Fire-Kissed BBQ Pulled Pork (Printable)

Succulent pulled pork slow-cooked and seared, layered with smoky sauce and fresh herbs on toasted buns.

# What You Need:

→ Pork & Marinade

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

→ Cooking Liquid

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

→ BBQ Sauce & Herbs

14 - 1 cup smoky barbecue sauce
15 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
16 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
17 - 1 tbsp 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 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)

# How To Make It:

01 - Combine smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Rub pork shoulder with olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice mixture.
02 - Place pork in slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add apple cider, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until pork is tender and shreds easily.
03 - Heat grill or large cast-iron skillet to high temperature to prepare for searing.
04 - Remove pork from cooking liquid, shred using two forks, then toss with half of the BBQ sauce and the chopped fresh herbs.
05 - Place shredded pork on grill basket or skillet. Sear for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges are crispy and slightly charred.
06 - Butter insides of buns and toast on grill or skillet until golden brown.
07 - Pile pulled pork onto toasted buns. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce, then top with sliced red onions and coleslaw if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Hearty rustic dinner
  • Smoky fire-charred flavor
02 -
  • Use gluten-free buns for dietary preferences
  • Adjust spice level with cayenne pepper or pickled jalapeños
03 -
  • Shred pork while warm for best texture
  • Toast buns just before serving to maintain crispness
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