Donna'S Pork Barbecue

Cook: 240 min Cuisine: American

Donna's Pork Barbecue features tender, slow-cooked pork infused with tangy and savory flavors, perfect for casual gatherings and served with rolls for a hearty meal.

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Ingredients

  • 6 lb. boneless pork shoulder
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 c. chopped celery
  • 1½ c. water
  • 6 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 6 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 4 c. ketchup
  • 4 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 2 Tbsp. prepared mustard

Instructions

  1. Place pork in a baking dish and add all ingredients, mixed well. Cover tightly with foil.
  2. Bake at 250°F for 3½ to 4 hours.
  3. Shred meat with 2 forks and return to the oven (covered). Continue baking for 1 to 2 more hours until really tender.
  4. Stir occasionally. If sauce cooks down, make additional and add to meat.
  5. Serve with rolls.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best flavor, marinate the pork shoulder overnight in the sauce before cooking. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can work as a substitute. Adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference, and consider adding some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking and ensures even flavor distribution throughout the meat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Donna's Pork Barbecue on soft rolls for a delicious sandwich, perfect for gatherings. It pairs beautifully with coleslaw or baked beans as sides. For an extra kick, offer pickles or jalapeños on the side. This dish can also be enjoyed over rice, making it a versatile meal option for any occasion.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover pork barbecue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the pork in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or additional sauce to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 300°F, covered, for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Donna'S Pork Barbecue contains roughly 1091 calories, with 148g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (295% of the Daily Value), potassium (65% of the Daily Value), and iron (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1823mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).

1091 kcal 55% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 147.7g 100% DV
Total Fat 27.2g 35% DV
Carbs 60g 22% DV
Fiber 9.6g 34% DV
Sugar 40.4g 81% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1823.4mg 79% DV
Potassium 3055.3mg 65% DV
Cholesterol 390mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 328.7mcg 37% DV
Vitamin C 18.5mg 21% DV
Calcium 243.6mg 19% DV
Iron 9.3mg 52% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber 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 boneless pork shoulder is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you could use pork butt or even pork loin. However, cooking times may vary; leaner cuts like pork loin will require less cooking time to prevent drying out.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this barbecue gluten-free, ensure that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten. Additionally, double-check the ketchup and other condiments to avoid any hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I cook this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by placing all the ingredients in the cooker and cooking on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. This method will yield tender, flavorful pork with minimal effort.

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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