Want to make the best pulled pork from your own kitchen? The key to making this Carolina pulled pork recipe is the brine.
Creating the Best Pulled Pork Recipe
When I think of BBQ, I can’t help but think of slow and low style, the Carolina way. In order to cook the best pulled pork, it’s essential that you plan ahead and spend some time prepping and cooking that delicious meat at those lower temperatures. This helps bring out all those flavors that melt in your mouth and allows that pork to literally fall apart. I know, we are all lazy and don’t want to, but trust me, this Carolina pulled pork recipe is so easy your dog could do it.
This recipe may seem like a process, but here’s the deal: you really just plop the pork in the fridge to marinate, and then transfer it to the oven. Although it takes a long time, you’re just going about your everyday life so it’s really not extra work on your part.
These idea for this pulled pork recipe come from watching Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Shout out to Guy, who gets to eat for a living! We occasionally watch his show on Netflix at night, and first of all, it makes us so hungry, but we also feel like we can totally guess when he doesn’t really enjoy something. We wish we could find out what he really thinks are the best and the worst of the places he has tried.
Anyway, I got a little off topic. Here are the secrets to the world’s best Carolina pulled pork.
Carolina Pulled Pork Ingredients
There are three main components to this pulled pork recipe: the brine, the dry rub seasoning, and the homemade bbq sauce.
For the pulled pork brine, you’ll need water, apple cider, kosher salt, dark brown sugar, some of the dry rub (more on that in a moment), bay leaves, and red pepper flakes.
Note that you’ll be using apple cider, NOT cider vinegar, in the pork shoulder brine. But many of our readers have missed that and added pure vinegar and so we had no choice but to try it since so many of you loved the results. Sure enough, it was great! So we prefer the juice but hey, vinegar is fun too! Apple cider adds a little more flavor without ever tasting like apple, and all you have to do is dump it in.
For the pulled pork seasoning, we like to use a blend of onion powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, kosher salt, pepper, cayenne, dry mustard, cumin, and brown sugar.
Finally, the homemade bbq sauce is completely optional but our family goes crazy for it. We make our sauce with apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and salt. Of course, you’re welcome to use a store-bought sauce, but if you’re looking for the best pulled pork recipe ever, well, you need to use homemade sauce.
What’s the Best Pork for Pulled Pork?
To make the best pulled pork, you’ve got to start with the best cut of meat. Most barbecue restaurants use whole pork shoulders, but they’re rarely available in grocery stores. If you find a whole shoulder, use it. Otherwise, we recommend a Boston butt, which is half of the shoulder, the other half being the picnic shoulder.
How to Make Pulled Pork in the Oven
This pulled pork recipe looks lengthy, but each step of this recipe is incredibly easy. Here’s a quick overview of how to make pulled pork in the oven:
- Stir together the pork shoulder brine and let the pork soak in it for 12 to 24 hours.
- Remove the pork from the brine and place it in a large baking dish, then pat it dry with paper towels.
- Rub the pulled pork seasoning all over the meat, saving just a little of the dry rub for later.
- With the fat facing up, bake the pork at a low temperature until it registers 200ºF at the thickest part.
- Turn off the oven and let the pork rest for a couple hours.
- Take the pork out of the oven and remove the fat from the top. Then, shred the meat with two forks.
- Drain half the juices from the pork, then add the remaining dry rub and toss in the homemade bbq sauce.
How Long to Cook Pulled Pork
If you’re southern, you know this isn’t just a secret but practically a law in the south — LOW AND SLOW. I always laugh when people tell me they can’t make bbq, “I let it cook for over an hour and it was dry and hard as a rock!”
Bbq is very relaxed, just like southerners. It wants to hang out all day, and while you may think you’re overcooking it, you’re not! Our pork cooks for at least 12 hours, sometimes more if it’s a bigger butt (I feel like there should be a joke in there). Do not rush it.
Can I Make Pulled Pork on a Smoker?
If you’d rather make smoked pulled pork instead of oven pulled pork, we recommend following our Smoked Pulled Pork Recipe. It gives step-by-step instructions on smoking pulled pork on a Traeger.
How to Prep Carolina Pulled Pork in Advance
Reader Kate says:
“I’m heading up to my cabin and need a dinner for a large crowd a few hours after we arrive, wondering if I can cook the pork and then finish it off in the grill when we arrive? Or if it’s better to do all steps and then reheat it on arrival? Looks delish.”
Great question! We do this ALLLLLLL the time. Go ahead and make this pulled pork recipe, and then you have two choices. Pull it out of the oven and put it straight into the car and it will rest on the way to the cabin and be ready to eat two hours later.
Or make it, rest it, cool it and place in freezer bags, or to be honest, we use this Foodsaver and just suck the air out and freeze pork for use over the next three months. It’s super easy, and tastes perfectly fresh when we reheat. We just place it in the fridge to defrost and then reheat in a large pan with foil in a low oven or stove top with a little oil in the pan and a lid to keep the steam in so it’s juicy.
How to Reheat Pulled Pork
Turn on your oven and set the temperature to 250°F. Then, cover your meat with foil and put it into the oven when it’s ready. After you put it into your oven, let it heat for 30 minutes or until reaching an internal temperature of 165 °F.
Tips to Making the Best Pulled Pork
The key thing to remember when making this pulled pork recipe is to let the meat rest after it’s finished cooking. I told you, it’s lazy. Letting it rest redistributes the juices, and because it’s big and cooked for a long time you’re going to want to let it rest longer — like an hour or even two — before shredding.
Perhaps the biggest secret of all, and one that I cannot claim as my own as this is where Triple D (Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives) comes in, is to sprinkle a little more of the rub onto the meat before serving. We noticed many bbq joints weren’t just slathering on the sauce, but actually sprinkling that dry rub all over the shredded meat and tossing to let it sink it. You won’t believe what a difference it makes!
You can also use another type of bbq sauce in this pulled pork recipe! Carrian likes a thick, sweet sauce or a Carolina vinegar bbq, and I love this Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce on my homemade pulled pork.
What to Serve with Carolina Pulled Pork
We recommend firing up the grill and making grilled corn to go with this Carolina pulled pork. It is so dang good every time! And just for pure comfort, add a side of Southern macaroni and cheese. A few other pulled pork sides we love are:
More PORK DINNER RECIPES You Must Try:
- Pork Chop and Rice Casserole
- Classic Pork Carnitas
- Copycat Cafe Rio Sweet Pork
- BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos
- Pineapple Braised Pork
- Classic Pork Roast (+ Pan Gravy)
- Grandpa’s BBQ Pulled Pork
- Pork Chops with Apple Chutney
- Country-Style Pork Ribs (in an Instant Pot)
- …All of our MAIN DISH recipes!
World's Best Carolina Pulled Pork
Description
Ingredients
- 5-8 pound Pork Butt, bone in and fat pad on top
For the Brine
- 4 Cups Water
- 4 Cups Apple Cider
- 1/2 Cup Kosher Salt
- 1/2 Cup Dark Brown Sugar
- 3 Heaping Tablespoons Dry Rub
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 Pinch Red Pepper Flakes
For the Dry Rub
- 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1 Heaping Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Pepper
- 2 Teaspoons Cayenne Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Dry Mustard
- 1 Tablespoon Cumin
- 1/2 Cup Dark Brown Sugar
For the BBQ Sauce (Optional)
- 1/2 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 Cup White Vinegar
- 1/4 Cup to 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 Teaspoon Chili Powder
- 2 Pinches Red Pepper Flakes
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- NOTE: This recipe should be started 2 days ahead of time as you need 24 hours in the fridge, 12-14 in the oven and 2 hours of resting.
Prepare the Dry Rub:
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a ziploc bag. Set aside.
For the Brine:
- In a large stock pot, add the water, apple cider, salt, sugar, 3 tablespoons dry rub, pepper flakes and bay leaves.
- Rinse off the pork and add to the pot making sure it is completely covered in the brine and add the lid.
- Place in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours.
For the Sauce:
- In a glass jar, add the ingredients and place the lid on then shake to combine. Set aside.
To Cook:
- Heat the oven to 225 degrees F.
- Remove the pork from the brine and place in a roasting dish or 9x13" baking pan as long as the sides don't touch the pan.
- Pat very dry with paper towels.
- Remove 2 tablespoons of the dry rub to another ziploc and set aside for after it is cooked.
- Rub the remaining seasoning all over the pork and in any cracks or flaps.
- With the fat facing up, place the pork in the oven with a meat thermometer.
- Bake for 12-14 hours or until 200 degrees F registers on the thickest part of the pork with a meat thermometer. *Remember to watch your oven, ours turns off automatically at 12 hours so I have to turn it back on.
- At this point you can turn off the oven and leave the pork in there to rest for two hours or if you have more baking to do place foil over the meat and allow to rest on the stove.
- Once the meat has rested, remove the fat from the top and using two forks, shred the meat and remove the bone.
- Drain half of the juices out and add the remaining dry rub to taste, toss to coat and drizzle a little vinegar sauce over everything.
- Serve immediately as is or on buns.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Products
Gemma
I’ve made this previously quite a few years ago but just wondering how is adjust cooking time for a boneless pork shoulder as I can’t get bone in anywhere 🙁
Sweet Basil
Hi Gemma! I have been finding the same thing lately too. They don’t have bone-in anywhere! It will take a little less time for a boneless pork shoulder to come to temperature. Start checking it a couple of hours earlier…maybe around 10 hours. Enjoy!
Ginny
I’ve made this recipe multiple times and it’s always delicious! I freeze it in individually wrapped foil packets then in a Ziploc bag. Reheat from frozen in the microwave covered and at half heat. Just like fresh!
Sweet Basil
Thank you so much Ginny! And thank you for the tips storing and reheating it successfully!
marjorie
This really is a good recipe. I have made several times after requests from my family. I would like to try the same basic recipe with beef brisket. Have you any advice on slow cooking brisket in oven?
Sweet Basil
Thank you so much Marjorie! I’m so glad you love this recipe as much as we do! We love brisket! In our smoked brisket post (https://ohsweetbasil.com/perfect-smoked-beef-brisket-recipe/) there is a section on how to cook it in the oven. The section it titled “Can You Smoke Brisket In The Oven?” I hope this helps!
Walter D
In a pinch and don’t have time to brine the pork. Will it affect it greatly? Can I do anything for about 8 hours before it has to go in the oven?
Sweet Basil
Hi Walter! You could definitely brine it for the 8 hours before. Any time in the brine is better than no brine. The flavor will be a little different and it won’t be as moist.
Jo
Can you make this is a crockpot
Sweet Basil
Hey Jo! Yes this can be done in the slow cooker, but we’ve found that it doesn’t do it justice. It is also hard to fit the size of pork butt you need into a crock pot. If you decide to try it, it will cook for the same amount of time on low. Follow the brining instructions as written, and no need to add any liquid to the slow cooker. There’s enough juice in the pork to keep cooking properly. If you have a smoker, you should definitely try that. Then it’s outside and not heating up your house and it is absolutely heaven! (https://ohsweetbasil.com/smoke-pulled-pork-on-a-traeger/)
Julie
This recipe says it requires a food saver, which I have, but I don’t see where it is used after reading through the recipe several times.
Sweet Basil
Hi Julie! We use the food saver to save leftover pork and freeze it to use over the next few months since the recipe makes so much. I hope this helps!
Cookies4kids
I have two smaller roasts that don’t have that big slab of fat on top. Could I still go ahead and do them according to the recipe?
Sweet Basil
Yes absolutely! Keep your eye on the internal temperature. It might not need quite as long to cook since they are smaller.
Kris Belmont
This recipe looks great, but I will be bringing it and need it in a crock pot. Can I do the recipe as directed and then when I shred it, can I store it in the refrigerator and then put it in a crock pot with some of the BBQ sauce and heat it on low? I will have to have it prepared a day ahead and then will be bringing it with me in the crock pot. Thanks in advance for your recommendations!
Sweet Basil
Hey Kris! Great question! There are actually a couple of sections in this post about making this pork ahead of time and how to reheat it. It should answer all your questions, but if not, please let me know! Enjoy!
Kris Belmont
Thanks – yes I read through how to reheat and it says in the oven. That is why I was asking for advice about reheating in the crock pot. I will not have access to an oven to reheat. I will just try it and hope it works.
Sweet Basil
Yes, the crock pot should work just fine! Keep it on low and adding some of the sauce to keep it moist is a great idea!
Cookies4kids
This sounds amazing and I can’t wait to try it. I usually don’t have access to apple cider except in the fall so wondering if apple juice would work as well? I could probably freeze the fresh apple cider in the fall but otherwise would have to use plain juice.
Sweet Basil
Yes, apple juice works great too! Sometimes I can’t find apple cider too, so I just go with 100% apple juice.
Barb Hustad
In the actual listed recipe you left out when to add the BBQ sauce…just sayin…I had to go back and read the full article to find out. Sounds like a good recipe and I will try it.
Sweet Basil
Hey Barb! Adding the sauce is stated in step 10 and it’s totally optional! I think you’re going to love this recipe!
Janet
Trying out this delicious looking recipe and want to know if the oven temperature is for a fan forced oven. Thank you for sharing!
Sweet Basil
A fan forced oven will typically be 25 degrees lower. I hope this helps!
Carol
This recipe is so incredibly yummy. This is my fifth time making it. We have a small family, so I share with neighbors. Rave reviews from them as well. ❤
Sweet Basil
Yippee! Love to hear this! Thank you Carol!
Judy Addy
Just made this, we love it!!! Moist & flavorful. Definitely a keeper recipe.
Sweet Basil
Yay!! Love to hear this!
Jane
Thank you for this recipe and alllll the details that helped me make this wonderful recipe successfully! I’ve tried so many recipes over the years but was never satisfied with the final product, until now. Love the marinade, the rub, and the vinegar sauce! I’m just sorry I didn’t make more.
Sweet Basil
Yay Jane! Love to hear this! Yes, I always make the biggest pork butt I can find because it freezes well and can be used in so many different ways as leftovers. So glad you loved this recipe and thank you for taking time to leave a comment!
RCarroll
Looking forward to making this but wondering if I can use a slowcooker vs the oven. If yes, do I just use some of the brine or just add water to the slow cooker? Any flavoring?
Sweet Basil
Hello! Yes this can be done in the slow cooker, but we’ve found that it doesn’t do it justice. It is also hard to fit the size of pork butt you need into a crock pot. If you decide to try it, it will cook for the same amount of time on low. Follow the brining instructions as written, and no need to add any liquid to the slow cooker. There’s enough juice in the pork to keep cooking properly. If you have a smoker, you should definitely try that. Then it’s outside and not heating up your house and it is absolutely heaven! (https://ohsweetbasil.com/smoke-pulled-pork-on-a-traeger/)
Terri Wolfrom
I had a last minute crisis and left the pork in the brine for 48 hours. Can it be saved?
Sweet Basil
Hi Terri! Oh no, I’m so sorry! It should be okay. The meat just might be a little tougher than it should be.
Em Erickson
Thoughts on using this recipe for pulled pork tacos instead of BBQ?
Sweet Basil
It makes amazing pulled pork tacos! Just add the meat and use whatever toppings you want! It’s one of our favorite ways to use leftover pulled pork.
Santana
I bought a 5 lb Boston butt for this recipe a few months back when I saw it on sale and I froze it. I thawed it out yesterday and plopped it into the brine this morning straight out of the package. Just now tonight I took it out of the liquid and started patting it dry when I realized that it is not a whole piece of meat. It is sliced up in 5 long pieces. I put the dry rub on all the pieces and stacked them close together in the baking pan with the fat side up. Fingers crossed this still works.
Sweet Basil
Hi Santana! It should have worked just fine. It probably just got done more quickly than the recipe says. I hope you enjoyed it!!
Santana
Oh, yes. it was definitely overcooked but it had an incredible flavor. We reheated it in the oven with all the rest of the vinegar sauce. It moistened it a little more and it was pretty tasty.
Sweet Basil
Oh good! I’m so glad it worked out! Thank you for the update!
Heather
I put my roast in the oven covered when I went to bed last night, but uncovered 8 hours later. Was the roast supposed to be uncovered the entire time?
Sweet Basil
Yes, it should have been uncovered the whole time, but you should be fine!
Taylor Greenlee
Hi there! So you don’t cover this while it is in the oven?
Thanks!
Sweet Basil
No, cook it uncovered.
Cheryl Pender
I was second guessing myself, I have a total of 23.5 pounds of meat so I tripled everything, and I think I had to because I needed that extra brine to cover all the meat in the stockpot, any suggestions, or just go with my tripled recipe. I am really excited about this. I don’t see a problem with slow cooking in the oven, I have a smoker, but I don’t have the time to man, and my daughter doesn’t like the smoke flavor
Sweet Basil
You should be good to go with your tripled recipe! The cook time shouldn’t change too much. It will most likely be done at the same time listed in the instructions. Slow cooking it in the oven is a great way to go! Enjoy!!
CHERYL LYNN PENDER
Thank you, my issue is this with cooking so much meat I don’t know how I cannot have the meat touching the sides of the pan what will happen if it is touching the sides do I just made them keep them rotated
Sweet Basil
Just keep your eye on it throughout the cooking process. Usually if the meat is touch the side, it will get overcooked in that area. You could try cooking them in separate pans if you can fit multiple pans in your oven. You can even put pans on multiple racks and rotate the pans periodically.
CHERYL PENDER
This turned out soooo good, can’t wait to share it at the party tomorrow, 23 1/2 pounds in a huge roaster, after 8 hours when I got home I was going to switch the pan so that the sides weren’t touching, but they had already pulled away from shrinkage. Even with all that meat I had it only took 12 hours. I followed everything else to the tee, except tripling the Brine and the dry rub because of all the meat I had. Thank you so much for the recipe and your help
Sweet Basil
Yay!! This is the best news! I hope your party is wonderful!
Tony Strati
Making the worlds best (again)! I did however have a question on the optional sauce, where both white and apple cider vinegars are used in equal parts (1/2 cup each). Is there an interaction where an enhanced or new flavor is created, or is this to change the acidity? How would the taste change if using just 1 cup of Apple Cider or just 1 cup of white on their own separately and without combining the 2 types at all?
Many thanks as always!!
Tony
Sweet Basil
Hey Tony! Great question! We like the combination of both. When we’ve tried all apple, we thought it was too overpowering. When we’ve tried all white, we miss the apple flavor. It’s all about the flavor. Feel free to experiment and see if you like one over the other! Thank you for the support!
Michelle
I am super excited to use your recipe. I have already purchased pork loin roasts. Can I use these for your recipe? How would I adjust the cooking instructions?
Sweet Basil
Hi Michelle! A pork loin roast will work just fine for this recipe though it will not “pull” like a pork butt/shoulder would just because the fat content is so different. The time it takes to roast it will depend on it’s size. It will range from 2-4 hours for roasting time. I would keep the brining time and resting time the same.
Tricia Keeley
Thank you so much for sharing such an amazing recipe. I made this 2 years ago, I waz going crazy looking for tbe recipe. I wrote in 1 of many notepads around my home. Anyway, DEE-LISH. I was wondering. Your sauce recipe for the Carolina recipe vs. The Traeger Smoked is a little different as far as ingredients? Just wondering. I only made the Carolina sauce, do you have a preference?
Sweet Basil
No preference! We love both! Thank you so much for the support!
Joette Dunn
I tried this recipe last week and we loved it. I do have a couple questions. First, do I need to add any water to the pan before I start baking it? Second, the recipe says to add half of the liquid into the pulled pork. It seemed to be mostly grease. Is that what I’m to add back in? Then I was wondering after I brine one could I use the same brine for another pork shoulder? Thanks
Sweet Basil
Hey Joette! No water needs to be added to the pan before you stick it in the oven. You can add some of the drippings back into the pork after it is shredded if you want, but it is optional. I definitely would not use the brine again. Cross contamination of different meats, even if they are the same size and type still breed bacteria. So glad you loved this recipe!
Connie
This is indeed the best pulled pork recipe! Thank you.
I am cooking two pork picnics-each piece weighing 8 lbs. Can I cook both pieces together in the oven? And if yes, do I need to cook it longer?
Sweet Basil
Hey Connie! Thank you so much for the support! You can definitely cook both pieces in the oven at the same time. It may need an extra hour or two, but I would still check it at 12 hours.
Patrick Reece
Hi! I purchased pork shoulder (picnic) accidentally instead of pork butt! Do you think this will still workout okay in the roasting pan?? It’s brining already so I don’t have a choice now but I wonder if crock pot would work better?
Sweet Basil
It should work great just as written in the recipe! Enjoy!
Laurie
I’m sure you’ve already cooked the picnic shoulder…. I did the same thing and my (executive chef) husband said it was the happiest of accidents and that I should ALWAYS buy that cut! Fabulous!
Sweet Basil
That’s actually the cut we did the last time we made this! SO GOOD! Thank you for the feedback Laurie!!
Jennifer Robles
I love this recipe!!! BUT 12 hours in the oven is almost unmanageable for me – is there any way to cook this in a crock pot instead? What would you recommend for settings and time? I’m dying to make this again this summer but I can’t handle the thought of the oven being on all day when it’s 95 degrees.
Sweet Basil
Hi Jennifer! Yes this can be done in the crockpot, but we’ve found that it doesn’t do it justice. It is also hard to fit the size of pork butt you need into a crock pot. If you decide to try it, it will cook for the same amount of time on low. If you have a smoker, you should definitely try that. Then it’s outside and not heating up your house and it is absolutely heaven! (https://ohsweetbasil.com/smoke-pulled-pork-on-a-traeger/)
Bryan
This will be my first attempt. I started Thursday night and hoping it will be ready by Saturday, lunch time. I have a question, what do I do with the fat pad? Do I just get rid of it?
Sweet Basil
I’m so sorry I missed this somehow! I’m sure you figured it out, but most of it should have rendered and added to the juicy delicious flavor of the pork. If there are an other pieces of the fat pad left, you can remove it as you shred the pork.
Cliff Sardinha
O M G. I just made this for the first time. Just finished eating it. It’s literally one of the best pull pork I’ve ever had. So much flavour. And even after the first bite the flavour changes and lasts in your mouth for a while. Used your vinegar bbq sauce which I’ve never heard of or tried. And it literally brought everything together. I tried the pork without it and it was awesome and had a bite. But the vinegar bbq just brought even more life to it. Thank you. I will always use this recipe from now on.
Sweet Basil
That is so amazing to hear! I’m so glad it was such a hit!! We absolutely love it too!!
Haley
So, so, so GOOD!!! I wasn’t excited about getting up at 4:00am but it was so worth it. The flavor was perfect. Forks were barely needed to shred as it fell apart. I received so many compliments. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe. I will be serving this again!
Sweet Basil
That early wake up call is so so hard but worth it every time! I’m so glad it was a hit with your crowd! We can’t get enough of it ourselves!
Bob Smithfield
You obviously do not understand “Carolina Pulled Pork”
Sweet Basil
My husband grew up in South Carolina, so we totally understand it! This recipes is the best ever! 🙂
Stephanie Nelson
Third time making your recipe and it’s my family’s go-to. I LOVE this vinegar sauce compared to the Typical sickly sweet bbq sauces out there – it’s compliments the meat perfectly. We pop the roast in at midnight, go to bed, wake up to the delicious smell, and dinner is ready for the next day without messing up the kitchen. Thank you!!!
Sweet Basil
Isn’t it the best thing ever?! It is a regular in our house as well. Thank you so much for the feedback!
John Connor
Cooking the meat with the dry rub went very well, however the sauce was nasty. too much vinegar. I prefer to make a good ole South Carolina mustard-based sauce. The vinegar over powered the flavor of the meat.
Sweet Basil
We have a great recipe for Carolina mustard sauce too! I love them all! It just depends on what you like best. Thank you for the feedback!
Kimberly
This is the first time making this and thank goodness I started to read the reviews again when I realized I made a mistake like another person and used apple cider vinegar for the brine and not apple cider. It had sat in the brine for about 2 hours ….I pulled it out washed it off and started with a new brine. Do you think the vinegar in the two hour time has ruined this?
Thanks in advance
Sweet Basil
No, it should be fine. And it’s not the end of the world if you use apple cider vinegar. It turns out delicious too. The apple cider just adds more flavor. Enjoy!
Tony
I have made this recipe, along with serving the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce, Vinegar Sauce, and the optional BBQ sauce in this recipe. These are amazing recipes, and when serving the pork with all the different sauces the flavors turn the pork into completely unique dish! The flavors are so vastly different, but yet soo soo good! 3 dishes in 1 !
I do want to ask about the optional BBQ sauce noted above, where there isn’t any black pepper in the ingredients. In comparison to the vinegar sauce, was there a reason why black pepper was committed? For consideration, how much (if any) and what type (fine/fresh ground) would be recommended?
Thanks again for all the wonderful recipes !!
Sweet Basil
I would do fine ground pepper just to taste. Start with a pinch and go from there. I don’t really do spicy so I wouldn’t add much more.
Sweet Basil
And thank you so much for the support! We love this recipe too!!
Lisa
Hi,
I bought your book and wanted to try this and it looks delicious. I have never done this kind of cooking before. Do you brine it one day, cook it the next and reheat to serve the next? Is that why you start 2 days before serving? Or are you up cooking in the middle of the night to be able to have a 5pm dinner? Also does it stay reasonably hot when resting even out of the oven? I am concerned because food is not supposed to be kept between 40-139 degrees for more than 2 hrs because it can developer food poisoning. I am wondering if you have information that can help me put the temperature and time in perspective regarding this recipe?
Beautiful book by the way.
Thank you for your help.
Sweet Basil
Hi Lisa! If you want to have a 5pm dinner, 2 hours of rest time takes you back to 3pm for pulling it out of the oven. So you are looking at putting it in the oven between 1am and 3am. Then you will want to have it in the brine for at least 24 hours, so you’ll want to put it in the brine late the night before. So let’s say you want dinner at 5pm on Saturday…on Thursday night, put it in the brine around 11pm. Pull it out of the brine on Friday night around 11pm and stick it in the oven. It will cook until around 11am-1pm on Saturday. Let it rest for a couple of hours and then shred it. That will take you until 3-4pm on Saturday. Cover it will foil, and it should stay plenty warm until your 5pm dinner. I hope that makes sense. I can brine for a little longer if needed. You can also always cover it with foil and stick it in the oven on warm until serving. All the hours are flexible and can bend to your schedule. Enjoy!!
Rachel
Do you think a pork loin would work? I made it before with a pork butt and it was excellent!
Sweet Basil
A pork loin won’t work correctly. Pork loins are too lean and won’t shred.
Meghan
This is by far the best pulled pork I’ve ever had, and I’m including some great bbq spots in there. I made it exactly as written, but I didn’t bother with the vinegar sauce on that last step, it was so incredibly perfect on it’s own. The bark on the pork was so scrumptious, I ended up scraping the fat off and then tearing the bark and putting it back in with the shredded meat. I brought this to a party- it was a huge hit. This will be my go to pulled pork recipe for life!
Sweet Basil
Yahoo!! Love to hear this Meghan! We love sure love it!!
tony
Excellent recipe!! – but I do have a question on the optional BBQ sauce. You have sauce recipe under “Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce and Vinegar Sauce”, where the eastern vinegar recipe calls for the following:
For the Vinegar Base BBQ
• 1 Cup White vinegar
• 1/4 Cup Ketchup
• 1/4 Cup Apple Cider
• 1 1/4 Teaspoon Texas Pete’s Hot sauce or Franks is fine
• 3 Tablespoons Brown sugar
• 2 Teaspoons Salt
• 1 1/4 Teaspoons Crushed red pepper
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
How would this recipe for this dish be in comparison? Was there a reason this was not used in the cooking recipe noted here?
Thank you !!
Sweet Basil
The recipe listed in the recipe card is a purely vinegar based sauce so it is really runny and delicious for drenching the pork in. The Carolina Vinegar Base Sauce you have listed is more of a traditional bbq sauce with the ketchup in it. It is thicker and also has a little more heat. It is perfect for dipping the pulled pork in and putting on top for a sandwich. We absolutely love both! It just depends on what flavor and style of BBQ sauce you want! Enjoy!
Kristen
Hi! I’ve made this before and it was so amazing I’m making it for Thanksgiving….we are not traditional people. Haha. My question is, I’m making a 5lb butt and need to check the timeframe due to work schedules. I want to serve at noon Thursday so I’m thinking in brine 5am Wednesday and in the oven at 10pm Wednesday.
Sweet Basil
Hey Kristen! I love non-traditional Thanksgivings! I would start the brine a little earlier so it can brine for 24 hours. Maybe through it in brine late Tuesday night? Otherwise, I think your plan sounds perfect!
Shar
Hi! Will be making this starting tmw (brining) and then in the oven Friday. As far as the thermometer, is it something that sticks in the meat the whole time it’s cooking? Sounds like a silly question but I just don’t know what’s the ‘right’ thermometer for that is? Can I just check after say 12-14 hrs? And I’ll also be doing 2 at the same time…do I need to rotate sides in the oven 1/2 way through or for a longer time? Both are 7.9 lbs. excited for the end results, thank you for this recipe.
Sweet Basil
Hey Shar! No, don’t leave the thermometer in the whole time. Just use it to check the temperature after 12 hours and periodically afterward until they reach temperature. You shouldn’t need to rotate the two pork butts, unless your oven has known hot spots, but it will probably take closer to 14 hours for them both to come to temperature. Can’t wait to hear what you think! Enjoy!
KJS
This recipe is amazing. It’s worth every minute of prep, and makes enough to serve a crowd of people (who will be your new best friends!).
Question: is soaking in the brine for more than 24 hours recommended? If so, how much longer? I’m doing the math for how long it would soak before putting it in the oven for the 12-14hrs, and then 2hr resting period, for it to be ready at the proper time 😉
Sweet Basil
Brining for much more than 24 hours isn’t recommended. Brining for too long starts to have an adverse effect on the meat. So glad you enjoy this! It is one of our very favorites!
Georgia Villa
So quick question… I am making a 2lb with no bone because it was on sale, how long would I cook it?
Love this recipe, I’ve made it a couple times so far and like everyone else is saying rave reviews from all that eat it! Thanks for a wonderful recipe!!! ❤️🥰
Sweet Basil
Hi Georgia! I would go with 6-8 hrs! Enjoy!
Sue
Do you cover with foil to cook of open
Sweet Basil
Yeah!
Alex
Can this be made in a crockpot? and if so how long?
Sweet Basil
Hey Alex! Yes this can be done in the crockpot, but we’ve found that it doesn’t do it justice. It is also hard to fit the size of pork butt you need into a crock pot. If you decide to try it, it will cook for the same amount of time.
Lili
Hello, I will be making this for my kids birthday party this weekend. Can I cook two 7 lbs each at the same time in the oven? I don’t know if I should do one on Friday and the other on Saturday or doing both together. Also is a thermometer actually needed?
Sweet Basil
Yes, you can totally do two at a time. You will just need to cook them for an extra hour or so. The thermometer will be pretty crucial to make sure they both come reach the correct temperature. Enjoy!
Susan Amos
I have made this once before, and it got RAVE reviews! Our son is getting married, and I would like to serve it at the wedding, but I will need to make ahead and freeze. Any tips on how to freeze and thaw with the best results! Thanks so much for an amazing recipe!!
Sweet Basil
Hi Susan! Congrats on your son getting married! There are sections in the post about making it ahead of time, freezing it, and reheating it. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Alexander W.
I have made bar-b-q on several occasions through the decades and always thought it was pretty good.
Hit and miss sometimes though.
I made this recipe for the 1st time with a Carolina vinegar based sauce. Well after cooking the pork I thought I had burnt the meat to a crisp! But, after pulling it then tasting it I really had to shake my head to believe I had actually cooked something that tastes better than any restaurant style barbecue I had ever had!
Thank you so much and yes!!!!!This is the world’s best barbecue recipe.
FYI… I am cooking the pork to make this recipe again as we speak! Lol
Ummmm. I can’t wait! 🥰
Alexander W.
I have me home made barbecue on several occasions through the years kand always thought it was pretty good.
Hit and miss though.
I made this recipe for the 1st time with Carolina vinegar based sauce and thought I had burnt the meat to a crisp! But, after tasting it I really had to shake my head to believe I hd actually cooked something that tastes better than any restaurant style barbecue I had ever had!
Thank you so much and yes!!!!!This is the world’s best barbecue recipe.
FYI… I am cooking the pork to make this recipe we speak! Lol
Ummmm. I can’t wait 🥰
Sweet Basil
You have made our day!! Thank you! So glad you love this recipe as much as we do!
Natalie
I’ve tried many different recipes when it comes to pulled pork but I stopped searching for the perfect recipe when I made this three years ago and it’s now my go to. I raise my own pigs on a small scale farm so we eat this often and people ask for my recipe all the time. Thanks! It really is amazing!
Sweet Basil
Yahoo!! Thank you Natalie! You’ve seriously made my day!
Liz
We love this recipe! This is our third time making it! Today, I put it in the oven as the directions say. Will 11 hours be okay? Will it be cooked through in that amount of time or is there an adjustment I can make for a little less time? Last time I used a crockpot but I want to try the oven today.
Sweet Basil
Hey Liz! 11 hours should be fine. Just check the internal temperature. Make sure it is 200 degrees.
Pam hurst
If i freeze this after shredding and tossing it with some of the rub, Should I bag in zip locks and pour some of its own juices over it so that it stays tender when thawed and reheated?
Cici
I read through a page or two of comments, but as there are 335 comments (wow!), I couldn’t read through all of them! I’m sorry if this has been asked and answered already, but you say drizzle some of the vinegar sauce over the meat. How much? And what do I do with the rest? I am planning on making both your mustard sauce and your other vinegar sauce to serve with it. Am I being redundant? Can’t wait to make this for an party at my house for 60!
Sweet Basil
Hey Cici! The vinegar sauce on the meat is optional. The meat doesn’t really need it as it will be plenty juicy, but if you want that added flavor, you can add however much you want. We usually do a quick drizzle over the whole pan. You can make the rest of the sauce available to your guests to use. It will be a different type of sauce from the mustard based bbq sauce and the vinegar based mustard sauce. So you’ll end up having 3 sauces for people to choose from! Enjoy and let us know how it goes!!
Karri
Can I brine for 36 hours? I was going for 12 and plans changed a day. Keeping it in the fridge for 30-36 hours would work best for the timing now.
Sweet Basil
It can be left in the brine for another 8-10 hours and then just set it in a pan with plastic wrap, not foil. And keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to throw it in the oven. Enjoy!!
Elsa
Making this today for the first time, and I’m loving all the comments! So excited to try it. I just have one question about the “optional” mix to drizzle on after the pork rests. I’m not a huge vinegar fan, so I wanted to know if the purpose of the drizzle is to add to the juiciness of the pork, or to add flavor? And does the combination of the two vinegars overcome the other flavors?
Sweet Basil
If you don’t like vinegar, then I would say skip it! It is plenty juicy without the sauce, it is just to add a different flavor dimension. You could also make it and just offer it on the side for others. You’re going to love this pork!!
Elsa
Thank you so much! I will put it on the side then 🙂 Thank you!
Michelle
Hey! When do you add the optional ingredients? After resting or before cooking? Thanks
Sweet Basil
Hey Michelle! Great questions! Those ingredients are for the vinegar sauce mentioned in step 10. So those are for after the meat rests. Enjoy!!
B
We love this recipe. Thank you for sharing!!
Sweet Basil
Isn’t it so dang good?! Thanks for the feedback Barbara!
Catherine Friedman
I just want to confirm that I dont cover it to cook?
Cant wait to taste it!0
Sweet Basil
Correct! Don’t cover!
Charlie
If you are going to title your recipe “World’s Best Pulled Pork” first don’t give a recipe that calls for brining. Pork Butts and shoulders have so much fat in them you don’t need to brine. Brining is a waste of time and resources.
Second, in the oven? Really? I get you are sharing a recipe. Heck, it is probably good. But when you claim “world’s best” you better not be using an oven. I smoke my meat and using an oven is an insult.
A smoker on its worst day trumps the oven every time.
My point here is be fair with your titles. Don’t fluff it just because.
Sweet Basil
Don’t knock it til you try it! It really is the best ever and we have a version on the smoker too: https://ohsweetbasil.com/smoke-pulled-pork-on-a-traeger/. We definitely always brine for both the smoker and the oven. That’s what find works best! Happy smoking!
Amy
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
Sweet Basil
LOL! Thanks Amy!
Noah
This is now my standard recipe for BBQ! I have a method to produce my own apple cider using an instant pot, and a bag of granny smith apples, (among other ingredients) since apple cider is a seasonal item. I also use the brine and rub when bbqing a whole chicken. I totally endorse this recipe, an so do the members of my church.
Sweet Basil
Oh that is so smart! I want to make my own apple cider! So glad you enjoy this!! Thank you for the feedback!
Kelly M.
I’ve made this twice and it’s absolutely delicious! Everyone loved it! Making it a third time for my nephew’s graduation this weekend!
Sweet Basil
Hurray!! It makes our day to hear that…seriously! Thanks Kelly and congrats to your nephew!!
Leanne
Wow this is a great recipe. Have used exactly as written and adapted to use for the grill. So much flavor both ways! I did want to ask about the mustard based recipe you speak of- couldn’t find it here. I love the vinegar recipe but have always loved the Carolina mustard when available and also love to mix the two… Thank you for such an awesome recipe!
Sweet Basil
Hi Leanne! There is a link to is in the post. Here it is: https://ohsweetbasil.com/carolina-mustard-bbq-sauce-and-vinegar-sauce-recipe/
So glad you enjoy this recipe!
Beverly
My pork butt is in the oven as I type this!!!!
Born in Raleigh this has always been a favorite. Nothing like it served on a bun with cold slaw and a touch of hot sauce. I opted to use the oven method……Now in hour number five with approximately seven left to go. The anticipation of this recipe on Easter Sunday seem too far away. Will come back with comments probably Monday. Thanks for sharing
Sweet Basil
I’m dying to hear what you think!!! Not you have me on the edge of my seat and slightly jealous that I didn’t make it for our Easter dinner!
Missy
Can I do it in my Roaster Oven instead of regular oven? And can I leave the wire rack in it?
Sweet Basil
I’ve never used a roaster oven, so I’m not sure on this.
Missy
I did it in my roaster oven and it turned out perfect. Going to make it again this weekend.
Sweet Basil
Woop woop!!
Chuck Conkling
Cade, I’m with you. Love boiled peanuts!! Gonna try the pulled pork next week at the beach buy had to step in on the boiled peanuts! Sorry Carrian. ❤️
Sweet Basil
Haha! To each his own! Enjoy the pulled pork! We would love to hear how it goes!
Debi Miller
This is my second time making your recipe. It’s great. My Grandchildren love it.
However, at 225 degrees it is not getting done in 12 hours. Not even close. I am cooking 5.5 lbs both times.
What temp can I bump it up to for the same results as everyone is getting at 225?
Thanks
Debra
Sweet Basil
Hi Debra! Every oven cooks a little differently. Try cooking it at 250 but I would start checking it at 8 or 9 hours just to be sure it doesn’t get over done. So glad you enjoy it!
Sarah
This recipe sounds great! I was wondering if it ends up being sweet when it’s done?
Sweet Basil
There is a touch of sweetness but I would definitely call it a savory meal! Enjoy!
Stephanie
What would you recommend as cooking time for doing a 12 pound shoulder or two 6 pound shoulders? I have to make this for about 16-20 people.
Also I made this last month and it was incredible! Such a good recipe! Thank you so much for sharing with all of us!
Sweet Basil
Technically, if you follow the recipe with an 8 pounder, that will feed 16-20 people. If you do two, just follow the same recipe and instructions. I haven’t tried a 12 pounder, so you’ll just have to test the internal temperature, but 14 hours should be plenty of time I think. Enjoy!!
Lori
Ok, I am reading through comments and cannot exactly find my answer. I have apple juice and apple cider vinegar. How much would I use of each to sub for 4 cups apple cider? HELP!
Sweet Basil
Hi Lori! You can use either one and just keep the same measurement – 4 cups. Apple cider vinegar will give you a little tangier flavor. Both will work great! Or you could do half of one and half of the other.
Kendra
Just as an addendum to this comment… DO NOT BRINE IN VINEGAR!!!!! My husband made the brine up the last time we cooked a shoulder and I knew what he had done the moment I tasted the first bite. He misread the recipe and used apple cider vinegar instead of apple cider. The result was very, VERY mushy meat. It tasted ok but wasn’t nearly as appetizing. We ended up tossing more than half of it as our kids wouldn’t eat it.
Sweet Basil
We’ve had some readers that have really liked it brined in apple cider vinegar, but we prefer the apple cider. Thank you for the feedback!
Greg sharpe
I made this today. All I can say is it is AWESOME! Thank you.
Sweet Basil
Yay! We sure love it! Glad you enjoyed it!
Stephanie
I’m planning on making this tomorrow. It looks amazing! But, the recipe doesn’t say to cook it covered or uncovered. How should I cook it?
Sweet Basil
Hi Stephanie! It is cooked uncovered. Enjoy!
Stephanie
Thank you! One more question, sorry, i’ve never made this before. Should I baste it with something? The one you made looks amazing, i’m just worried it will dry out.
Sweet Basil
No basting needed! With the fat on top, it will stay plenty moist! Hope you enjoy it!
Sarah Thibeault
Hello! I made this recipe for my family for Christmas Eve and it put all my anxieties of cooking for family aside because it was AMAZING. Naturally, we heeded your warning of self-shutoff ovens and watched it closely for 8 hours and since it didn’t shut off we thought we were in the clear and went on a family drive. Well apparently it must have shut off shortly after we left and we were eagerly watching the thermometer which was staying right at about 175 degrees. It was getting too close to the serving time and I wanted time for it to rest so I took it out knowing it was passed the temperature at which pork is fully cooked. It was super moist, pulled apart beautifully, and no one got sick so I’m wondering why the 200 degree done mark? I am making this again (and doubling it) this weekend for a crowd of 15 so I figured I would ask the master! Thanks!
Sweet Basil
We have found that 200 degrees is when it shreds the best and is the most tender. It’s safe to eat at 160 degrees. Enjoy this weekend!!
Kristina Simpson
This is hands down my keep going back to recipe. I have received so many compliments even from some family that comes up from the Carolina’s that it is fantastic. I’ve always made it in the crockpot and it comes out great, bone pulls itself out. I usually do a 13lb pork shoulder or if I have a party I have no choice but to make 2 because this is the first food item to go first. I don’t alter with the recipe other than just using the Apple Cider Vinegar vs the apple cider and I had a touch of liquid smoke.
Sweet Basil
Thank you Kristina! We love to hear it! It is always a hit anywhere we take it too! Now I’m craving it!
Ashley
How long did you have it in the crockpot?
MexIcan
Has this been tried using a Big Green Egg? I´m trying it for the Super Bowl, any suggestions?
Sweet Basil
We haven’t tried it on a Big Green Egg, but we have tried it on the grill and in a smoker. The oven really is the best!
EC Theil
About the Big Green Egg:We’ve done NC pork BBQ in our Big Green Egg in CA, and it is perfect..
Sweet Basil
Thank you for the feedback!!
Dee Audet
Before I found your great recipe, I already shopped and bought a large pork loin 🙁 but it is about 8lbs with what seems to be a fair amount of fat & marbling. How do you think this will work instead of a pork shoulder / Boston butt? Sounds like an amazing recipe and I’m looking forward to making it this weekend. Thank you!!
Sweet Basil
It will still pull apart and be delicious. It is a different cut so it will have a little different flavor.
Calli Kube
Cheney’s- Do you have a reccomendation for making the worlds best carolina pulled pork in a crock pot or insta-pot? Will I get the same results? I want to make it so bad, but am reluctant to leave my oven on all day while I am away at work. I do have weekends off, but my event is planned for a wednesday night and I want it to be as fresh as possible Any pointers? Thanks in advance for your help!
Sweet Basil
Ok, leaving your oven on should be totally fine! They are programmed to shut off if anything crazy happens. You could do the crock pot, but it doesn’t do it justice at all. We haven’t tried it in the instant pot yet. Another problem with the crock pot and instant pot is they don’t usually fit the size of pork butt that you need. If you end up doing the crock pot, it will cook for the same amount of time.
Will
Hello!
I made this last year and it turned out amazing. I am hoping to make it prior to a family vacation, freezing, and reheating in a oven/crockpot. Would you have any recommendations on reheating?
Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe!
Sweet Basil
Hey Will! Yes, there is a section in the post on reheating it. Check that out and if you have questions, let me know! So glad you enjoy it!
Steph
Just want to say that I made this in the crock pot the other day and it came out great. I make pulled pork in the crock pot a lot, and this was one of the best recipes I’ve used.
Our work schedules are kinda crazy, so I ended up brining the pork for 12 hours. Used apple cider vingar + water instead of the apple cider. Left it in the crock pot on low for 12 hours; bone basically removed itself for me. I saved some of the liquid and even popped it in the oven for a few minutes afterwards. Also added a little liquid smoke to this; overall it was a hit! The oven prob gives you that nice crust on the outside before you pull it, but it’s still delicious.
I’ll be making this again over the weekend for a pot luck, but this time I’ll probably use more vinegar in the brine (I only used 1c + 3 c water; I ended up adding more vinegar later cause I didn’t use this sauce). For reference, I used about a 7lb shoulder and it fit perfectly into my crock pot. I do tend to trim a lot of the fat off beforehand when I make it in there & if it is too big you can always trim and add to the sides (which I find can be necessary for a bigger piece of meat).
Sweet Basil
Thank you for this wonderful feedback!! Popping it in the oven after being in the crockpot is totally the key to getting that crusty exterior. Thank you again for leaving a comment!
Noah
Just a side note, and perhaps im getting into this conversation a little late. But i have prepared this recipe numerous times using all three methods (crock pot, intsant pot, oven). However, i have to advocate for the oven, as the best result. The crock pot comes in at 2nd, with the instant pot at 3. I want to try a smoker with this recipe when i get a chance. However part of the “science” of true barbeque is the process of caramelization (that may be spelled rong lol). In order for that process to occur, you need to allow steam to escape during the heating process. The oven/smoker is an open system, so the sugars caramelize real easy. The crock pot is a closed system, but not totally air tight (for example, my pot has a small hole for a probe, steam can escape). Some caramelization occurs, but not much. The instant pot allows for no caramelization being its a totally closed system, in part using the steam buildup to cook. Don’t get me wrong, the product you will get from the instant pot will be delicious, but not BBQ from a traditional sense.
I do use the instant pot to create the brine. I will cut up about 6 granny smith apples, a peeled and cut up lemon, a small can of crushed pineapple, kosher salt, the rub, and brown sugar, bay leaves, etc. Add water to the full mark, and pressure cook for 30 min. After the pressure is released, i mash the contents, and strain into the brining container. When the liquid is at room temp (or colder) i add the meat, then add enough water to cover the meat. It has worked phenomenally.
I hope this was more helpfull than long winded. I just love Bbq, and talking about it.
Sweet Basil
Thank you so much for this feedback!! You have given some excellent tips and you totally nailed it with the oven being the best! We do have a recipe for a smoker when you get a chance to try it!
https://ohsweetbasil.com/smoke-pulled-pork-on-a-traeger/
Susan Saylor
I really didn’t plan this right. My shoulder has been brined for 24 hours, but I can’t cook it until tomorrow. Can I leave it in the brine or should I remove it and wrap it in foil until tomorrow?
Sweet Basil
It can be left in the brine for another 8-10 hours and then just set it in a pan with plastic wrap, not foil. Enjoy!!
Nicole
Apple cider the juice, or apple cider vinegar?
Sweet Basil
The juice! Enjoy!
Dave Dugan
This recipe is awesome. But, c’mon Carrian boiled peanuts are somewhere just this side of heaven. 😄😄😄. Thanks for the recipe.
Sweet Basil
Hahaha! Thanks, Dave! Bleh…I just can’t get into the boiled peanut thing!
Tanja
Thanks for the recipe! It looks great!
If making the Carolina Mustard and Vinegar BBQ Sauces, do you recommend still making and adding the vinegar sauce, or will the 2 BBQ sauces suffice?
Sweet Basil
Yes, still make the vinegar sauce and add it to the meat. It keeps it moist and full of flavor. Then the two BBQ sauces can be added as desired! Enjoy!
TANJA
Thank you very much for the feedback! Much appreciated.
I will be making this the first week in February, and am looking forward to it!
Sweet Basil
Enjoy! We would love to hear how it goes!
Tanja
I made this with 8.3 kg pork shoulder (18.3 pounds), included the vinegar sauce. (this is a must have – the overall flavour was elevated by the addition of the sauce.
We also made the mustard and vinegar-based sauces, and both were really well received. As we also had some kids, I decided to add the more traditional BBQ sauce from your site.
The sauces really are so much better after having them in the fridge for a week. do appreciate that resting time.
I served this on rolls with a crunchy coleslaw.
All the guests loved the food, which made me an extremely happy hostess.
Thank you so much for the recipes and advise.
Sweet Basil
Yes, Tanja!! We love to hear this! This is one of our go-to meals to feed a crowd because it is always a hit! So glad you loved the pork and the sauces! Thank you for the wonderful feedback!
Annette
OMG! Thanks for sharing this recipe! I made this and took it to our tailgate last month and it was a huge hit. Soft, delicious pulled pork is what I wanted, this is better than I’d hoped! You made it so easy, I felt like a pro BBQ chef! Served it with hoagie rolls and hawaiian sweet rolls and both were so yummy. Followed the directions exactly and was so happy with the result. I am making this again for this weekend’s playoff game. My mouth is watering already. Thanks and GO RAMS! 🙂
Sweet Basil
Hurray! This is the perfect tailgating food too! It transports so well and feeds a crowd! thank you for taking time to leave a comment! Good luck in your game!!
Amanda
Thank you so much for this recipe! This was one of the best meals I have ever made!
Sweet Basil
Hurray!! We love to hear this! Thanks Amanda! And it’s so easy, right?!
Robert
Can you brine for 48 hrs?
Sweet Basil
Hi Robert! It is best not to over brine but if it happened or if its going to make your life easier, it will still be fine! Enjoy!
Jan
absolutely delicious!!!!! We used bread and lotus buns….ummmmmmm. Entire roast was gone with 7 people eating it. Thank you very much.
Sweet Basil
Yes! We love to hear that! Now you have me craving it!
Maria
Do you cook the meat in the brine or by itself with just the rub?
Sweet Basil
By itself with just the rub (see steps 2 and 3 in the “To Cook” section of the instructions).
Amanda Otto
Do you use a roasting rack or do you let the shoulder cook sitting on the bottom of the pan in its juices?
Pam Hurst
I love this recipe!! Tastes great right out of oven! But our party was cancelled due to severe weather. We now need to wait 2 weeks. Question: should i pour some of the juice from the pan over the meat in my ziplock bags to keep it moist?
Sweet Basil
Hi Pam! I’m sorry your party got postponed! Yes, pour a little of the juices over the meat and then freeze in in Ziploc bags. To reheat it, we just place it in the fridge to defrost and then reheat in a large pan with foil in a low oven or stove top with a little oil in the pan and a lid to keep the steam in so it’s juicy.
Louisa
Hi, I love your recipe! However I was wondering if you knew about how much pork and how long I should cook this for only two people?
Sweet Basil
Hi Louisa! Oh man, you’re not going to find a pork butt that small. I would make the full recipe and freeze the leftovers!
tom
Hi, is that 225 degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius ?
Sweet Basil
Fahrenheit