Pulled Pork with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Title: Pulled Pork with Homemade Barbecue Sauce: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

There’s something undeniably satisfying about pulled pork—its tender, juicy meat and smoky, flavorful profile make it a favorite for any barbecue lover. But what takes this dish from good to great? The secret lies in the homemade barbecue sauce that brings the pork to life with just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors.

Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner, throwing a weekend barbecue, or preparing a comforting meal for a special occasion, Pulled Pork with Homemade Barbecue Sauce will always be a crowd-pleaser. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity: a few well-chosen ingredients, slow-cooked to perfection, and slathered in a sauce that’s made from scratch. The result? A dish that’s mouthwateringly delicious and has that homemade touch that sets it apart from store-bought alternatives.

Ready to make your own pulled pork masterpiece? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love Pulled Pork with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to make this dish, here are a few reasons why this recipe is so irresistible:

1. Tender and Flavorful: Slow-cooking the pork results in melt-in-your-mouth meat that can be easily shredded with a fork, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
2. Customizable Sauce: While store-bought barbecue sauces are convenient, making your own allows you to control the balance of flavors. Whether you like it sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy, this homemade barbecue sauce will elevate the pulled pork to new heights.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion: This dish is perfect for a casual dinner, a potluck, a tailgate party, or even a summer cookout. Serve it on a bun for a classic pulled pork sandwich, or pair it with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a complete meal.
4. Easy to Make: While it may take some time to cook, the recipe is incredibly easy to follow, and the results are well worth the wait. Plus, the slow-cooking method does most of the work for you.

Ingredients for Pulled Pork

For the Pork:

• 4-5 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the Homemade Barbecue Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (for that smoky flavor, optional)

Instructions for Pulled Pork with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Step 1: Season the Pork

1. Start by preparing the pork shoulder. Trim off any excess fat if necessary (leave some fat for flavor). Pat the pork dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. This spice blend will create a flavorful rub for the pork.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure it’s evenly coated. Let the seasoned pork sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes while you prepare the barbecue sauce.

Step 2: Make the Homemade Barbecue Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Stir to combine.
2. Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the mixture. If you want a more intense smoky flavor, add liquid smoke at this stage.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer it sweeter, add more brown sugar; for more tang, add a splash more vinegar.
4. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from heat and set it aside.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Pork

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork shoulder on all sides until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes per side). This step locks in the flavors and gives the pork a nice crust.
2. Transfer the seared pork shoulder to your slow cooker or a large oven-safe pot.
3. Pour half of the homemade barbecue sauce over the pork, making sure it’s evenly coated. Reserve the other half of the sauce for later (you’ll use it to serve with the pulled pork).
4. If using a slow cooker, cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. If cooking in the oven, cover the pot with a lid and cook at 300°F (150°C) for 4-5 hours, checking for tenderness.

Step 4: Shred the Pork

1. Once the pork is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker or pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
2. Discard any excess fat and bones (if any). Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker or pot and stir it into the remaining barbecue sauce, letting it soak in all the delicious flavors.
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