Fire-Kissed BBQ Pulled Pork (Printable)

Tender pulled pork slow-cooked, smoky and fire-charred, served on toasted buns with fresh herbs and tangy sauce.

# What You Need:

→ Pork & Marinade

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

→ Cooking Liquid

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

→ BBQ Sauce & Herbs

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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub pork shoulder with olive oil, then coat thoroughly with the spice mixture.
02 - Place pork in a 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 easily shredded.
03 - Heat a grill or large cast-iron skillet over high heat in preparation for searing.
04 - Remove pork from cooking liquid and shred using two forks. Toss shredded meat with half of the barbecue sauce and chopped fresh parsley, chives, and thyme.
05 - Place shredded pork in a grill basket or directly on the skillet. Sear for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges develop crispy, fire-charred texture.
06 - Butter the insides of sandwich buns and toast them on the grill or skillet until golden brown.
07 - Pile seared pork onto toasted buns, drizzle with remaining BBQ sauce, add sliced red onions and optional coleslaw. Serve immediately for best flavor.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Hearty rustic dinner
  • Vibrant herb notes and fire-charred flavor
02 -
  • Use gluten-free buns for a gluten-free option
  • Pair with a crisp lager or a zesty rosé
03 -
  • Shred pork while warm for best texture
  • Toast buns just before serving to keep them crisp
Go Back