Fire-Kissed BBQ Pulled Pork (Print View)

Tender pulled pork slow-cooked, layered with smoky sauce and herbs on toasted buns for a flavorful meal.

# What You’ll 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)

# Method:

01 - Combine smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub pork shoulder evenly with olive oil, then coat thoroughly 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 over high heat to prepare for searing.
04 - Remove pork from cooking liquid. Shred with two forks and toss with half of the barbecue sauce and the chopped fresh parsley, chives, and thyme.
05 - Place shredded pork in grill basket or directly onto the skillet. Sear for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges are crispy and fire-charred.
06 - Butter the inside of each bun and toast on the grill or skillet until golden brown.
07 - Pile seared pulled pork on toasted buns. Drizzle with remaining barbecue sauce and top with thinly sliced red onions and coleslaw if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Hearty rustic dinner
  • Vibrant herb notes with fire-charred flavor
02 -
  • Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper for a spicier kick or serve with pickled jalapeños
  • Use gluten-free buns for gluten-free option
03 -
  • Rub the pork shoulder thoroughly to maximize flavor penetration
  • Sear shredded pork just until crispy to avoid drying out
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