Southern Comfort on a Plate: BBQ Pulled Pork, North Carolina Style!

Photo bydall-e

In the heart of North Carolina, where BBQ is more than just food—it's a tradition—there's a dish that stands out for its mouth-watering flavor and tender texture. It's the BBQ Pulled Pork, a North Carolina favorite that's delighting locals and visitors alike. This isn't just any BBQ dish; it's a journey through the rich culinary heritage of North Carolina, where every bite tells a story of slow-cooked perfection and southern hospitality.

The Essence of North Carolina BBQ Picture this: juicy, succulent pork shoulder, slow-cooked to perfection, and infused with a tangy, zesty BBQ sauce that captures the essence of North Carolina's unique BBQ style. This dish is more than a meal; it's a celebration of North Carolina's love for authentic, slow-cooked BBQ. The BBQ Pulled Pork is a testament to the state's rich culinary traditions, combining local ingredients with time-honored cooking techniques.

Recipe: North Carolina Style BBQ Pulled Pork Ingredients:

• 4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan and pour the sauce mixture over it, making sure it's well coated.
4. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the meat moist during cooking.
5. Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
6. Cook for about 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
7. Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes.
8. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
9. Toss the shredded pork with the remaining sauce in the roasting pan, ensuring it's well-coated.

The Final Touch The beauty of North Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork lies in its simplicity and rich flavor. Whether it's a family gathering, a weekend cookout, or a festive celebration, this dish brings a touch of North Carolina charm to any table. Its tender texture, combined with the tangy, zesty BBQ sauce, creates a harmony of flavors that speaks to the soul of southern cooking.

As you take a bite, let the flavors transport you to the warm, welcoming kitchens of North Carolina, where every dish is made with love and every meal is a celebration. The BBQ Pulled Pork isn't just food; it's a piece of North Carolina's culinary identity, a delicious tribute to the state's rich heritage and vibrant culture.

Source: Family Recipe