Mama Robena'S Pork Barbecue
Tender, flavorful pork shoulder smoked with garlic salt, paprika, and pepper, then basted with a tangy vinegar-based barbecue sauce—perfect for casual gatherings and outdoor cookouts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season the pork shoulder overnight with garlic salt, paprika, and pepper.
- Bake the pork on a rack in a 250°F oven until the skin is crisp, about 3.5 to 4 hours.
- Make barbecue sauce by mixing vinegar, catsup, sugar, salt, and crushed red pepper.
- Baste the pork with the barbecue sauce and cook over low flame for 10 minutes.
- Remove the pork from heat and let it cool enough to chop into small pieces, including the skin.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the chopped pork.
- Serve on a warm bun with cole slaw.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, let the pork shoulder marinate overnight in garlic salt, paprika, and pepper. If you don't have fresh garlic salt, you can substitute with regular salt and minced garlic. Adjust the vinegar and sugar in the sauce to your taste preference; apple cider vinegar can be a great alternative for a sweeter twist. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes that feature slaw.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pork barbecue on warm buns, topped with a generous amount of cole slaw for a crunchy contrast. It also goes well with sides like baked beans or potato salad. For a fun twist, consider pairing it with a sweet and savory dish like Party Ham 'N Cheese Ball for your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pork barbecue should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the pork in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or leftover sauce to keep it moist. Cover the skillet to retain steam while heating through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama Robena'S Pork Barbecue contains roughly 82 calories, with 3g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 769mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
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 pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and flavor, you can use other cuts such as pork butt or even pork loin. However, cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure tenderness.
How can I adjust the spice level in the barbecue sauce?
To adjust the spice level, you can increase or decrease the amount of crushed red pepper according to your preference. For a milder sauce, omit the crushed red pepper entirely or replace it with a pinch of smoked paprika for flavor without heat.
What can I serve with Mama Robena's Pork Barbecue?
This pork barbecue is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the meal with sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or pickles. For a complete feast, consider adding a refreshing salad or some cornbread to balance the richness of the pork.
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).