Barbecued Pork

Prep: 20 min Cook: 105 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Barbecued pork made from tender Boston butt, slow-cooked and then baked with a flavorful sauce of catsup, Worcestershire, vinegar, and spices. This dish offers a smoky, tangy flavor profile perfect for gatherings or family dinners, delivering moist, savory pork with a deliciously sticky glaze.

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Ingredients

  • 5 to 6 lb. Boston butt
  • salt
  • 1 tsp. chili sauce
  • 1 tsp. celery seed
  • 1 cup catsup
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1 tsp. brown sugar
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Cook pork in lightly salted water over low heat for 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
  2. Drain, reserving 1 cup of broth.
  3. Cut pork into thin slices and place in a large shallow baking pan.
  4. Combine salt, reserved broth, chili sauce, celery seed, catsup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar.
  5. Mix well and pour over pork slices.
  6. Bake at 325°F for 30 to 45 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider marinating the pork overnight with the spice mixture. If you want to reduce the heat, use a mild chili sauce or substitute with ketchup for a sweeter profile. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar can enhance the tanginess. Also, ensure you slice the pork thinly for even absorption of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the barbecued pork on a toasted bun for a delicious sandwich, or alongside classic sides like coleslaw and baked beans. It pairs beautifully with New England Dinner dishes, offering a satisfying balance of flavors. For a lighter option, serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals until hot. Adding a splash of broth can help keep the meat moist while reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecued Pork contains roughly 68 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 989mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).

68 kcal 3% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.6g 1% DV
Total Fat 0.1g
Carbs 13.8g 5% DV
Fiber 0.2g 1% DV
Sugar 11.8g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 989mg 43% DV
Potassium 124.3mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 0.6mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.1mcg
Vitamin C 1.3mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 26.1mg 2% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

Yes, while Boston butt is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can use pork shoulder or even pork loin. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts may require less cooking time to avoid drying out.

Is this recipe suitable for slow cooking?

Absolutely! You can cook the pork in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Follow the same steps for seasoning and saucing once it’s cooked. This method will yield incredibly tender meat, perfect for pulling apart.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free version or use tamari. Be sure to check the labels on catsup and chili sauce to ensure they do not contain gluten. This way, you can still enjoy the flavors without any dietary restrictions.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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