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North Carolina Pulled Pork Recipe
Description: Dive into the irresistible flavors of North Carolina with this pulled pork recipe that is a true classic. With its perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy elements, this dish is sure to impress. Ideal for a family gathering or a casual weekend feast, this pulled pork is best served on split buns topped with creamy coleslaw.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups ketchup
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/2 cup ground black pepper
Instructions:
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Preparation:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 500°F (260°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the pork shoulder by wrapping it tightly in a double layer of aluminum foil. Ensure the foil is sealed well to trap all the juices.
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Roasting:
- Place the wrapped pork shoulder in a roasting pan. The pan will catch any drippings and make cleanup easier. Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 20 minutes at 500°F (260°C). This high temperature helps to create a flavorful crust on the pork.
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Slow Cooking:
- After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 250°F (120°C). Continue roasting the pork for an additional 6-7 hours. It’s important to turn the roast over every hour to ensure even cooking. This slow roasting process breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, making it tender and easy to shred.
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Cooling:
- Once the pork has finished roasting, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool. This step is crucial as it makes shredding the meat easier and more manageable.
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Shredding:
- Carefully unwrap the pork and place it into a large bowl. Remove the bone and any large pieces of fat. Shred the meat using two forks or your hands, depending on your preference.
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Preparing the Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the white vinegar, ketchup, granulated sugar, honey, cayenne pepper, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Combining:
- Add the shredded pork to the simmering sauce. Continue to simmer the mixture for an additional 30-60 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir occasionally to ensure that the pork is evenly coated with the sauce.
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Serving:
- Serve the pulled pork on split buns, and top with creamy coleslaw for an authentic North Carolinian experience. The contrast between the spicy, tangy pork and the cool, crisp coleslaw is simply divine.
Cook Time: 8 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Enjoy the delicious, Southern-inspired flavors of this North Carolina pulled pork recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser every time! 🐷🍖🥪