Southern Pork Barbecue
Tender, flavorful Southern Pork Barbecue with a tangy, spicy sauce, perfect for gatherings and comfort meals, highlighting smoky pork and bold seasonings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large crock-pot, boil the pork for 8 to 10 hours, using enough water to cover the meat.
- Cool the pork overnight and reserve the broth.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a lean cut of pork, like a shoulder or loin, to prevent excessive grease. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for Worcestershire sauce if you're looking for a tangy kick. Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level. If you want a smoky flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Southern Pork Barbecue on soft buns for a delightful sandwich, topped with coleslaw for crunch. It pairs beautifully with a side of Leaf Lettuce Salad or Alice Swaim's Broccoli Salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider offering pickles and hot sauce on the side for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer bags for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of reserved broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Pork Barbecue contains roughly 294 calories, with 6g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (77% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 cook the pork in a slow cooker instead of boiling?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker for this recipe. Simply place the pork in the slow cooker with the broth ingredients and cook on low for 8-10 hours until tender. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I do with the reserved broth?
The reserved broth is great for adding flavor to soups or stews. You can also use it as a base for cooking rice or lentils to infuse them with a savory taste. Just remember to strain it before using to remove any impurities.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the barbecue sauce?
To adjust the sweetness, simply add more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste, or reduce the amount to make it less sweet. You can also experiment with adding a splash of vinegar to balance the sweetness with acidity.
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).