Slow-Cooked North Carolina Pulled Pork with Tangy Vinegar Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-12 · Updated 2026-05-12

Succulent pulled pork slow-cooked until tender, served with a bright and tangy vinegar-based sauce reflecting the regional barbecue traditions. This american-inspired pork ready in about 555 minutes blends pork shoulder (boneless), salt, black pepper 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 6, 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

• 3 lbs pork shoulder (boneless)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1/4 cup ketchup

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mix 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Rub this spice blend evenly over 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder.
2. Step 2: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-9 hours until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
3. Step 3: While pork cooks, combine 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, and 1/4 cup ketchup in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until flavors meld.
4. Step 4: When pork is done, shred it using two forks and mix with half of the vinegar sauce. Serve additional sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.