Carolina-Style Pork BBQ Sandwiches

Carolina-Style Pork BBQ Sandwiches
Carolina-Style Pork BBQ Sandwiches
Arguably, some of the best cue in the country can be found in North Carolina, where two distinct types of slow-cooked pig prevail. The first is Eastern barbecue, which is distinguished by slow-cooking a whole hog and including both the white and dark meat in chopped sandwiches and platters. Eastern cue boasts just a hint of vinegar and red pepper, which is added to the meat mix rather than used as a sauce. Western North Carolina cue (aka Lexington-style) is made from pork shoulder only. In addition to incorporating plenty of vinegar, sugar, and spices, it also mixes in a good amount of ketchup to create an actual sauce for the pork. This slow-cooker recipe falls somewhere in between. If you like, you can skip the sauce altogether and enjoy a basic roasted pork, which is not only fantastic on a bun with slaw and hot sauce, but is great for making burritos, barbecue pizza, or nachos. I recommend using a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker for this recipe in order to comfortably fit the pork shoulder. You can also cut this recipe in half and use a smaller slow cooker.
  • Preparing Time: -
  • Total Time: -
  • Served Person: Serves 10 to 12 (about 8 cups of meat)
Pork Sandwich Grill/Barbecue North Carolina
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • salt and black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried red pepper flakes
  • 2 large onions, sliced
  • 5-pound boneless pork shoulder roast
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
  • 2 cups cooking liquid (reserved from the slow-cooked pork)
  • buns, slaw, and hot sauce
  • Carbohydrate 10 g(3%)
  • Cholesterol 131 mg(44%)
  • Fat 24 g(37%)
  • Fiber 1 g(4%)
  • Protein 38 g(75%)
  • Saturated Fat 8 g(42%)
  • Sodium 705 mg(29%)
  • Calories 410

My Carolina-Style Pork BBQ Adventure: A Slow Cooker Journey

As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weekends are often a whirlwind of errands, family time, and desperately trying to squeeze in a little "me" time. So when it comes to cooking, I need recipes that are both delicious and easy. This Carolina-Style Pork BBQ recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s a testament to the fact that incredible flavor doesn't have to mean hours slaving over a hot stove.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. I love that it falls somewhere between the Eastern and Western North Carolina styles, allowing me to customize it to my preferences. Sometimes I opt for a more vinegar-forward flavor profile, while other times I embrace the richness of the ketchup-based sauce. And the best part? The slow cooker does all the hard work! I simply throw everything in the morning, and by evening, I'm greeted with the most tender, juicy pork, ready to be pulled and transformed into mouthwatering sandwiches.

The aroma that wafts through my kitchen as the pork simmers is simply divine. It's a comforting scent that promises a delicious meal, a welcome respite from the daily grind. And the taste? Oh, the taste! The pork is so unbelievably tender it practically melts in your mouth. The slightly sweet and tangy sauce complements the smoky, savory pork perfectly, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that's simply irresistible.

Beyond the Sandwiches: A Culinary Canvas

While these Carolina-Style Pork BBQ sandwiches are undeniably amazing (and a huge hit with my family), the possibilities don't end there. The slow-cooked pork is incredibly versatile. I've used it to make everything from flavorful burritos and pizza toppings to hearty nachos. It's a delicious base for countless culinary creations, making it a fantastic addition to my weekly meal planning repertoire.

The recipe is easily adaptable, too. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of your favorite spice blend. Want a richer sauce? Use a higher-quality ketchup or add a touch of molasses. The possibilities are endless, and the outcome is always delicious.

More Than Just a Meal: A Moment of Peace

This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it’s a moment of peace in my busy life. The act of preparing it, the anticipation of the aroma filling my kitchen, and the satisfaction of sharing the meal with my loved ones—these are the simple joys that make life worth living. This recipe is a reminder to slow down, savor the process, and appreciate the little things, like a perfectly tender piece of slow-cooked pork. It’s a taste of home, a reminder of simpler times, and a delicious reward for a hard day's work. So if you're looking for a recipe that’s both delicious and easy, look no further than this Carolina-Style Pork BBQ. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more.

A Few Tips for Success:

  • Don't skimp on the cooking time: The longer the pork cooks, the more tender it will be.
  • Adjust the sauce to your liking: If you prefer a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar.
  • Use high-quality ingredients: This will make a big difference in the taste of your BBQ.
  • Make it ahead of time: The pork can be cooked a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

This simple, yet extraordinary recipe is a true testament to the magic of slow cooking. It's the perfect blend of convenience and deliciousness, a welcome addition to any busy mom's recipe arsenal. So, give it a try. You won't regret it!

Step-by-step

    • Spray the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray.
    • Put the onions in the slow cooker. Make slits in the pork roast and insert the garlic cloves.
    • Rub salt, pepper, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes into the meat.
    • Place the pork in the slow cooker fat side up and pour in the vinegar and apple cider.
    • Cover and cook on low for at least 10 hours and up to 12 hours, until the meat is falling-apart tender.
    • Transfer the meat to a large bowl and shred it with two forks. Set aside.
    • Pour 2 cups of the pan juices into a measuring cup; discard any leftover juices still in the pot. Let cool and skim off any visible fat.
    • Pour this liquid into a saucepan. Add the water, ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, dry mustard, and red pepper flakes.
    • Bring to a boil and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
    • Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and add 1 cup of the sauce mixture (more if you like it wet).
    • Give it a stir and set the slow cooker to warm until ready to serve.
    • Serve the pork straight from the slow cooker with a slotted spoon, along with buns, slaw, and hot sauce. Serve the additional sauce on the side.
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