DeKalb County Smoked Pulled Pork with Spiced BBQ Sauce
Slow-smoked pork shoulder infused with a robust spice rub, served with a tangy and smoky homemade BBQ sauce reflective of Georgia’s barbecue traditions. This southern-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes blends pork shoulder (bone-in), brown sugar, paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 8, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder (bone-in)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp salt, 2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp onion powder in a bowl to create a spice rub.
- Step 2: Rub the 4 lb bone-in pork shoulder thoroughly with the spice mixture, covering all sides, and let rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Step 3: Preheat smoker to 225°F. Place the pork shoulder fat side up on the smoker rack and smoke for approximately 8 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 195°F, spritzing with apple cider vinegar every hour.
- Step 4: While pork smokes, combine 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp molasses, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tbsp yellow mustard in a saucepan; simmer over medium-low heat for 20 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 5: Remove pork from smoker and let rest covered for 20 minutes, then shred using two forks.
- Step 6: Toss the shredded pork with half of the spiced BBQ sauce and serve with remaining sauce on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does DeKalb County Smoked Pulled Pork with Spiced BBQ Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover DeKalb County Smoked Pulled Pork with Spiced BBQ Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in DeKalb County Smoked Pulled Pork with Spiced BBQ Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale DeKalb County Smoked Pulled Pork with Spiced BBQ Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with DeKalb County Smoked Pulled Pork with Spiced BBQ Sauce?
Southern pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
