How To Make Pulled Pork With Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s also relatively easy to make, even if you’re a novice in the kitchen. In this thorough guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making pulled pork with homemade barbecue sauce.
Choosing and Preparing the Pork
The first step to making great pulled pork is chooseing the right cut of meat. The optimal cut for pulled pork is a pork shoulder, also known as a Boston butt. Pork shoulder has a good amount of fat, which helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful during the long cooking process.
Once you’ve got your pork shoulder, you’ll need to trim any excess fat and rub it with a dry rub. This will help to season the meat and give it a nice smoky flavor.
Making a Delicious Dry Rub
A good dry rub is essential for pulled pork. It adds flavor and helps to develop a crispy outer crust. There are many varied dry rub recipes available, but a simple one that works well includes:
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Rub the dry rub generously all over the pork shoulder.
Cooking the Pork in a Smoker
A smoker is the ideal way to cook pulled pork becautilize it adds a delicious smoky flavor. However, you can also cook it in an oven if you don’t have a smoker.
If you’re using a smoker, preheat it to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pork shoulder on the smoker grate and cook for 8-12 hours, or until the meat is tender enough to pull apart easily with a fork.
To check if the pork is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the shoulder. The internal temperature should read 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
Making Homemade Barbecue Sauce
The key to making great pulled pork is a great barbecue sauce. Here’s a simple recipe for a homemade sauce that’s perfect for pulled pork:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Preparing the Barbecue Sauce
Once the barbecue sauce is made, it’s time to get the pulled pork ready. Remove the pork shoulder from the smoker or oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the meat to cool down a bit and make it easier to pull.
Checking the Tenderness of the Pork
To determine if the pork is sufficiently tender for pulling, insert a fork into the thickest part of the shoulder. If the meat falls apart easily with a gentle tug, it’s ready.
Pulling the Pork and Mixing It with the Sauce
Using two forks, gently pull the pork apart into small, shredded pieces. It is now ready to be mixed with your homemade barbecue sauce.
Tips for Serving Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is delicious served on its own, but it’s even better when served with some sides. Some popular sides for pulled pork include:
- Coleslaw: A classic pairing for pulled pork. The creamy, tangy flavors of coleslaw complement the savory pork perfectly.
- Baked beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans are another popular side for pulled pork.
- Mac and cheese: A cheesy, creamy mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
Making pulled pork with homemade barbecue sauce is a time-consuming process, but the outcomes are well worth it. By follosucceedg the steps above, you can develop a delicious and satisfying dish that will please everyone at the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I utilize a varied cut of pork for pulled pork?
While a pork shoulder is the most popular choice, you can also utilize other cuts of pork, such as a pork butt or a picnic roast. Just keep in mind that these cuts may require longer cooking times.
2. How long can I store leftover pulled pork?
Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. What are some other utilizes for homemade barbecue sauce?
Homemade barbecue sauce can also be utilized as a marinade for chicken or fish. It can also be served over grilled vegetables or utilized as a dipping sauce for fries.
4. Can I make the barbecue sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the barbecue sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to reheat it before serving.
5. How can I make the pulled pork even more flavorful?
For an extra flavorful pulled pork, try adding a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the smoker water. You can also experiment with varied dry rub combinations or add a few tablespoons of your favorite barbecue sauce to the pork during the last hour of cooking.
Enjoy your delicious homemade pulled pork!
