Pulled Pork with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Instructions: How to Make Pulled Pork with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Step 1: Preparing the Pork

1. Season the Pork: Start by patting your pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Then, rub it with a generous amount of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. These spices will infuse the meat with deep, smoky flavor as it cooks.
2. Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork shoulder on all sides until it’s browned (about 4-5 minutes per side). This step is optional but adds a great depth of flavor to the meat.
3. Slow Cook the Pork: Transfer the seared pork to a slow cooker. Add the sliced onions, minced garlic, and chicken broth to the cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easy to shred with a fork. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook the pork in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 4-5 hours, covered with foil in a roasting pan.

Step 2: Making the Homemade Barbecue Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens and the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding salt, pepper, or more vinegar to your preference.

Step 3: Shred the Pork

1. Shred the Pork: Once the pork is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large platter. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. It should be tender enough that it falls apart with ease.
2. Mix in Barbecue Sauce: Pour a generous amount of the homemade barbecue sauce over the shredded pork, stirring to combine. You can add more or less sauce depending on how saucy you like it.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the Pulled Pork: Serve the pulled pork on soft sandwich buns for classic pulled pork sandwiches. You can top it with extra barbecue sauce, pickles, coleslaw, or even jalapeños for a little heat. It’s also great in tacos, wraps, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
• Enjoy with Sides: Pulled pork pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like baked beans, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for the Best Pulled Pork

• Choosing the Right Cut: Pork shoulder (or pork butt) is the best cut for pulled pork because it has the right amount of fat that breaks down during cooking, making the meat tender and flavorful. Avoid lean cuts like pork loin, as they won’t have the same melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Make it Spicy: If you love heat, add extra cayenne pepper or a bit of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce. You can also toss in some chopped jalapeños or chili flakes for an added kick.
• Meal Prep and Leftovers: Pulled pork is perfect for leftovers and makes a great meal prep option. Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe bag or container with the sauce.

Conclusion: Why Pulled Pork with Homemade Barbecue Sauce is a Must-Try

Pulled pork with homemade barbecue sauce is the ultimate comfort food—tender, flavorful, and versatile. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight meal or a weekend barbecue, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. The homemade barbecue sauce brings an added layer of richness and depth that store-bought sauces just can’t replicate.

So, next time you’re in the mood for some finger-licking good BBQ, skip the fast food and make your own pulled pork from scratch. The results are well worth the time and effort, and once you taste that melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork, you’ll never look at store-bought versions the same way again!