Carolina Pulled Pork
Experience authentic Carolina BBQ with this slow-smoked pork shoulder. The pork is first seasoned generously, then smoked low and slow until incredibly tender. It's then pulled apart and tossed in a tangy, vinegar-based sauce, embodying the classic Eastern North Carolina style. Perfect for gatherings and a true taste of Southern tradition.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 kg Pork shoulder (Boston butt)(A bone-in or boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt) is ideal for its marbling and connective tissue, which breaks down during slow cooking.)
- 60 g Brown sugar(Provides a subtle sweetness and helps with bark formation.)
- 3 tbsp Paprika(Smoked paprika is preferred for an extra layer of smoky flavor, but sweet paprika works too.)
- 3 tbsp Kosher salt(Essential for flavor and moisture retention. Adjust to taste.)
- 1 tbsp Black pepper, freshly ground(Freshly ground pepper adds more pungent flavor than pre-ground.)
- 500 ml Apple cider vinegar(The base for the classic Carolina sauce, providing tanginess.)
- 120 ml Ketchup(Adds a touch of sweetness and body to the sauce. Can be omitted for a purer vinegar sauce.)
- 2 tbsp Red pepper flakes(For a touch of heat. Adjust amount based on your spice preference.)
- 120 ml Water or chicken broth(To thin the sauce to the desired consistency.)
- generous amount Hickory wood chunks or chips(Soak wood chips for at least 30 minutes if using. Chunks are preferred for longer smokes.)
- for serving Coleslaw(A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw is a classic accompaniment.)
- for serving Soft sandwich buns(Soft, slightly sweet buns are ideal for holding the pulled pork.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Season the pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Generously apply the spice rub all over the pork, ensuring it's evenly coated. If the pork has a thick fat cap, you can score it lightly in a diamond pattern, but do not cut into the meat.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Refrigerate: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a large container or on a baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours, up to 24 hours). This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
⏱️ 8-24 hours - 4
Prepare the smoker: Set up your smoker for indirect heat. Aim for a consistent temperature of 110°C (225°F). Add your soaked hickory wood chunks or chips to generate smoke.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 5
Smoke the pork: Place the pork shoulder directly on the smoker grate, fat side up if there's a distinct cap. Close the smoker lid and maintain the temperature. Smoke for approximately 10-14 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 95°C (203°F) in the thickest part, measured with a reliable meat thermometer. The pork should feel probe-tender, meaning a thermometer slides in with very little resistance.
⏱️ 10-14 hours - 6
Rest the pork: Once the pork reaches the target temperature and is probe-tender, carefully remove it from the smoker. Transfer it to a large cutting board or baking sheet, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for at least 30-60 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it stays moist and tender.
⏱️ 30-60 minutes - 7
Make the vinegar sauce: While the pork rests, combine the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, red pepper flakes, and water (or broth) in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The sauce should be tangy with a hint of sweetness and spice.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 8
Pull the pork: After resting, the pork should be very tender. Using two forks or meat claws, shred the pork, discarding any large pieces of fat or bone (if applicable). The meat should easily pull apart.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 9
Dress the pork: Place the pulled pork in a large bowl. Pour about half of the prepared vinegar sauce over the pork and toss to combine. Add more sauce as needed until the pork is coated to your liking. You may not need all the sauce.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 10
Serve: Serve the Carolina pulled pork warm on soft buns, topped with coleslaw. Offer extra sauce on the side.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Low and slow is the only way to achieve tender, succulent pulled pork. Patience is key.
- ✓Monitor your smoker temperature closely. Fluctuations can affect the cooking time and texture.
- ✓The 'stall' is common: the pork's internal temperature may plateau for several hours. This is normal and part of the smoking process.
- ✓Resting the pork is non-negotiable for juicy results. Don't skip this step!
- ✓Eastern Carolina style traditionally uses only vinegar and spices. Western Carolina (Lexington style) adds tomato products like ketchup or tomato paste to the sauce.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Eastern Carolina: Use the vinegar-based sauce as described, with no tomato products.
- Western Carolina (Lexington Style): Add 1/4 cup of ketchup or tomato paste to the vinegar sauce for a slightly sweeter, redder sauce.
- South Carolina Style: Use a mustard-based sauce instead of vinegar. Combine 1 cup yellow mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.