When I’m not smoking pork on the outdoor smoker, this is my go to recipe when I want that smokey taste. I have had a few requests for a pulled pork recipe so I am sharing this one that can be made in the oven as not everyone has a smoker. The pulled pork is juicy, tender, and great for sliders, game day, or anytime. Here’s how to make it:
To start, preheat oven to 325 degrees. Take a 5 lb. pork shoulder or butt and cut off some of the fat cap, this keeps the sauce from becoming too greasy. Place the roast in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, mix the spices: 1 Tbl. chili powder, 1 tsp. cumin, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1 tsp. sea salt, 1 tsp. pepper, and 1/4 cup packed brown sugar. Mix well to combine.
Rub the spices all over the pork making sure to use up all of the spice mix and rub well into the meat.
In a Dutch oven, lightly brown the pork in 1 Tbl. of olive oil on all sides. While the pork browns, mix together 1 cup of Jack Daniel’s Hickory BBQ sauce (or your favorite smoke flavored sauce), with 1 cup of water and mix well.
Once the pork is lightly browned on all sides, pour the water and sauce mixture over the pork and bring to a boil.
As soon as the sauce starts to boil, cover the pot and place in a preheated 325 degree oven for 2 1/2 – 3 hrs. until very tender. For best results, turn the pork every hour until it is done.
When pork is finished cooking and is very tender, remove the pork and place it in a bowl to cool slightly.
Using two forks, shred the meat as much as desired. Add more pan juices back into the shredded pork, along with more J.D. Hickory BBQ sauce until it has reached the taste and consistency that you like.
Serve the pulled pork with extra BBQ sauce on the side. BBQ sauce can be mixed with any remaining pan juices to make extra sauce. Enjoy and happy cooking!
Prep Time: 20 min
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 hrs. total
Servings: 6-8 (more if using for sliders)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees
You will need a Dutch oven or other heavy ovenproof pot with a lid
Ingredients:
5 lb. pork shoulder or butt, some of the fat cap removed
1 cup of Jack Daniel’s Hickory BBQ Sauce (or your favorite smokey sauce) plus more for adding to pulled pork after shredding and for serving.
1 cup water
1 Tbl. olive oil
Rub:
1 Tbl. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup packed brown sugar