Pulled Pork

Pulled Pork With Bbq Sauce

Name: Pulled Pork With Bbq Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 510 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, boneless; 2 tbsp (30g) paprika; 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar; 1/2 cup (120g) ketchup; 2 tbsp (30g) apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp (30g) Worcestershire sauce; 1/4 cup (30g) water

By Odette Delacroix · June 19, 2026 · Pulled Pork

Prep30 min

Cook480 min

Total510 min

Serves8

Pulled Pork With Bbq Sauce — Tender Pulled Pork in BBQ Sauce

There's something special about a warm, comforting plate of pulled pork, smothered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. It's a dish that evokes memories of lazy summer afternoons, backyard gatherings, and the simple joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. As someone who's passionate about cooking, I've always been drawn to the art of slow-cooking pork, watching it transform from a tough, raw piece of meat into a tender, flavorful masterpiece.

My journey with pulled pork began years ago, when I first experimented with a basic recipe. Over time, I've refined my technique, learning the importance of patience, the right balance of spices, and the perfect blend of BBQ sauce. Today, I'm excited to share my secrets with you, so you can create your own mouthwatering pulled pork with BBQ sauce at home.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves comfort food, whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out. It's easy to follow, requires minimal ingredients, and can be tailored to suit your taste preferences. So, let's get started and dive into the world of tender, juicy pulled pork!

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it at a casual gathering, a family dinner, or even as a quick weeknight meal. The pulled pork is also incredibly versatile, and can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches and salads to wraps and tacos. So, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and combinations.

In this recipe, we'll cover the basics of slow-cooking pork, including the importance of temperature control, the role of spices and seasonings, and the art of creating the perfect BBQ sauce. We'll also explore some helpful tips and tricks for achieving tender, juicy meat, and discuss some common mistakes to avoid. By the end of this journey, you'll be a pulled pork expert, ready to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for beginners or those short on time.
The pulled pork is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches and salads to wraps and tacos.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made in large quantities, making it perfect for families or groups.
The BBQ sauce is made from scratch, allowing you to control the level of sweetness and spice to your taste.
The recipe is perfect for comfort food lovers, with its rich, tangy BBQ sauce and tender, juicy pulled pork.
The dish is easy to serve and can be paired with a variety of sides, from coleslaw and baked beans to grilled vegetables and cornbread.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe's success lies in its combination of low-and-slow cooking, careful temperature control, and a rich, tangy BBQ sauce. By cooking the pork shoulder at a low temperature for an extended period, we allow the connective tissues to break down, resulting in tender, fall-apart meat. The BBQ sauce, made with a blend of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices, adds a depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness, balancing out the richness of the pork.

The use of a dry rub, applied to the pork before cooking, also plays a crucial role in the recipe's success. The dry rub helps to enhance the natural flavors of the pork, adding a boost of flavor and aroma to the finished dish. Additionally, the dry rub helps to create a nice crust on the outside of the pork, which adds texture and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Finally, the importance of resting the pork after cooking cannot be overstated. By allowing the pork to rest, we enable the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. This step is essential for achieving the perfect pulled pork, and is a key factor in the recipe's success.

Throughout this recipe, we'll explore the science behind these techniques, and provide you with the knowledge and confidence to create your own delicious pulled pork with BBQ sauce at home. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite, and will provide you with a solid foundation for exploring the world of slow-cooked meats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to pulled pork, the quality of the ingredients is crucial. You'll want to choose a pork shoulder with a good balance of fat and lean meat, as this will help to keep the pork moist and flavorful during cooking. You'll also need a few basic spices and seasonings, including paprika, garlic powder, and salt, to add depth and complexity to the dish. Finally, you'll need a few ingredients for the BBQ sauce, including ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose fresh, high-quality items. For the pork shoulder, look for a cut with a good balance of fat and lean meat, and opt for a boneless cut if possible. For the spices and seasonings, choose fresh, aromatic spices and avoid using old or stale ingredients. Finally, for the BBQ sauce, use high-quality ketchup and brown sugar, and opt for apple cider vinegar for the best flavor.

2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, bonelessChoose a pork shoulder with a good balance of fat and lean meat, as this will help to keep the pork moist and flavorful during cooking. Opt for a boneless cut if possible, as this will make it easier to shred the pork after cooking.
2 tbsp (30g) paprikaPaprika adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to the pork, and helps to enhance the natural flavors of the meat. Choose a high-quality paprika that is fresh and aromatic.
1 tsp (5g) garlic powderGarlic powder adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the pork, and helps to balance out the richness of the meat. Choose a high-quality garlic powder that is fresh and aromatic.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt helps to bring out the natural flavors of the pork, and adds depth and complexity to the dish. Choose a high-quality salt that is fresh and flavorful.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, peppery flavor to the pork, and helps to balance out the richness of the meat. Choose a high-quality black pepper that is fresh and aromatic.
1/4 cup (60g) brown sugarBrown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the BBQ sauce, and helps to balance out the acidity of the vinegar. Choose a high-quality brown sugar that is fresh and flavorful.
1/2 cup (120g) ketchupKetchup provides the base flavor for the BBQ sauce, and helps to add a sweet, tangy flavor to the pork. Choose a high-quality ketchup that is fresh and flavorful.
2 tbsp (30g) apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the BBQ sauce, and helps to balance out the richness of the pork. Choose a high-quality apple cider vinegar that is fresh and flavorful.
2 tbsp (30g) Worcestershire sauceWorcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami flavor to the BBQ sauce, and helps to enhance the natural flavors of the pork. Choose a high-quality Worcestershire sauce that is fresh and flavorful.
1/4 cup (30g) waterWater helps to thin out the BBQ sauce, and makes it easier to brush the sauce onto the pork during cooking. Choose fresh, cold water for the best flavor.

Ingredients for Pulled Pork With Bbq Sauce

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometer Cutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Pulled Pork With Bbq Sauce

1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
2
Heat a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the pork shoulder and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside.
3
Add the brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Return the pork shoulder to the skillet and spoon some of the BBQ sauce over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise the pork for 6-8 hours, or until it is tender and falls apart easily.
5
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, and then return it to the skillet with the BBQ sauce. Stir to combine, and cook over low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the pork is fully coated in the sauce.
6
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork. The temperature should reach 190°F (88°C) for tender, juicy meat. If the temperature is not high enough, continue to cook the pork in 10-15 minute increments until it reaches the correct temperature.
7
Once the pork is cooked and shredded, it's ready to serve. You can serve it on a bun, with some crispy onions and pickles on top, or with some crispy coleslaw and baked beans on the side.
8
To make the coleslaw, simply mix together 2 cups (200g) of shredded cabbage, 1 cup (100g) of shredded carrots, and 2 tbsp (30g) of mayonnaise. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and stir to combine.
9
To make the baked beans, simply mix together 1 cup (250g) of canned beans, 1/4 cup (60g) of brown sugar, and 2 tbsp (30g) of ketchup. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and caramelized.
10
To serve, simply spoon the pulled pork onto a bun, and top with some crispy onions, pickles, and coleslaw. You can also serve the pork with some crispy baked beans and grilled vegetables on the side.
11
Finally, be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop until hot and steaming. You can also freeze the pulled pork for up to 3 months, and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until hot and steaming.

Expert Tips

To achieve tender, juicy pork, it's essential to cook it low and slow. This breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a tender, fall-apart texture.
When making the BBQ sauce, be sure to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh ketchup and brown sugar. This will help to add depth and complexity to the sauce.
To add some extra flavor to the pork, try adding some aromatics to the skillet during cooking. Onions, garlic, and carrots all work well, and add a rich, savory flavor to the meat.
If you're short on time, you can also make the pulled pork in a slow cooker. Simply brown the pork in a skillet, and then transfer it to the slow cooker with the BBQ sauce. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
To make the dish more substantial, try serving the pulled pork with some crispy coleslaw and baked beans on the side. This adds some extra texture and flavor to the dish, and helps to round out the meal.
Finally, be sure to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the dish your own. Try adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the BBQ sauce, or using different types of wood chips to add a smoky flavor to the pork.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake when making pulled pork is to overcook the meat. This can result in a dry, tough texture that's unappetizing. To avoid this, be sure to cook the pork low and slow, and use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Another common mistake is to not let the pork rest after cooking. This can result in a lack of juices and flavor in the meat, and can make it difficult to shred. To avoid this, be sure to let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking, and then shred it with two forks.
A third common mistake is to not use high-quality ingredients when making the BBQ sauce. This can result in a sauce that's bland and unappetizing, and can detract from the overall flavor of the dish. To avoid this, be sure to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh ketchup and brown sugar, and to taste the sauce as you go to ensure it's balanced and flavorful.
Finally, be sure to not overcrowd the skillet when cooking the pork. This can result in a lack of browning and flavor in the meat, and can make it difficult to cook the pork evenly. To avoid this, be sure to cook the pork in batches if necessary, and to use a large enough skillet to accommodate the meat.

Variations and Substitutions

To add some extra heat to the dish, try adding some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the BBQ sauce. This will add a spicy kick to the sauce, and help to balance out the richness of the pork.
To make the dish more substantial, try serving the pulled pork with some crispy coleslaw and baked beans on the side. This adds some extra texture and flavor to the dish, and helps to round out the meal.
To make the dish more elegant, try serving the pulled pork on a bun with some crispy onions and pickles on top. This adds a nice crunch and flavor to the dish, and helps to elevate the overall presentation.
To make the dish more budget-friendly, try using a cheaper cut of pork, such as a pork shoulder or butt. This will help to reduce the cost of the dish, and make it more accessible to a wider range of people.
Finally, be sure to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the dish your own. Try adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the BBQ sauce, or using different types of wood chips to add a smoky flavor to the pork.

What to Serve With Pulled Pork With Bbq Sauce

Pulled pork is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. One popular way to serve it is on a bun, with some crispy onions and pickles on top. This adds a nice crunch and flavor to the dish, and helps to elevate the overall presentation. You can also serve the pork with some crispy coleslaw and baked beans on the side, which adds some extra texture and flavor to the dish.

Another way to serve the pulled pork is in a salad, with some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. This is a great way to enjoy the pork in a lighter, healthier way, and is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. You can also serve the pork in a wrap, with some crispy onions and pickles on top, which makes for a delicious and convenient meal on-the-go.

Serve the pulled pork on a bun with some crispy onions and pickles on topServe the pork with some crispy coleslaw and baked beans on the sideServe the pork in a salad with some mixed greens and a tangy vinaigretteServe the pork in a wrap with some crispy onions and pickles on top

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

When it comes to storing pulled pork, it's essential to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to keep the pork fresh and prevent it from drying out. You can store the pork in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until hot and steaming.

If you want to freeze the pulled pork, you can do so by placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag and storing it in the freezer. The pork will keep for up to 3 months, and can be reheated in the oven or on the stovetop until hot and steaming. When reheating the pork, be sure to add a little bit of water or broth to the pan to help keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.

Finally, be sure to label and date the container or bag when storing the pulled pork, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored. This will help to ensure that you use the pork before it goes bad, and that you can enjoy it at its best flavor and texture.

In addition to storing the pulled pork, you can also store the BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce will keep for up to 1 week, and can be reheated in the oven or on the stovetop until hot and steaming. You can also freeze the BBQ sauce, which will keep for up to 3 months. Simply thaw the sauce in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until hot and steaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of pork to use for pulled pork?

The best type of pork to use for pulled pork is a pork shoulder or butt, as these cuts are high in fat and connective tissue, which makes them perfect for slow-cooking. You can also use other cuts, such as a pork loin or tenderloin, but these may not be as tender or flavorful.

How do I know when the pork is done?

The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C), and is tender and falls apart easily. You can check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer, and also check the pork for tenderness by inserting a fork or knife into the meat. If the pork is still tough or resistant, it may need to be cooked for a longer period of time.

Can I make pulled pork in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make pulled pork in a slow cooker. Simply brown the pork in a skillet, and then transfer it to the slow cooker with the BBQ sauce. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.

How do I store pulled pork?

Pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating the pork, be sure to add a little bit of water or broth to the pan to help keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.

Can I make pulled pork ahead of time?

Yes, you can make pulled pork ahead of time. Simply cook the pork and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer, and reheat it when you're ready to serve. You can also make the BBQ sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

What are some good sides to serve with pulled pork?

Some good sides to serve with pulled pork include coleslaw, baked beans, grilled vegetables, and cornbread. You can also serve the pork on a bun, with some crispy onions and pickles on top, or in a salad with some mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette.

Can I use a different type of wood chip for smoking the pork?

Yes, you can use a different type of wood chip for smoking the pork. Some popular options include hickory, apple, and cherry, which can add a rich, smoky flavor to the meat. Simply soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker or grill.

How do I prevent the pork from drying out?

To prevent the pork from drying out, be sure to cook it low and slow, and use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. You can also add a little bit of water or broth to the pan to help keep the pork moist and prevent it from drying out.

Can I make pulled pork in a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can make pulled pork in a pressure cooker. Simply brown the pork in a skillet, and then transfer it to the pressure cooker with the BBQ sauce. Cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.

The Full Recipe

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