Delicious Southern Sweet Heat Pulled Pork Recipe
/Experience the best of Southern BBQ with our Southern Sweet Heat Pulled Pork! Juicy, tender pork with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
If you’re craving a pulled pork recipe that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, our Southern Sweet Heat Pulled Pork is just what you need. This dish features juicy, tender pork that’s slow-cooked to perfection, infused with a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors. Perfect for any BBQ gathering or family dinner, this pulled pork will have everyone coming back for more. Let’s get started on creating this flavorful masterpiece!
ITEMS IN THIS RECIPE:
Southern Sweet Heat Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 8-9 Lb Pork / Boston Butt
- 1/4 C Mayo / Miracle Whip
- 1 C Holy Gospel BBQ Rub (by Meat Church)
- 8 oz Pineapple Juice
- 2 Sticks Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 C Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 C Dukes Georgia Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Rub May / Miracle Whip onto all sides of the pork to prepare the surface for the Rub. (You can use any type of fat/oil). The goal is to get as much Rub as possible to stick to the meat. This is a large piece of meat and it needs a lot of Rub.
- Apply Holy Gospel BBQ Rub by Meat Church evenly all the way around the Pork Butt.
- Cook indirect on some kind of wood fire at 250 F for 2 hours
- Spritz with Apple Cider Vinegar every 30 minutes until the Pork Butt surface has a reached a mahogany color acceptable to you. The darker the color the more intense the bark will be.
- 150-170 F Wrap pork butt inside a tin pan with butter, apple juice, and apple cider vinegar.
- Finish cooking up to around 205 F or until a probe can be inserted anywhere on the meat and it feels like sticking the probe in room temperature butter.
- Shred right in the same pan with the juices. (If you isolate the juice you can reduce it down some for a more intense flavor)
- Sauce with Dukes BBQ Sauce and juices from cook.
Notes
Pork Butt's are forgiving on final temperature because they have so much fat. Aim for somewhere around 200-210 but let the probe have the final say.
Additional Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork:
Choose the Right Cut: Use pork shoulder or pork butt for the best results, as they are ideal for slow cooking.
Marinate for Flavor: Marinate the pork in a mixture of brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and spices for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
Low and Slow: Cook the pork on low heat (around 225°F) for several hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 195-203°F.
Rest and Shred: Allow the pork to rest for at least 15 minutes before shredding it to let the juices redistribute.
Sauce It Up: Mix the pulled pork with a generous amount of your favorite BBQ sauce that complements the sweet and spicy flavors.
Our Southern Sweet Heat Pulled Pork is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors, making it a standout dish at any BBQ or family dinner. With tender, juicy pork that’s slow-cooked to perfection, this recipe is sure to impress. Whether you serve it on buns, with classic BBQ sides, or as a main dish, this pulled pork is a surefire hit. Enjoy the taste of Southern BBQ and happy cooking!
FAQ Section:
Q: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe? A: Yes, you can cook the pork in a slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours or until it’s tender and easy to shred.
Q: How do I add more heat to the pulled pork? A: Increase the amount of chili powder or add some cayenne pepper to the marinade and BBQ sauce for extra heat.
Q: What are some good side dishes for this pulled pork? A: Classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, and potato salad pair wonderfully with this pulled pork.
Q: Can I freeze the pulled pork? A: Yes, you can freeze the pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Q: How do I keep the pulled pork moist during serving? A: Keep the pulled pork warm in a slow cooker set to low or warm, and add a bit of reserved cooking liquid or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.