Go Back
Shredded Pulled Pork With Crispy Edges

Classic BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

Classic BBQ Pulled Pork is one of the easiest ways to create incredibly tender, smoky, juicy meat at home. By cooking pork slowly at a low temperature and finishing it with a rich barbecue sauce, we can turn an affordable cut of pork into a flavorful meal that practically falls apart with a fork.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 7 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 8 People
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3–4 lb pork shoulder
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar or apple juice
  • ½ cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Method
 

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
  2. Combine the dry-rub ingredients in a small bowl.
  3. Coat the pork with mustard, then generously apply the dry rub.
  4. Place onion and garlic in the slow cooker or roasting pan.
  5. Combine BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar or apple juice, and broth.
  6. Place the pork over the onion mixture and add the cooking liquid.
  7. For the slow cooker, cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for approximately 5–6 hours.
  8. For the oven, cover tightly and cook at 300°F (150°C) for approximately 4–5 hours.
  9. Check the pork for tenderness. It should pull apart easily with a fork.
  10. Rest the pork for 15–20 minutes.
  11. Shred the pork using two forks.
  12. Mix with the cooking juices and additional BBQ sauce.
  13. For crispy edges, spread the shredded pork onto a baking sheet and roast briefly at high heat.
  14. Serve hot on buns or with your favorite barbecue sides.