Fire-Kissed BBQ Pulled Pork (Print Version)

Tender pulled pork with smoky BBQ sauce and fire-kissed edges on toasted buns.

# What to Use:

→ Pork & Marinade

01 - 3.3 pounds boneless pork shoulder
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 2 teaspoons kosher salt
10 - 1 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cooking Liquid

11 - 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
12 - 1/3 cup chicken broth
13 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

→ BBQ Sauce & Herbs

14 - 1 cup smoky barbecue sauce
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
16 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
17 - 1 tablespoon 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 tablespoons butter, for toasting buns

# How to Prepare:

01 - Combine smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Rub pork shoulder with olive oil, then coat evenly with spice mixture.
02 - Place pork in slow cooker or Dutch oven; add apple cider, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours or until pork is tender and shreds easily.
03 - Heat a grill or large cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot.
04 - Remove pork from liquid, shred with forks, then mix with half of the barbecue sauce and chopped fresh herbs.
05 - Place shredded pork in a grill basket or directly on the skillet; sear for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges are crispy and slightly charred.
06 - Spread butter on the inside of each bun and toast on the grill or skillet until golden brown.
07 - Pile pulled pork onto toasted buns, drizzle with remaining barbecue sauce, then top with sliced red onions and coleslaw if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Hearty rustic dinner
  • Smoky fire-charred flavor
02 -
  • Use gluten-free buns for dietary needs
  • Spice level can be increased with cayenne pepper
03 -
  • Use a grill basket to prevent pork from falling through the grates
  • Butter buns before toasting for extra flavor and crunch
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