Transform your dinner table into a barbecue feast with this irresistible Pulled Pork and BBQ Sauce recipe! Featuring tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with a smoky, spice-packed dry rub and bathed in a rich, tangy homemade barbecue sauce, this dish is pure comfort in every bite. Whether you're using a slow cooker for ultimate convenience or roasting low and slow in the oven, the result is perfectly juicy pork that shreds effortlessly. The smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, made with ingredients like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of liquid smoke, ties it all together for mouthwatering flavor. Serve this pulled pork on toasted buns, alongside creamy coleslaw, or with a side of cornbread for a crowd-pleasing meal that celebrates classic Southern flavors. Perfect for cookouts, game days, or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is easy to make and packed with authentic BBQ charm!
Preheat your slow cooker or oven to 275°F (135°C).
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to form a dry rub.
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork, making sure to cover all sides.
Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker or a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker or pan to keep the pork moist during cooking.
Cook on low in the slow cooker for 8–10 hours, or in the oven for 5–6 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
While the pork cooks, make the BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke (if using), yellow mustard, honey, chili powder, and butter. Place the pan over medium-low heat and stir until all the ingredients are well merged.
Simmer the sauce for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Once the pork is fully cooked, transfer it to a large bowl or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large chunks of fat.
Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquids in the slow cooker, then mix a few spoonfuls of the liquid into the pulled pork for added moisture and flavor.
Toss the pulled pork with the prepared BBQ sauce, reserving some sauce for serving.
Serve the pulled pork on toasted buns for sandwiches, or with your favorite sides like coleslaw, pickles, or cornbread. Enjoy!
Calories |
5346 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 389.0 g | 499% | |
| Saturated Fat | 140.2 g | 701% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1336 mg | 445% | |
| Sodium | 8353 mg | 363% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 142.6 g | 52% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.8 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 100.4 g | ||
| Protein | 335.7 g | 671% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 380 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 23.8 mg | 132% | |
| Potassium | 6057 mg | 129% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.