Savory Oven-Braised Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Experience the delight of tender, juicy pulled pork right from your oven! This savory dish captures the essence of traditional barbecue without the need for smoking, making it accessible to all home cooks. The pork is marinated overnight with a robust blend of spices, salt, and brown sugar, which penetrates the meat for a burst of flavor in every bite. With a crispy top layer from oven roasting, the meat easily falls apart, creating an irresistibly moist filling for sandwiches. Serve it Carolina-style with a crunchy coleslaw on top, alongside baked beans or a creamy potato salad for a satisfying meal that's perfect for gatherings.
10
Servings
540
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
boston butt roast
6 lbs (trimmed and scored)
Butt Kickin' Blacken Cajun seasoning
1 cup (as needed for seasoning)
kosher salt
1 1/2 tablespoons (to taste)
dark brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
vegetable oil
as needed (for rub)
beer
12 ounces (preferably Sam Adams)
Instructions
1
The day before cooking, trim excess fat from the boston butt roast to enhance flavor absorption. Score the surface of the meat, similar to how you would prepare a baked ham.
2
In a bowl, combine the Butt Kickin' Blacken seasoning, kosher salt, and dark brown sugar. Generously rub this mixture all over the meat, ensuring an even coating. Drizzle the pork with vegetable oil and rub it in; this helps to blend the spices and prepare the meat for a sear.
3
Cover the seasoned meat with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
4
When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Remove the pork from the refrigerator and pour about 12 ounces of Sam Adams beer or a similar full-bodied beer over the meat, which will help keep it moist.
5
Place the pork in the oven uncovered for 15 minutes. This initial high heat will create a flavorful crust.
6
After 15 minutes, cover the meat tightly with aluminum foil. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and return the pork to the oven.
7
Cook the pork for an additional 2 hours and 45 minutes. The cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the meat. To test if the pork is done, insert a fork into the meat and twist; it should pull apart easily, and you should notice the meat has shrunk away from the bone.
8
Allow the pork to rest covered for at least 15 minutes before shredding. Use two forks or tongs and a fork to pull the meat apart. If desired, sprinkle another tablespoon of Butt Kickin' Blacken seasoning over the shredded pork for extra flavor.
9
If the pulled pork appears a bit dry, add a splash of additional beer or BBQ sauce to moisten it before serving.
Nutrition Information
27g
Fat
36g
Carbs
36g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of meat is best for this pulled pork recipe?
A 6 lb Boston butt roast is recommended for the best results.
How long should I marinate the pork?
The meat should be seasoned and refrigerated overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate.
What seasoning provides the main flavor profile?
The recipe uses Butt Kickin' Blacken Cajun seasoning combined with kosher salt and dark brown sugar.
Why should I score the surface of the meat?
Scoring the meat, much like preparing a ham, allows the spice rub to penetrate deeper and enhances flavor absorption.
What role does vegetable oil play in the preparation?
Vegetable oil is drizzled over the spices to help blend them together and prepare the meat for a sear in the oven.
What type of beer is recommended for braising?
A full-bodied beer like Sam Adams is recommended, using about 12 ounces.
What temperature does the oven need to be initially?
The oven should be preheated to 500°F (260°C) for the initial roasting phase.
How long does the pork cook at the high temperature?
The pork stays in the 500°F oven uncovered for 15 minutes to create a flavorful crust.
What is the secondary cooking temperature?
After the initial 15 minutes, the oven temperature should be lowered to 325°F (163°C).
How long is the total cooking time at the lower temperature?
The pork should cook covered for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes at 325°F.
How can I tell if the pulled pork is fully cooked?
Insert a fork and twist; the meat should pull apart easily and appear to have shrunk away from the bone.
Should the pork rest after cooking?
Yes, allow the pork to rest covered for at least 15 minutes before you begin shredding it.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 10 people.
What are the nutritional statistics per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 540 calories, 27g of fat, 36g of carbohydrates, and 36g of protein.
What is the best way to shred the pork?
You can use two forks or a combination of tongs and a fork to pull the meat apart into shreds.
Can I add more spice after the meat is shredded?
Yes, you can sprinkle an additional tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning over the shredded meat for extra flavor.
What should I do if the meat seems dry after shredding?
Add a splash of beer or your favorite BBQ sauce to the shredded meat to add moisture.
What are traditional side dishes for these sandwiches?
Common pairings include crunchy coleslaw, baked beans, or creamy potato salad.
What is 'Carolina-style' for pulled pork?
Carolina-style refers to serving the pulled pork on a bun topped with crunchy coleslaw.
Is it necessary to trim the fat?
Yes, trimming excess fat from the roast before seasoning helps enhance the absorption of the rub.
How much salt is used in the rub?
The recipe calls for 1.5 tablespoons of kosher salt.
Does the pork need to be covered in the oven?
It starts uncovered for the first 15 minutes, then must be covered tightly with aluminum foil for the remainder of the time.
What kind of sugar is best for the rub?
Dark brown sugar is used to provide a rich, molasses-like sweetness that balances the Cajun spices.
Is this recipe spicy?
It uses a Cajun blackening seasoning which provides a robust, savory flavor with a mild to moderate kick.
Can this be made without a smoker?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be oven-braised, making it accessible for home cooks without specialized equipment.
How much seasoning rub is used in total?
The recipe uses 1 cup of the Cajun seasoning in addition to the salt and sugar.
Can I use a different type of salt?
While kosher salt is recommended for its texture and flavor, you can use sea salt as a substitute.
How much beer should I pour over the meat?
Pour one 12-ounce bottle or can of beer over the meat right before putting it in the oven.
Is the pork cooked with liquid?
Yes, the beer acts as a braising liquid to keep the meat moist during the long cooking process.
Can I prepare the rub in advance?
Yes, you can mix the dry spices, salt, and sugar ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.