Bbq Pork Recipe

Time5h
Serves8

Make Bbq Pork Recipe in just 5h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Pork and Dry Rub

Method

Pork and Dry Rub

1

Trim and Dry

Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Trim any excessive silver skin or very large hard fat pieces, leaving a thin fat cap for flavor and moisture.

2

Make the Rub

In a small bowl combine kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin and chili powder (if using). Mix thoroughly to form an even rub.

3

Apply Rub

Generously massage the rub all over the pork, pressing it into crevices. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight to let flavors penetrate. If refrigerating longer than 1 hour, allow the meat to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.

Mop / Braising Liquid

4

Prepare Mop

Whisk together apple cider vinegar, water, apple juice, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard and hot sauce in a heatproof cup or bowl. Set aside. This will be used to baste and add moisture during cooking.

Cooking (Oven or Grill/Smoker)

5

Oven Low-and-Slow Method

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the rubbed pork in a roasting pan on a rack with the fat side up. Pour 1/2 cup of the mop/braising liquid into the bottom of the pan (not over the rub). Tent the pork loosely with foil. Roast until internal temperature reaches 195–205°F (90–96°C), about 3.5–5 hours for a 3 lb shoulder (time varies by shape and oven). Every 60–90 minutes, baste the pork by spooning the pan juices and a few tablespoons of mop over the meat. If pan dries, add another 1/4 cup water or mop as needed.

6

Grill/Smoker Method

Preheat smoker or grill for indirect cooking at 225–250°F (107–121°C) and set up for wood smoke if desired. Place pork on the cool side with the fat cap up. Maintain temperature and add wood/chips as needed. After the first 2 hours, start spritzing or mopping every 45–60 minutes with the prepared mop. Use a drip pan with 1/2 cup mop under the pork to keep the environment humid. Cook until internal temperature reaches 195–205°F (90–96°C). Expect 5–7 hours depending on conditions.

7

Probe for Doneness

Rather than relying only on temperature, check for tenderness by inserting a probe or fork — it should slide in with little resistance and the meat should feel very tender. Target pull-apart texture.

Rest and Shred

8

When the pork reaches the target temperature and tenderness, remove it to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 20–30 minutes to allow juices to redistribute; this will make shredding easier and juicier.

9

Using two forks or meat claws, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, discarding large chunks of fat. Mix the shredded pork with remaining pan juices to keep it moist. If you prefer saucy pork, stir in 1/2–1 cup of the finishing BBQ sauce now and heat briefly in a skillet over medium-low (2–3 minutes) or return to a low oven (250°F / 120°C) covered for 10–15 minutes to meld flavors.

Finishing Sauce (Optional)

10

If using store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce, warm it gently and fold into shredded pork to taste. Optionally add honey or maple syrup (about 1 tablespoon) to adjust sweetness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper or a splash of vinegar.

Serve

11

Pile the shredded BBQ pork onto buns or slider rolls. Top with pickles and coleslaw if desired. Serve extra sauce on the side.

12

Leftovers: Store cooled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of water or mop to restore moisture.

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