Slow-Cooked Southern Pulled Pork with Tangy Vinegar Sauce

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

Tender, slow-cooked pulled pork infused with smoky spices and served with a tangy vinegar-based sauce typical of the American South. This american-inspired pork ready in about 315 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: 15 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. Combine 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a small bowl; rub this spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the 3 lbs pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder for 4 minutes per side until deeply browned and crisp edges form.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 cup water, and 2 tbsp yellow mustard until combined; pour this tangy vinegar sauce over the pork.
  4. Step 4: Cover the Dutch oven tightly with a lid and cook in the preheated 275°F oven for 4 to 5 hours until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from the oven, shred it with two forks, and mix it thoroughly with the cooking juices and sauce to ensure it’s moist and flavorful before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 315 minutes (15 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 Vinegar 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 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 Slow-Cooked Southern 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 Slow-Cooked Southern Pulled Pork with Tangy Vinegar 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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