Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork with Tangy Carolina BBQ Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, slow-smoked pulled pork shoulder paired with a classic tangy North Carolina-style vinegar BBQ sauce. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 465 minutes blends pork shoulder (bone-in), kosher 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 8, 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: 45 min Cook: 420 min Serves 8 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 lbs pork shoulder and rub it all over with 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp onion powder. Let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F, then place the pork shoulder fat side up and smoke for about 6-7 hours, maintaining 225°F until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender enough to pull apart easily.
  3. Step 3: While the pork smokes, combine 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, and 2 tbsp yellow mustard in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and sauce is aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pork from the smoker and let rest for 20 minutes. Using two forks, shred the pork and toss with the vinegar BBQ sauce to taste. Serve warm with additional sauce on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork with Tangy Carolina BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 465 minutes (45 min prep + 420 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork with Tangy Carolina 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-Smoked Pulled Pork with Tangy Carolina 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-Smoked Pulled Pork with Tangy Carolina BBQ Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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-Smoked Pulled Pork with Tangy Carolina BBQ 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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