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Best Easy Carolina Pulled Pork Recipe

Name: Best Easy Carolina Pulled Pork Recipe
Total time: 360 min
Yield: 160 g
Ingredients: boneless pork shoulder 4 lbs; apple cider vinegar 1 cup; white vinegar 1 cup; brown sugar 2 tbsp; salt 2 tsp; black pepper 1 tsp; red pepper flakes 1 tsp; garlic powder 1 tsp

Vinegar-sauced Carolina pulled pork is slow-smoked to tender perfection with a tangy Eastern Carolina finish. This high protein family BBQ classic is perfect for sandwiches, freezer storage, and feeding a crowd.

Cook 360 min Difficulty NORMAL 320 kcal

#high protein #diabetic friendly

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

boneless pork shoulder 4 lbs
apple cider vinegar 1 cup
white vinegar 1 cup

Seasonings/Sauce

brown sugar 2 tbsp
salt 2 tsp
black pepper 1 tsp
red pepper flakes 1 tsp
garlic powder 1 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 6 g 7%

Protein 29 g 36%

Fat 18 g 57%

Serving size 160g

Cooking steps

1

Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F, setting up for indirect heat with wood chips for smoke flavor.
2

Pat the pork shoulder dry and season all sides evenly with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder, pressing into the meat.
3

Smoke the pork shoulder uncovered for 4 hours, maintaining a consistent temperature and adding wood chips as needed for steady smoke.
4

Mix apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, brown sugar, and any leftover seasoning in a bowl; use half of this mixture to baste the pork every hour during the next 2–4 hours of smoking.
5

When pork reaches 195°F internal temperature and is fork-tender (after 6–8 hours), rest it for 30 minutes, then use two forks to pull apart; toss the shredded pork with the remaining vinegar sauce for classic Carolina tang.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

The boneless pork shoulder is the core ingredient that defines Carolina pulled pork's flavor and texture. Slow-smoking this cut allows the fat and connective tissue to melt, yielding succulent, tender meat perfect for shredding. The pork's richness pairs beautifully with the tangy vinegar sauce for a classic Eastern Carolina finish.

Q. How do I control smoking temperature for best results?

Maintaining a steady 225°F using indirect heat is crucial for tender pulled pork. Consistent heat prevents the exterior from drying out and ensures the collagen melts gradually. Add wood chips regularly to maintain smoke flavor and use a thermometer to check internal temperature, aiming for about 195°F before pulling and finishing.

Q. How can I avoid dry or tough pulled pork?

To avoid dryness, baste the pork shoulder with the vinegar-based sauce during smoking. This keeps the meat moist as it cooks. Resting the pork for 30 minutes after reaching 195°F also helps redistribute the juices. Proper shredding when fork-tender ensures you capture all the flavorful, juicy parts.

Q. How many calories and what are the macronutrients per serving?

Each 160g serving contains approximately 320 kcal, with 29g protein (36%), 6g carbohydrates (7%), and 18g fat (57%). This recipe offers a high protein ratio, making it suitable for protein-focused nutrition and diabetic friendly meal planning.

Best Easy Carolina Pulled Pork Recipe

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