How to Make BBQ Pulled Pork

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: pork tenderloin

💰Cheaper: pork butt

Pork tenderloin is leaner, while pork butt is often less expensive.

barbecue sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade barbecue sauce

💰Cheaper: ketchup with spices

Homemade sauce can be healthier and cheaper.

Start by making the rub with 50% brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, ground chipotle, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and celery salt.

Mix the rub ingredients together.

Add oyster sauce and soy sauce to the rub for extra flavor and moisture.

Rub the mixture all over the boneless Boston butt, ensuring to get it into all crevices.

Prepare the smoker with Applewood or cherry wood and heat it to 225°F.

Place the rubbed Boston butt in the smoker and smoke for 4 to 5 hours.

After smoking, check for a dark caramelized crust known as bark.

Wrap the smoked butt tightly and return it to the smoker to cook further in its juices.

Prepare the barbecue sauce by mixing ketchup, the remaining rub, beer, and red wine vinegar.

Bring the sauce to a simmer to incorporate all flavors.

Once the pork is tender, pull it apart into small pieces, mixing in the fat and juices.

Add most of the barbecue sauce to the pulled pork and mix well.

Serve the pulled pork on slider buns with extra sauce and dried cherry coleslaw.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary