Fire-Kissed BBQ Pulled Pork (Printable)

Slow-cooked pulled pork with smoky sauce and fresh herbs piled on toasted buns for a hearty meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pork & Marinade

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

→ Cooking Liquid

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

→ BBQ Sauce & Herbs

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

# How To Make It:

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 apply the spice mixture evenly.
02 - Place pork in slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add apple cider, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours until pork is tender and shreds easily.
03 - Heat a grill or large cast-iron skillet over high heat to prepare for searing.
04 - Remove pork from cooking liquid and shred with two forks. Toss shredded pork with half of the barbecue sauce and chopped fresh herbs.
05 - Place shredded pork in a grill basket or directly on skillet. Sear for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until crispy and fire-charred edges develop.
06 - Butter the inside of each bun and toast on grill or skillet until golden brown.
07 - Pile the seared pulled pork onto toasted buns. Drizzle with remaining barbecue sauce, add red onions and coleslaw if desired, and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Hearty rustic dinner
  • Vibrant herb notes and fire-charred flavor
02 -
  • Use gluten-free buns for a gluten-free option
  • Contains wheat soy and may contain egg and dairy always check labels for allergies
03 -
  • Rub the pork shoulder thoroughly to maximize flavor absorption
  • Use a cast-iron skillet for the best sear and fire-kissed edges
Go Back