Fire-Kissed BBQ Pulled Pork (Print version)

Tender slow-cooked pulled pork tossed in smoky BBQ sauce with fresh herbs on toasted buns.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pork & Marinade

01 - 3.3 lbs boneless pork shoulder
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 2 teaspoons kosher salt
10 - 1 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cooking Liquid

11 - 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
12 - 1/3 cup chicken broth
13 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

→ BBQ Sauce & Herbs

14 - 1 cup smoky barbecue sauce
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
16 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
17 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

→ Sandwich Assembly

18 - 6 brioche or rustic sandwich buns
19 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
20 - 1 cup coleslaw (optional)
21 - 2 tablespoons butter for toasting buns

# Directions:

01 - Combine smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub pork shoulder thoroughly with olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice mixture.
02 - Place pork in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add apple cider, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours until pork is tender and shreds easily.
03 - Heat a grill or large cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot.
04 - Remove pork from cooking liquid, shred with two forks, then toss with half the barbecue sauce and chopped fresh herbs.
05 - Place shredded pork in a grill basket or directly on the skillet. Sear for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop crispy, charred edges.
06 - Butter the inside of each bun and toast on the grill or skillet until golden brown.
07 - Pile seared pork onto toasted buns. Drizzle with remaining barbecue sauce and top with red onion slices and coleslaw if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • One pot meal
  • Freezer friendly
02 -
  • Use gluten free buns for a gluten free option
  • For a spicier kick, add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to the rub or serve with pickled jalapeños
03 -
  • Shred the pork while still warm to make it easier
  • Low and slow cooking ensures tender flavorful meat
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