perfectly tender and seasoned pork roast, slowly cooked to perfection. Savour the rich, tangy flavors of a homemade barbecue sauce with a hint of spice. Ideal for family gatherings or large celebrations, this dish captures the essence of Carolina cuisine. Traditionally paired with coleslaw and cornbread, this versatile pulled pork can be served on a plate or in a sandwich bun for a satisfying meal. Embrace a piece of Southern tradition with this easy-to-prepare and freezer-friendly recipe.
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boston butt (pork roast)
4 lbs (none)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Ketchup
1/2 cup (none)
Water
1/2 cup (none)
Lemon juice
1/4 cup (none)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
Vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Place the Boston butt pork roast in a Dutch oven. Pour in enough water to reach halfway up the roast. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
2
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and easy to shred.
3
Remove the roast from the water and place it on a plate. Allow it to cool before shredding or cutting it into small, pulled-pork-like pieces.
4
To prepare the sauce, combine ketchup, water, lemon juice, vegetable oil, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.
5
Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
6
In a serving bowl, mix the shredded pork with the sauce until evenly coated and seasoned to taste.
7
Serve the pulled pork with your choice of vegetables or in a sandwich bun. Pair with coleslaw and fried cornbread for a traditional side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is North Carolina Heritage Pulled Pork?
It is a classic Southern dish featuring tender pork roast seasoned and simmered until shreddable, then tossed in a tangy homemade barbecue sauce.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 4 lb Boston butt pork roast for the best results.
How is the pork initially seasoned?
The roast is sprinkled with salt and black pepper before simmering.
What cooking vessel should I use?
A Dutch oven is recommended for cooking the pork roast.
How much water do I add to the Dutch oven?
Add enough water to reach halfway up the sides of the pork roast.
What is the recommended cooking time for the pork?
The pork should simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours.
How do I know when the pork is finished cooking?
The pork is ready when it is tender and easy to shred.
What heat setting should I use for the pork?
The meat should be simmered over medium-low heat.
Should the Dutch oven be covered during cooking?
Yes, the roast should be covered while it simmers.
Do I shred the pork immediately after cooking?
No, you should remove the roast from the water and allow it to cool before shredding.
What are the ingredients for the barbecue sauce?
The sauce includes ketchup, water, lemon juice, vegetable oil, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes.
How do I prepare the homemade sauce?
Combine the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan, bring to a boil, and then simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.
Is the barbecue sauce spicy?
The sauce has a hint of spice provided by 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 5 servings.
Can this pulled pork be frozen?
Yes, this is a freezer-friendly recipe.
What are traditional side dishes for North Carolina pulled pork?
It is traditionally paired with coleslaw and fried cornbread.
How should the pulled pork be served?
It can be served on a plate with vegetables or inside a sandwich bun.
What type of vinegar is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of vinegar for the tangy sauce base.
How is the pork mixed with the sauce?
Mix the shredded pork and sauce in a serving bowl until the meat is evenly coated.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, it is described as ideal for family gatherings or large celebrations.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
What kind of oil is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Does the sauce require brown sugar?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar for sweetness.
What is the role of lemon juice in the sauce?
Lemon juice adds to the rich, tangy flavor profile of the North Carolina style sauce.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the final dish?
Yes, you should mix the pork and sauce until it is seasoned to your personal taste.
How should the pork be cut?
The pork can be shredded or cut into small, pulled-pork-like pieces.
Is the sauce boiled for a long time?
No, it only needs to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes after reaching a boil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total in this recipe.
Is this a traditional Southern recipe?
Yes, it captures the essence of Carolina cuisine and Southern tradition.
What is the primary flavor profile of the sauce?
The sauce is characterized by rich, tangy flavors with a hint of spice.