Tender & Juicy Pulled Pork Recipe

This pulled pork recipe delivers the perfect combination of savory spices, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and smoky barbecue flavor. Ideal for backyard gatherings or a comforting weekend meal, this version starts with a well-seasoned pork shoulder and ends with saucy, fork-tender meat ready to pile high on a fresh bun.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 pork shoulder roast (also known as pork butt)

• 4 onions, halved

• 1 bottle of good-quality barbecue sauce

• Hamburger rolls, for serving

Directions

1. Season the Pork

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Rub the spice mix generously all over the pork shoulder. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or, ideally, overnight to let the flavors soak in.

2. Roast Low and Slow

Preheat your oven to 300°F. In a large roasting pot or Dutch oven, lay the onion halves in the bottom to form a bed. Unwrap the pork and place it directly on top of the onions. Roast uncovered for about 7 hours, or until the pork is completely fork-tender and falling apart.

3. Prepare the Sauce

Once done roasting, remove the pork from the pot and transfer it to a large cutting board. Slice some of the roasted onions to add to the finished dish. Place the pot with remaining onion drippings on the stove over medium-high heat, adding 1/2 to 1 cup of hot water. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release the flavorful bits and reduce for about 5 minutes. Stir in your favorite barbecue sauce and let it warm through.

4. Shred and Serve

Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Mix in some of the sliced onions and pour in the warm barbecue sauce to your desired sauciness. Serve the pulled pork on toasted hamburger buns with your favorite sides think coleslaw, pickles, or even a drizzle of extra sauce.

Tips for Success

• Choose the right cut: Pork shoulder or pork butt offers the right amount of fat for juicy, tender meat.

• Spice it up: Adjust the cayenne if you prefer a milder or spicier flavor.

• Leftovers: Pulled pork freezes beautifully. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Pulled pork is more than a meal it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings people together. Whether you're prepping it for a weeknight dinner or your next get-together, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and endlessly customizable.

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