Pulled Pork

Carolina Pulled Pork

Name: Carolina Pulled Pork
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 510 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, boneless; 6 slices of smoked bacon, thick-cut; 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar; 2 tbsp (30g) smoked paprika; 1 tsp (5g) ground cumin; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 1/4 cup (60g) apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 cup (120g) barbecue sauce

By Jonah Blackwood · June 19, 2026 · Pulled Pork

Prep30 min

Cook480 min

Total510 min

Serves8

There's something special about a perfectly cooked Carolina pulled pork that just makes you feel like you're home. For me, it's the smell of slow-cooked pork shoulder, infused with the deep flavors of smoked bacon and a hint of tangy vinegar, that instantly transports me back to family gatherings and warm summer afternoons.

I remember the first time I tried to make pulled pork on my own. I was determined to recreate the tender, juicy texture and the rich, complex flavors I had grown to love. After countless experiments and trials, I finally landed on a recipe that not only met but exceeded my expectations. It's a recipe that has become a staple in my household, and one that I'm excited to share with you today.

This Carolina pulled pork recipe is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions - it's a journey through the rich culinary heritage of the Carolinas, where the art of slow-cooking pork has been perfected over generations. It's a recipe that requires patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to let the pork cook low and slow, allowing the connective tissues to break down and the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.

So, if you're looking for a recipe that will become a new family favorite, look no further. This Carolina pulled pork is easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

In this recipe, we'll take you through the steps to create tender, juicy pulled pork that's infused with the deep flavors of smoked bacon and a hint of tangy vinegar. We'll cover the importance of selecting the right cut of meat, the technique of slow-cooking, and the secret to achieving that perfect balance of flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal supervision, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
The combination of smoked bacon and tangy vinegar gives the pulled pork a unique and delicious flavor that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your own favorite spices and seasonings to create a truly personalized dish.
The pulled pork is perfect for a crowd, making it an ideal recipe for parties, gatherings, and other social events.
The recipe is budget-friendly, using affordable ingredients and minimizing food waste.
The dish is incredibly versatile, and can be served on a bun, with sides, or as part of a larger meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe lies in the combination of low and slow cooking, which breaks down the connective tissues in the pork shoulder, making it tender and juicy. The addition of smoked bacon adds a depth of flavor that's hard to replicate with other ingredients, while the tangy vinegar helps to balance out the richness of the dish.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of a dry rub, which helps to enhance the natural flavors of the pork and add a nice texture to the finished dish. By applying the dry rub to the pork shoulder and letting it sit for a few hours, we allow the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat, resulting in a more complex and nuanced flavor profile.

Finally, the resting time is crucial in this recipe, as it allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax, making it easier to shred and resulting in a more tender final product.

By following these steps and using the right techniques, you'll be able to create a delicious, authentic Carolina pulled pork that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Carolina pulled pork, you'll need a few key ingredients, including a pork shoulder, smoked bacon, and a variety of spices and seasonings. When selecting your pork shoulder, look for one that's nicely marbled with fat, as this will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful during the cooking process.

In addition to the pork shoulder, you'll also need some smoked bacon, which adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish. You can use either thick-cut or thin-cut bacon, depending on your personal preference.

2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, bonelessLook for a pork shoulder that's nicely marbled with fat, as this will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful during the cooking process. You can also use a bone-in pork shoulder, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
6 slices of smoked bacon, thick-cutSmoked bacon adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the sweetness of the pork. You can use either applewood-smoked or hickory-smoked bacon, depending on your personal preference.
1/4 cup (60g) brown sugarBrown sugar helps to balance out the acidity of the vinegar and adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the dish. You can also use white sugar or honey, but brown sugar is preferred for its deeper flavor.
2 tbsp (30g) smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish, and helps to enhance the natural flavors of the pork. You can also use sweet paprika or regular paprika, but smoked paprika is preferred for its richer flavor.
1 tsp (5g) ground cuminGround cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the sweetness of the pork. You can also use ground coriander or ground cinnamon, but ground cumin is preferred for its brighter flavor.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt helps to enhance the natural flavors of the pork and adds a touch of savory flavor to the dish. You can also use kosher salt or sea salt, but regular salt is preferred for its finer texture.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a touch of heat and flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the richness of the pork. You can also use white pepper or green pepper, but black pepper is preferred for its sharper flavor.
1/4 cup (60g) apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar helps to balance out the richness of the pork and adds a touch of acidity to the dish. You can also use white vinegar or balsamic vinegar, but apple cider vinegar is preferred for its sweeter flavor.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilOlive oil helps to add moisture and flavor to the dish, and is used to brown the pork shoulder before slow-cooking it. You can also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil, but olive oil is preferred for its richer flavor.
2 cloves of garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the dish, and helps to enhance the natural flavors of the pork. You can also use 1 clove of garlic or 3 cloves of garlic, depending on your personal preference.
1 cup (120g) barbecue sauceBarbecue sauce helps to add a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish, and is used to finish the pulled pork before serving. You can also use homemade barbecue sauce or store-bought barbecue sauce, depending on your personal preference.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lidSharp knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or spatulaAluminum foilLarge bowl or container for shredding the pork

How to Make Carolina Pulled Pork

1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to make the dry rub.
3
Apply the dry rub to the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides.
4
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder until it's browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5
Add the sliced smoked bacon to the pot and cook until it's crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside.
6
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
7
Add the apple cider vinegar to the pot and bring to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
8
Return the pork shoulder to the pot and cover it with a lid. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
9
Remove the pot from the oven and let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it with two forks.
10
Strain the cooking liquid from the pot and discard any excess fat. Add the barbecue sauce to the cooking liquid and bring to a simmer.
11
Add the shredded pork to the pot and toss it in the barbecue sauce until it's well coated.
12
Serve the pulled pork on a bun, topped with crispy bacon, coleslaw, and pickles.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork shoulder. It should reach 190°F (88°C) for tender and juicy meat.
Don't overcrowd the pot when cooking the pork shoulder. This can cause the meat to steam instead of sear, resulting in a less flavorful dish.
Let the pork shoulder rest for at least 10-15 minutes before shredding it. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax, making it easier to shred.
Use a variety of woods when smoking the bacon, such as hickory or applewood, to add depth and complexity to the flavor.
Don't overcook the pork shoulder. This can cause it to become dry and tough, rather than tender and juicy.
Experiment with different types of barbecue sauce to find the one that you like best. Some popular options include Kansas City-style, Carolina-style, and Alabama-style.
Consider adding other ingredients to the pot, such as onions or bell peppers, to add more flavor and texture to the dish.
Use a slow cooker to cook the pork shoulder, if you prefer. This can be a convenient option for busy days or for cooking the pork shoulder while you're away from home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork shoulder, resulting in undercooked or overcooked meat.
Overcrowding the pot when cooking the pork shoulder, causing the meat to steam instead of sear.
Not letting the pork shoulder rest for at least 10-15 minutes before shredding it, resulting in a less tender and less flavorful dish.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as thin-cut bacon or low-grade barbecue sauce, which can affect the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
Not cooking the pork shoulder low and slow, resulting in a less tender and less flavorful dish.
Not straining the cooking liquid before adding the barbecue sauce, resulting in a less flavorful and less textured dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Use different types of wood when smoking the bacon, such as hickory or applewood, to add depth and complexity to the flavor.
Add other ingredients to the pot, such as onions or bell peppers, to add more flavor and texture to the dish.
Use a variety of barbecue sauces, such as Kansas City-style or Carolina-style, to change up the flavor of the dish.
Add some heat to the dish by incorporating spicy ingredients, such as hot sauce or red pepper flakes, into the dry rub or barbecue sauce.
Use a slow cooker to cook the pork shoulder, if you prefer. This can be a convenient option for busy days or for cooking the pork shoulder while you're away from home.
Experiment with different types of pork shoulder, such as boneless or bone-in, to change up the texture and flavor of the dish.
Add some sweetness to the dish by incorporating sweet ingredients, such as brown sugar or honey, into the dry rub or barbecue sauce.

What to Serve With Carolina Pulled Pork

This Carolina pulled pork is perfect for serving on a bun, topped with crispy bacon, coleslaw, and pickles. You can also serve it with a variety of sides, such as baked beans, collard greens, or mac and cheese.

Consider serving the pulled pork at a barbecue or picnic, where it's sure to be a hit with your guests. You can also serve it at a casual dinner party or game day gathering, where it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Serve the pulled pork on a bun, topped with crispy bacon, coleslaw, and pickles.Serve the pulled pork with a variety of sides, such as baked beans, collard greens, or mac and cheese.Use the pulled pork as a topping for a salad or baked potato.Serve the pulled pork at a barbecue or picnic, where it's sure to be a hit with your guests.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Carolina pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply place the pulled pork in an airtight container and refrigerate it at 40°F (4°C) or below.

To freeze the pulled pork, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze it at 0°F (-18°C) or below. When you're ready to serve it, simply thaw the pulled pork in the refrigerator or reheat it in the microwave or oven.

Reheating the pulled pork is easy. Simply place it in the microwave or oven and heat it until it's warmed through. You can also add a little bit of barbecue sauce or other liquid to the pulled pork to help keep it moist and flavorful.

One of the best things about this Carolina pulled pork is that it's easy to make ahead of time. Simply cook the pork shoulder and let it rest, then shred it and add the barbecue sauce. You can then refrigerate or freeze the pulled pork until you're ready to serve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork shoulder should I use for this recipe?

You can use either a boneless or bone-in pork shoulder for this recipe. If you use a bone-in pork shoulder, you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How long does it take to cook the pork shoulder?

The cooking time for the pork shoulder will depend on the size and type of pork shoulder you're using. In general, it will take around 6-8 hours to cook the pork shoulder in the oven, or 8-10 hours in a slow cooker.

Can I use a slow cooker to cook the pork shoulder?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker to cook the pork shoulder. Simply cook the pork shoulder on low for 8-10 hours, or until it's tender and easily shreds with a fork.

What type of barbecue sauce should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of barbecue sauce you like for this recipe. Some popular options include Kansas City-style, Carolina-style, and Alabama-style.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the pork shoulder and let it rest, then shred it and add the barbecue sauce. You can then refrigerate or freeze the pulled pork until you're ready to serve it.

How do I reheat the pulled pork?

You can reheat the pulled pork in the microwave or oven. Simply place it in the microwave or oven and heat it until it's warmed through. You can also add a little bit of barbecue sauce or other liquid to the pulled pork to help keep it moist and flavorful.

Can I freeze the pulled pork?

Yes, you can freeze the pulled pork. Simply place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze it at 0°F (-18°C) or below. When you're ready to serve it, simply thaw the pulled pork in the refrigerator or reheat it in the microwave or oven.

What are some good sides to serve with this recipe?

Some good sides to serve with this recipe include baked beans, collard greens, mac and cheese, and coleslaw. You can also serve it with a variety of other sides, such as grilled vegetables or corn on the cob.

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

While pork shoulder is the traditional choice for pulled pork, you can also use other types of meat, such as beef brisket or chicken. Simply adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly, and use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

The Full Recipe

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