Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork with Tangy Vinegar Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pulled pork shoulder smoked over hickory wood, paired with a bright and tangy vinegar-based sauce for classic Southern flavor. This American-inspired barbecue recipe, ready in about 495 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp onion powder in a bowl to make a dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 lbs pork shoulder and thoroughly coat it with the dry rub; let it rest uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your smoker to 225°F with indirect heat and add 2 cups soaked hickory wood chips.
  4. Step 4: Place the pork shoulder on the smoker grate, close the lid, and smoke for approximately 8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 200°F, adding wood chips as needed.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan; simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork from smoker and let rest for 30 minutes, then shred the meat with forks and toss with the vinegar sauce before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork with Tangy Vinegar Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork with Tangy Vinegar Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork with Tangy Vinegar 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 Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork with Tangy Vinegar Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork with Tangy Vinegar Sauce?

American bbq & smoked 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.

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