Introduction
What is BBQ Pulled Pork?
BBQ pulled pork is a classic American dish that consists of slow-cooked, tender pork that is shredded and coated in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. This dish is a staple at summer barbecues and is perfect for any occasion. While it may seem intimidating to make, this recipe will show you how to create mouth-watering BBQ pulled pork in the oven.Why Make BBQ Pulled Pork in the Oven?
While some may prefer to use a smoker or grill to make their BBQ pulled pork, the oven is a great alternative for those who don't have access to these tools or prefer a more hands-off approach. The oven allows for even and consistent cooking, resulting in tender and juicy meat every time.Ingredients
What You'll Need:
- 4-5 lbs of pork shoulder or butt
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 tbsp of paprika
- 1 tbsp of garlic powder
- 1 tbsp of onion powder
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).Step 2: Prepare the Pork
Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder or butt and season generously with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.Step 3: Create the BBQ Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and any additional seasonings you prefer.Step 4: Cook the Pork
Place the seasoned pork in a large baking dish and pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the top, making sure to coat the meat evenly. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.Step 5: Shred the Pork
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the pork into small pieces, discarding any excess fat or connective tissue.Step 6: Coat in BBQ Sauce
Return the shredded pork to the baking dish and mix it with the remaining BBQ sauce. Cover the dish and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pork is hot and the sauce is bubbling.Serving Suggestions
How to Serve BBQ Pulled Pork
BBQ pulled pork is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Some popular options include:- On a sandwich bun with coleslaw and pickles
- Over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes
- As a topping for nachos or loaded fries
- In a wrap or taco with fresh veggies and avocado
Tips and Tricks
- For extra flavor, marinate the pork in the BBQ sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking.
- If you prefer a smokier taste, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce mixture.
- Leftover BBQ pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a crispy texture, broil the shredded pork for a few minutes after coating it in the BBQ sauce.