BBQ Pulled Pork: Smoky, Sweet, and Perfectly Tender

BBQ Pulled Pork is a classic dish that’s beloved for its smoky, sweet, and perfectly tender flavor. This slow-cooked pork shoulder is coated in a flavorful dry rub and then cooked low and slow until it’s fall-apart tender. The pork is then shredded and mixed with a homemade BBQ sauce, resulting in a dish that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or as a main course with a side of coleslaw.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs pork shoulder
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat your smoker or oven to 225°F.
2. Combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the dry rub.
3. Rub the dry rub all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Smoke the pork shoulder for 6-8 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F.
5. While the pork is cooking, make the BBQ sauce by combining the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and spices in a saucepan. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Once the pork is done, let it rest for 30 minutes before shredding it with a fork.
7. Mix the shredded pork with the BBQ sauce and let it simmer for a fewminutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Serve the pulled pork on a sandwich bun with coleslaw and pickles.
9. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos

Tips:

1. Choose the right cut of meat: Pork shoulder is the best cut of meat for pulled pork. It’s a tough cut that needs to be cooked low and slow to become tender and juicy.
2. Use a flavorful dry rub: A good dry rub is essential for flavorful pulled pork. Be sure to use a mix of spices and seasonings that complement the pork, such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook low and slow: Pulled pork needs to be cooked low and slow for several hours until it becomes tender and falls apart easily. You can use a smoker, oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot to cook the pork.
4. Let the pork rest before shredding: After the pork is done cooking, let it rest for 30 minutes before shredding it with a fork. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.
5. Make a homemade BBQ sauce: A good BBQ sauce is essential for pulled pork. You can use store-bought sauce, but making your own is easy and allows you to customize the flavor to your liking.
6. Serve with coleslaw: Coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with pulled pork. It adds a refreshing crunch and complements the rich and savory flavors of the pork.
7. Don’t overcook the pork: Be careful not toovercook the pork, as it can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F, but don’t cook it for too long beyond that point.
8. Use a fatty cut of pork: Pork shoulder is a fatty cut of meat, which helps keep the pork moist and tender during cooking. Don’t trim off all the fat before cooking, as it will add flavor and moisture to the meat.
9. Let the flavors meld together: Once the pork is shredded, mix it with the BBQ sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will help the pork absorb the flavors of the sauce and become even more delicious.
10. Experiment with different flavors: While traditional BBQ pulled pork is made with a smoky and sweet BBQ sauce, you can also experiment with different flavors and seasonings. Try adding spices like cumin or coriander, or using a vinegar-based sauce for a tangier flavor. The possibilities are endless!

What are some other classic side dishes that go well with pulled pork?

There are many classic side dishes that pair well with pulled pork. Here are some popular options:

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy and refreshing side dish that complements the rich and savory flavors of the pulled pork.
2. Baked beans: A sweet and savory side dish that’s a classic at BBQs and picnics.
3. Potato salad: A creamy and tangy side dish that’s perfect for a summer barbecue.
4. Corn on the cob: A simple and delicious side dish that’s easy to prepare and pairs well with BBQ flavors.
5. Macaroni and cheese: A creamy and comforting side dish that’s a favorite among both kids and adults.
6. Roasted vegetables: A healthy and flavorful side dish that adds a pop of color to your plate.
7. Collard greens: A Southern-style side dish that’s savory and slightly bitter, and pairs well with the sweetness of the pulled pork.
8. Sweet potato fries: A sweet and salty side dish that’s a healthier alternative to traditional french fries.
9. Cornbread: A classic Southern side dish that’s slightly sweet and pairs well with the smoky flavors of the pulled pork.
10. Grilled or roasted corn: A simple and delicious side dish that’s perfect for outdoor grilling.

These are just a few examples of the many side dishes that go well with pulled pork. Experiment with different flavors and textures to find your favorite combination!

What other healthy side dishes can I make for BBQ pulled pork?

1. Grilled vegetables: Grilling vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meal. Simply brush the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling.
2. Roasted sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and vitamins and make a delicious and healthy side dish. Simply roast sliced sweet potatoes in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and seasonings of your choice.
3. Quinoa salad: Quinoa is a nutritious and versatile grain that can be used to make a flavorful salad. Combine cooked quinoa with chopped vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette dressing for a healthy and satisfying side dish.
4. Grilled corn on the cob: Grilling fresh corn on the cob is a simple and delicious side dish that’s perfect for summer BBQs. Simply brush the corn with a bit of olive oil and grill until tender.
5. Bean salad: Bean salad is a great way to add protein and fiber to your meal. Combine cooked beans with chopped vegetables, herbs, and a light dressing for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
6. Cucumber salad: Cucumber salad is a refreshing and low-calorie side dish that’s perfect for hot summer days. Combine sliced cucumbers with a light vinaigrette dressing and fresh herbs for a simple and healthydish.
7. Roasted brussels sprouts: Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients and make a delicious side dish when roasted in the oven with olive oil and seasonings.
8. Grilled fruit: Grilling fruit like peaches, pineapple, and watermelon is a unique and healthy way to add sweetness to your meal. Simply brush the fruit with a bit of olive oil and grill until caramelized.
9. Tomato and mozzarella salad: Tomato and mozzarella salad is a classic Italian dish that’s simple and delicious. Combine sliced tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
10. Beet salad: Beets are a nutritious and colorful root vegetable that make a delicious salad when roasted and combined with greens, goat cheese, and a light vinaigrette dressing.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, BBQ pulled pork is a delicious and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summertime BBQs and picnics. While traditional pulled pork can be high in calories and fat, there are many ways to make a healthier version by using a flavorful dry rub, choosing the right cut of meat, and serving it with healthy and nutritious side dishes.

Some popular and healthy side dishes that pair well with pulled pork include grilled vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa salad, bean salad, and cucumber salad. By being mindful of the ingredients you use and incorporating nutritious side dishes, you can enjoy the classic flavors of BBQ pulled pork while still maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.