Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork with Smoky Memphis BBQ Sauce

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

Juicy, tender pulled pork slow-cooked to perfection and tossed in a smoky, tangy Memphis-style barbecue sauce for a classic Southern BBQ experience. This american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes blends pork shoulder, 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 390 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp garlic powder in a small bowl. Rub this spice mixture all over the 3 lbs pork shoulder, coating evenly.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker and pour 1/4 cup water around it. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the meat is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  3. Step 3: While the pork cooks, whisk together 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp liquid smoke, and 2 tbsp honey in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Toss the shredded pork with half of the smoky BBQ sauce until well coated. Serve with remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork with Smoky Memphis BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 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 Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork with Smoky Memphis 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 Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork with Smoky Memphis 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 Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork with Smoky Memphis BBQ 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 Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork with Smoky Memphis BBQ Sauce?

American 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.

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