The Pork

Pulled Pork is a classic. There are so many routes you can take with this popular savory protein. Some people opt for smokey, while others may opt for sweet, spicy, or vinegary. When I make pulled pork, I tend to take a sweeter approach, then top it with a handful of fresh vinegary homemade coleslaw. Pair it with a spoonful or two of homemade BBQ sauce and a soft toasted pretzel bun, and you are all set!

I’ve always loved how easy pulled pork is. No matter what flavor pallet you prefer, it takes minimal effort and can easily be scaled to feed a crowd or a small family.  In our house, I’m typically just cooking for myself and my husband. I traditionally use a smaller pork shoulder, which still feeds us for several meals!

Another added bonus with pulled pork: leftovers are amazing on nachos!

The BBQ Sauce in this recipe is also very versatile. Although I often use it with pulled pork, I have also served it with homemade smoked brisket and BBQ chicken!

Recipe for Pulled Pork

• 1.5 lbs Pork Shoulder
• 1 Cup Ketchup
• 1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/4 Cup Water
• 1/2 Tablespoon of Coarse Mustard
• 1 Lemon (Juice)
• 1/2 Tablespoon Worchestershire Sauce
• 1/2 Tablespoon of Onion Powder
• 2.5 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
• 2.5 Tablespoon White Sugar
• Kosher Salt (To Taste)
• Fresh Cracked Peppercorn (To Taste)

Instructions for Pulled Pork: 

1: Preheat an oven to 225 degrees. Place pork in a dutch oven.

2: Mix all additional ingredients in a bowl and stir. Pour over your pork. Cover.

3: Roast on low heat in the oven for about 3 hours. Check your pork frequently, ensuring your sugar is not burning.

4: Shred.

I always prefer to braise protein in the oven instead of in a slow cooker. I find it adds a depth of flavor and caramelization to the proteins and sugars that can’t be duplicated in a slow cooker. However, lifestyle and responsibilities don’t always allow it. If you are using a slow cooker, cook your pork on low for 6-8 hours.

The BBQ Sauce

I had no idea when I was young that there were so many different flavours and styles of BBQ sauce. Eventually, I would love to learn them all. Depending on what region you live in, you may prefer a vinegary sauce. Some areas are heavily mustard based, others are smokey, and some take on a chipotle like flavour.

I’ve adopted this recipe and made some modifications over the years. However, I was originally told that it was a Memphis style BBQ sauce!

There are 10 simple ingredients, all of which I have used in varying quantities to flavour the pork.

Recipe for Homemade BBQ Sauce: 

• 2 Cups of Ketchup
• 1/2 Cup of Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/2 Cup Water
• 5 Tablespoons of Brown Sugar
• 5 Tablespoons of White Sugar
• 1/2 Tablespoon of Coarse Mustard
• 1/2 Lemon (Juice)
• 1 Teaspoon of Worchestershire Sauce
• Kosher Salt (To Taste)
• Fresh Cracked Peppercorn (To Taste)

Instructions for Homemade BBQ Sauce: 

1: Mix all ingredients together in a deep frying pan. Turn heat to medium.

2: Once BBQ sauce starts to bubble, reduce heat to low. Stir frequently, and allow to simmer for about 40 minutes (or until reduced by 60-70%).

3: Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Enjoy!