Spicy Carolina Pulled Pork with Zesty Hot Pepper Sauce
Indulge in a mouthwatering experience with this Spicy Carolina Pulled Pork, perfectly slow-cooked to achieve a tender and flavorful dish. The succulent pork shoulder is seasoned with a robust blend of spices, enhancing its natural taste, and it is paired with a fiery Hot Pepper Vinegar Sauce that adds a spicy kick to each bite. Ideal for gatherings, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends, making it the perfect centerpiece for barbecues or casual dinners. Serve it on toasted hamburger buns for a delightful culinary experience that combines the essence of Southern cooking with a contemporary twist.
12-15 servings
Servings
213
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
paprika
1 tablespoon (ground)
light brown sugar
1 tablespoon (firmly packed)
chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (ground)
ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons
fresh coarse ground black pepper
1 teaspoon
kosher salt
1 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon
boneless pork shoulder (Boston Butt)
1 (4-5 lb) (rolled and tied)
cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups
sugar
2 tablespoons
Tabasco sauce
1 teaspoon
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon
kosher salt
to taste
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
hamburger buns
as needed
Instructions
1
Prepare the spice rub by combining paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, kosher salt, and cayenne in a mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well blended.
2
Rub the spice mixture evenly over the boneless pork shoulder, making sure to coat all surfaces. Allow the seasoned pork to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3
Preheat your grill for indirect cooking over medium heat. Once ready, place the pork roast fat side up on the grill and close the lid.
4
Cook the pork shoulder for 3 to 4 hours, or until its internal temperature reaches between 185°F and 190°F. The meat should be tender enough to pull apart easily.
5
Once cooked, remove the pork shoulder from the grill, place it on a serving platter, and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 20 minutes to retain its juices.
6
To prepare the Hot Pepper Vinegar Sauce, combine cider vinegar, sugar, Tabasco sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
7
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors. Keep the sauce warm until ready to serve.
8
Shred the rested pork into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your fingers. Discard any large chunks of fat, then moisten the shredded pork with a portion of the hot sauce, mixing well to incorporate the flavors.
9
Toast hamburger buns over direct medium heat for about 30 seconds, or until lightly browned.
10
Serve the pulled pork warm on the toasted buns, accompanied by the remaining Hot Pepper Vinegar Sauce on the side for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
7g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Carolina Pulled Pork?
It is a slow-cooked pork shoulder dish seasoned with a robust spice blend and served with a zesty Hot Pepper Vinegar Sauce, typical of Southern Carolina barbecue styles.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for a 4-5 lb boneless pork shoulder, also known as a Boston Butt, which should be rolled and tied.
What are the ingredients for the spice rub?
The spice rub includes paprika, firmly packed light brown sugar, chili powder, ground cumin, fresh coarse ground black pepper, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper.
How long should the pork sit after applying the spice rub?
After coating all surfaces with the spice mixture, allow the pork to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
What type of grill heat is required?
The recipe requires preheating the grill for indirect cooking over medium heat.
Which side of the pork should face up on the grill?
Place the pork roast fat side up on the grill to allow the fat to render and baste the meat during the cooking process.
How long does the pork need to cook?
The pork shoulder should cook for approximately 3 to 4 hours.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork?
The internal temperature should reach between 185°F and 190°F.
Why is the pork allowed to rest after cooking?
The pork rests for 20 minutes under aluminum foil to retain its juices, ensuring the meat remains tender and moist.
What ingredients are in the Hot Pepper Vinegar Sauce?
The sauce consists of cider vinegar, sugar, Tabasco sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste.
How do you prepare the Hot Pepper Vinegar Sauce?
Combine the ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
How do you shred the pulled pork?
Once rested, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your fingers, discarding any large chunks of fat.
Should the sauce be added directly to the meat?
Yes, moisten the shredded pork with a portion of the hot sauce and mix well, then serve the remaining sauce on the side.
How do you prepare the buns for serving?
Toast the hamburger buns over direct medium heat for about 30 seconds or until they are lightly browned.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield between 12 and 15 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 213 calories, 13g of fat, 7g of carbohydrates, and 16g of protein.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it contains cayenne pepper, chili powder, Tabasco sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes, providing a spicy kick.
Can I use a different type of vinegar for the sauce?
While the recipe specifies cider vinegar for its characteristic tang, you could experiment with white vinegar, though it will change the flavor profile.
What is the total ingredient count?
The recipe uses a total of 15 ingredients, including various spices, the meat, and sauce components.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends kosher salt for both the spice rub and the vinegar sauce.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
The nutritional data indicates that there is no significant fiber content in this specific recipe.
What is the main flavor profile of the sauce?
The sauce is a 'Zesty Hot Pepper' style, which is thin, vinegar-based, and spicy rather than thick and sweet.
How is the pork shoulder prepared before the rub?
The boneless pork shoulder should be rolled and tied before the seasoning is applied.
Can this be served as a low-carb meal?
Yes, if served without the hamburger bun, the pork and vinegar-based sauce are low in carbohydrates.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pulled pork, barbecue, hot sauce, southern cuisine, grilling, low carb, pork shoulder, spicy, and comfort food.
What type of sugar is used in the sauce?
The sauce uses standard white sugar, while the dry rub uses light brown sugar.
Is the internal temperature checked during or after cooking?
The temperature should be checked during the final stages of cooking to ensure it reaches the 185°F-190°F range before removal.
How do you serve the dish for the best experience?
Serve the shredded, moistened pork warm on toasted hamburger buns with additional sauce on the side.
What is the preparation for the paprika in the rub?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of ground paprika.