Williams' Smoky Barbecue Pulled Pork

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

Slow-cooked pork shoulder with a tangy-sweet barbecue glaze, perfect for sandwiches or as a main dish with a smoky depth. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 215 minutes pairs bone-in and skin removed pork shoulder, vegetable oil, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 195 min Serves 8 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Pat 3 lbs pork shoulder dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to form a paste.
  2. Step 2: Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork shoulder. Place in a roasting pan, cover with foil, and bake for 3 hours until fork-tender.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork and let rest for 15 minutes. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup barbecue sauce, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup water. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Shred the pork with two forks, then toss in the barbecue sauce mixture until well coated. Return to the roasting pan and let sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Williams' Smoky Barbecue Pulled Pork take to make?

Total time is about 215 minutes (20 min prep + 195 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Williams' Smoky Barbecue Pulled Pork?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Williams' Smoky Barbecue Pulled Pork?

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 Williams' Smoky Barbecue Pulled Pork 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 Williams' Smoky Barbecue Pulled Pork?

American grilling 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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