This recipe for sweet and smoky pulled pork is the epitome of comfort food. It's a crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days, potlucks, or a cozy night in. I developed this recipe over years of experimentation, inspired by my friend’s amazing barbecue competition wins. He tought me many tricks and now I share them with you!

We're using a pork shoulder, which is the perfect cut for slow-cooking because of its high fat content. This leads to exceptionally tender and juicy pulled pork. The rub is where the magic really happens. It’s a blend of sweet and smoky spices that create a flavor explosion. The combination of brown sugar, paprika, and a touch of chili powder creates this balanced flavor profile.

Sweet and Smoky Pulled Pork

Name: Sweet-and-Smoky-Pulled-Pork
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Slow-Cooker
Ingredients: 3-4 pounds Pork shoulder; 1/4 cup Brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Paprika; 1 tablespoon Garlic powder; 1 tablespoon Onion powder; 1 teaspoon Cumin; 1 teaspoon Chili powder; 1 tablespoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Black pepper; 1 cup Apple cider or chicken broth; 1/2 cup Barbecue sauce

Get ready to experience the ultimate in flavor with this sweet and smoky pulled pork recipe. It's tender, juicy, and incredibly delicious.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 480 minutes

Total Time: 510 minutes

📖 Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Get that Dutch oven nice and toasty.
Next, we'll tackle the pork shoulder. Pat it dry with paper towels – this helps the rub adhere better. Oh, and don't forget to trim off any excess fat. Unless you like that extra bit of richness, of course. Your call!
Now for the rub! In a bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix it up good. I like to really get my hands dirty with this part. It's therapeutic, you know?
Generously rub that delicious mixture all over the pork shoulder. Make sure to coat it evenly. Don't be shy! Seriously, there is no such thing as too much rub.
Place the pork shoulder in your Dutch oven. If you're using a slow cooker, transfer it in there instead. Add about a cup of your favorite liquid; apple cider, chicken broth, or even beer works great. It keeps things moist and flavorful!
Cover the Dutch oven tightly and pop it into the preheated oven. If you're using a slow cooker, follow its instructions. I usually cook it on low for about 6-8 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove it from the oven or slow cooker and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This is crucial for juicy results.
After resting, use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. This is where you get to be a little messy. I find it incredibly satisfying!
While the pork is resting, prepare your barbecue sauce, or heat your fave store-bought one. Don't go overboard; this is just to add a little extra zing.
Gently mix the shredded pork with your barbecue sauce. Make sure to coat everything evenly.
Serve the pulled pork on your favorite buns, with coleslaw, or however you enjoy it. And if you have any leftovers, well, you deserve another round of deliciousness.
Enjoy your sweet and smoky pulled pork! It's truly one of my favorite comfort foods. And the best part? It's totally worth the effort. You'll feel immensely satisfied after creating this masterpiece.

📝 Notes

For a spicier kick, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Feel free to experiment with different types of barbecue sauce to find your perfect match.
This recipe is easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd!