Slow-Cooked Southern Pulled Pork with Tangy Barbecue Sauce

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

Tender pulled pork slow-cooked with a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce inspired by Southern U.S. flavors, perfect for sandwiches or plates. This american-inspired pork ready in about 320 minutes blends pork shoulder, smoked paprika, brown sugar 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 275°F. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly all over 3 lbs pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, and 2 tbsp honey until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the barbecue sauce over the pork in the pot, then add 1/2 cup water. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and place it in the preheated oven.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 4 to 5 hours, or until the pork is tender enough to shred easily with two forks. Remove the pork and shred it, then return it to the pot, stirring it into the sauce to coat thoroughly before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Southern Pulled Pork with Tangy Barbecue Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 min prep + 300 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Southern Pulled Pork with Tangy Barbecue 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 Southern Pulled Pork with Tangy Barbecue 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 Southern Pulled Pork with Tangy Barbecue 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 Southern Pulled Pork with Tangy Barbecue 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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