North Carolina Pulled Pork

Description:

Prepare to indulge in the irresistible flavors of this North Carolina Pulled Pork, a dish that’s as awesome as it is hassle-free. Perfect for game day gatherings or any occasion where you crave savory satisfaction, this recipe boasts a tangy, smoky taste that will have your taste buds cheering for more. With a little prep the day before, you’ll breeze through the cooking process, ensuring a stress-free experience and allowing you to focus on enjoying the festivities.

Key Details:

Cook Time: 5 hours
Prep Time: 24 hours
Total Time: 29 hours
Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
Keywords: Pork, Meat, Weeknight, Oven, Stove Top

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 46
Fat Content: 0.1g
Saturated Fat Content: 0g
Cholesterol Content: 0mg
Sodium Content: 630mg
Carbohydrate Content: 9.2g
Fiber Content: 0.3g
Sugar Content: 7.7g
Protein Content: 0.6g

Ingredients:

Quantity	Ingredient
1	Salt
–	Cracked black pepper
–	Garlic powder
–	Onion
–	Garlic
–	Bay leaves
2 cups	Light brown sugar
1 cup	Apple cider vinegar
2 tsp	Fresh ground black pepper
1 tsp	Cayenne
2 cups	Ketchup
1 cup	Water
1 tbsp	Tabasco sauce
–	Light corn syrup
2 cups	Tomato paste
3/4 cup	Vinegar
1/2 cup	Molasses
1/2 cup	Brown sugar
3 tbsp	Liquid smoke
3	Onions
3 cloves	Garlic
–	Onion powder
–	Pepper
–	Paprika

Instructions:

Prepare the Sauce:
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- Begin by making the sauce one or two days in advance to allow the flavors to meld.
Prep the Pork:
- Roll the pork in a mixture of salt, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring even coverage.
Cook the Pork:
- Bake the seasoned pork at a low temperature for an extended period, following your preferred method for cooking pork until it’s tender and easily shreddable.
Shred the Pork:
- Once the pork is cooked to perfection, it’s time to shred it. Use forks to pull the meat apart, achieving that signature pulled pork texture.
Prepare the Sauce (Option 1):
- For those who prefer their pulled pork with sauce, add the shredded pork to a sauce of your choice, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated in the delicious flavors.
Prepare the Sauce (Option 2 – For Leftover Pork):
- If you have leftover pork butt roast, you can repurpose it by simmering it in a large pot of water with onions, garlic, and bay leaves. Cook until the pork is tender and falling off the bone, then shred it and add it to your preferred sauce.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the succulent pulled pork on toasted buns, accompanied by classic Southern sides like coleslaw and barbecued beans.
Make the Sauce (Lexington Style):
- To create a Lexington-style sauce, combine all the sauce ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil, then simmer until it reaches your desired thickness.
Make the Sauce (NC Fiery Style):
- For a fiery North Carolina-style sauce, bring the ingredients to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. This bold sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to six months.

Tips and Tricks:

For optimal flavor, allow the sauce to sit for at least a day before using it, allowing the ingredients to meld together.
Experiment with different levels of spice to suit your taste preferences, adding more cayenne or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Leftover pulled pork can be stored in the fridge for several days or frozen for future meals. Just be sure to reheat it gently to maintain its tender texture.
Don’t forget the sides! Classic accompaniments like coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad complement the rich flavors of the pulled pork perfectly.

With its mouthwatering blend of spices, tender texture, and customizable sauce options, this North Carolina Pulled Pork recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, tailgate party, or casual weeknight dinner, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy cravings and leave your guests clamoring for more. So roll up your sleeves, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern comfort at its finest! 🍖🔥