Slow-Cooked BBQ Pulled Pork

Ingredients

• 4 pounds (1.8 kg) pork shoulder 4 pounds (1.8 kg) pork shoulder
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (240 ml) barbecue sauce 1 cup (240 ml) barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) Worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup (60 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) Dijon mustard 1/4 cup (60 ml) Dijon mustard

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 12g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to create a spice rub.
3. 3.
   Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it is evenly coated.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard to create the barbecue sauce.
5. 5.
   Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a roasting pan and pour half of the barbecue sauce mixture over it.
6. 6.
   Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven.
7. 7.
   Slow-cook the pork for approximately 4-5 hours, or until it is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
8. 8.
   Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
9. 9.
   Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
10. 10.
    Pour the remaining barbecue sauce over the shredded pork and mix well to coat.
11. 11.
    Serve the Slow-Cooked BBQ Pulled Pork on buns, tortillas, or alongside your favorite side dishes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Barbecue sauce — Opt for a high-quality barbecue sauce or make your own for a more personalized touch.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra smoky flavor, add a small amount of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce.
• If you prefer a spicier pulled pork, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub.
• Let the pulled pork rest in the refrigerator overnight before serving to allow the flavors to meld together even more.

Serving advice

Serve the Slow-Cooked BBQ Pulled Pork on soft buns or tortillas for delicious sandwiches or tacos. Top with coleslaw, pickles, or sliced onions for added crunch and freshness.

Presentation advice

Garnish the pulled pork with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Serve it on a platter with the buns or tortillas on the side, allowing guests to assemble their own sandwiches or tacos.