Pulled Pork with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Pulled Pork with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Prep Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (preparation + cooking)
Servings: 6 people

INGREDIENTS FOR THE MEAT:

• 1.5 kg pork shoulder (or boneless pork belly)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

INGREDIENTS FOR THE HOMEMADE BARBECUE SAUCE:

• 250 ml ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. PREPARE THE MEAT:

• Dry the pork shoulder with paper towels.
• Mix salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Rub the mixture generously over the entire surface of the meat.

1. SEAR THE MEAT:

• Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Sear the meat 2-3 minutes per side, until caramelized.

1. PREPARE THE BARBECUE SAUCE:

• In a saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Heat over low heat for 5 minutes, until the sauce is smooth.

1. SLOW COOK THE PORK:

• Place the seared meat in a Dutch oven or oven-safe dish.
• Pour half of the barbecue sauce over the meat and cover.
• Cook at 150°C for 4 hours, basting with cooking juices every hour.

1. SHRED THE MEAT:

• Once cooked, remove the meat and place it on a cutting board.
• Shred the meat with two forks, it should come apart easily.

1. MIX WITH THE SAUCE:

• Return the shredded meat to the Dutch oven and add the remaining barbecue sauce.
• Mix well to coat each piece of pork with the flavorful sauce.

TIPS AND STORAGE:

• Storage: This meat can be stored for 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan with a little sauce or in the oven at 160°C for 10 minutes.
• Gourmet variant: Serve with burger buns for a pulled pork sandwich or accompany with roasted potatoes.