Pulled pork

pulled_pork

Southern Pulled Pork Recipe: Slow-cooked, tender, flavorful, and smoky pieces of pork meat, slathered in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce, are the perfect embodiment of comfort food. Southern-style Pulled Pork is an iconic dish that brings everyone to the table with its unique smoky flavor and tender texture. This dish has its roots in the southern United States, where pit masters would go through lengths to craft deliciously slow-cooked pulled pork that would melt in your mouth.

Pulled pork is not just any ordinary dish, it is an experience that calls for patience, attention to detail, and masterful execution. Known for its simplicity, this traditional American dish is more than just a piece of meat. The unique blend of spices and sauces takes this dish to a whole new level, making it the perfect meal for weekends, celebrations, and gatherings of all kinds.

Southern-style Pulled Pork is a dish that is not to be taken lightly. The notion of slow-cooking meat may seem like an easy task, but it is far from it. Even with the perfect rub recipe or sauce, the key to a great Pulled Pork dish is in the cooking process. Slow smoking the meat is crucial to the success of this dish. This cooking method allows for the meat to cook slowly and tenderly under the wood smoke, while the fat and collagen break down naturally, making the meat even more flavorful and moist.

The cut of meat for this recipe is the Boston Butt or pork shoulder, which is ideal for long and slow cooking. It is an inexpensive cut of meat that packs plenty of flavor, has enough fat to render flavor during the cooking process, and is the perfect size for smoking. The Pork Shoulder is generously rubbed with a mixture of spices and left to rest under refrigeration for at least 12 hours before cooking. As the meat smokes for hours, the tender protein begins to break down and become moist and flavorful, pulling apart with ease.

Now, let’s talk about the sauce. The sauce is a critical component of a great Pulled Pork dish. It is what takes the dish from ordinary to extraordinary, and brings all the flavors together. Typically, southern-style Pulled Pork is served with a vinegar-based, tomato sauce with a touch of sweetness and heat. However, every pit master has their unique twist on the sauce, which makes it special to them. Some prefer their sauce to be spicier while others prefer it sweeter. Whatever the variation, the sauce is an important part of the dish, and no Southern Pulled Pork recipe is complete without it.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a dish that embodies the spirit of the south, looks like a work of art, and tastes like heaven, then Southern-style Pulled Pork is the way to go. It is an impressive dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds, satisfy your hunger, and bring the whole family together. With its smoky aroma and mouth-watering flavor, this iconic dish is perfect for any gathering, celebration, or just a lazy weekend at home. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves, put on your apron, and master the art of slow-cooking with this delicious Southern Pulled Pork recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 4-5 lb pork butt or pork shoulder, bone-in or boneless
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • Hamburger buns, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Rub the pork butt or pork shoulder with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Place the seasoned pork in a large dutch oven or roasting pan, and cover with a lid or with foil.
  3. Bake for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is very tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
  4. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and hot sauce.
  6. Use two forks to shred the pork into small pieces, and transfer the pork to a large mixing bowl.
  7. Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the pork, and toss to coat evenly.
  8. Return the saucy pulled pork to the dutch oven or roasting pan, and bake at 350°F (177°C) for an additional 30 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and has been absorbed by the meat.
  9. Serve hot on hamburger buns with coleslaw or pickles, if desired. Enjoy!