Carolina Pulled Barbecue Pork
Tender, smoky pulled pork with tangy vinegar and spicy red pepper flakes, perfect for casual gatherings and served on buns or with coleslaw for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 2 onions, quartered ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1 (4 to 6 lb.) boneless pork roast ⓘ
- 3/4 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- 4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne ⓘ
Instructions
- Place onions in a heavy Dutch oven or cooker.
- Combine brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub on the pork roast.
- Place the seasoned pork over the onions in the cooker.
- Mix cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, sugar, dry mustard, garlic salt, and cayenne pepper to create the vinegar mixture.
- Drizzle one-third of the vinegar mixture over the roast.
- Cover and cook at 375°F for 5 to 6 hours, occasionally checking and pulling the meat apart with a fork.
- During the last half hour of cooking, drizzle the remaining vinegar mixture over the roast.
- Serve the pulled pork alone or on buns. Tastes great with coleslaw.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, marinate the pork roast in the vinegar mixture overnight. If you're short on time, consider using a pork shoulder instead of a boneless roast, as it is usually more forgiving during cooking. You can also substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar for a different tangy profile. For a smokier taste, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the vinegar mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pulled pork on soft buns or over rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with coleslaw or a refreshing Broccoli Madeline Salad for a complete spread. You can also serve it with baked beans or cornbread for a delightful barbecue experience. Don't forget to set out extra vinegar sauce for drizzling!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the pork in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or vinegar to prevent drying out, covering it until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carolina Pulled Barbecue Pork contains roughly 312 calories, with 8g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (140% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pulled pork a day in advance. Cook it as instructed, then let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for an easy meal on a busy day.
What can I do with leftover pulled pork?
Leftover pulled pork is versatile! Use it in tacos, quesadillas, or even on nachos. You can also mix it into pasta dishes or serve it atop a baked potato. Another great option is to incorporate it into a savory Bengetti Casserole for a comforting dish.
How do I know when the pork is done?
The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F to 205°F, which allows the meat to become tender enough to pull apart easily. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, and keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the size of the roast.
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).