Southern B B Q
Tender, smoky pulled pork infused with onions and a rich BBQ sauce, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners with bold Southern flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place pork roast, water, cloves, and sliced large onion in the crock pot. Cook overnight on very low heat.
- Remove pork from the crock pot in the morning and let it cool. Discard the juices, reserving 1/2 cup.
- Shred the cooled pork using two forks or your fingers, discarding any fat.
- Return shredded pork to the crock pot. Add diced onion and BBQ sauce.
- Cook on low heat for another 5-6 hours, adding reserved juice if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the pork roast in your favorite spices overnight before cooking. If you don't have whole cloves, ground cloves can be used in half the amount. Sliced bell peppers or garlic can be added for extra flavor. Adjust the BBQ sauce based on your preferred sweetness or spiciness. This dish is perfect for entertaining, so browse more Pork recipes for additional ideas.
Serving Suggestions
This Southern BBQ pairs beautifully with German Potato Salad Sauce or coleslaw for a classic barbecue feel. Serve on toasted buns for sandwiches or alongside cornbread for a hearty meal. Consider adding Easy Greens or baked beans as sides to balance the richness of the pork. A refreshing cucumber salad can also complement the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the pork in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or BBQ sauce to keep it moist. Alternatively, use the microwave, heating in short increments until warmed through, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern B B Q contains roughly 296 calories, with 18g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. At about 296 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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, you can use pork shoulder, which is ideal for shredding, or pork loin for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, with leaner cuts requiring less time to avoid drying out.
Is it necessary to cook the pork overnight?
While cooking overnight allows for deeper flavor development and tenderness, you can cook it on low for 8-10 hours if you're short on time. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 195°F for optimal shredding.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Shredded pork can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
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).