Discover the secrets to making tender and flavorful pulled pork with Bob’s signature recipe. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or craving a hearty dinner, this dish promises to satisfy with its juicy, slow-cooked perfection.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, boneless
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup chicken broth or apple juice
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls, for serving
How to Make Bob’s Pulled Pork:
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, covering all sides evenly. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to marinate.
- Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (110°C) for indirect heat cooking. If using an oven, preheat to 250°F (120°C).
- Place the pork shoulder on the smoker or grill, fat side up. Close the lid and cook for 1.5 hours per pound of meat, or until the internal temperature reaches 195-200°F (90-95°C) and the meat is tender and easily pulls apart.
- During the last hour of cooking, combine chicken broth (or apple juice), apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a spray bottle. Every hour, spray the pork shoulder lightly with the mixture to keep it moist.
- Once the pork reaches the desired temperature and tenderness, remove it from the smoker or grill and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Using two forks or meat claws, shred the pork shoulder into bite-sized pieces. Discard any excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded pork with barbecue sauce until evenly coated. Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to your preference.
- Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns or sandwich rolls, topped with coleslaw if desired. Enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients:
- Pork Shoulder (or Pork Butt): Known for its rich flavor and tender texture when slow-cooked, pork shoulder is ideal for making pulled pork.
- Spices: The combination of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper creates a flavorful rub that enhances the pork’s taste.
- Liquid Ingredients: Chicken broth (or apple juice), apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce add moisture and depth of flavor to the pulled pork during cooking.
- Barbecue Sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, barbecue sauce provides the final touch, adding sweetness and tanginess to the pulled pork.
Master Bob’s pulled pork recipe to create a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a comforting family dinner.
