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Tender Pulled Pork Recipe Easy Homemade BBQ Glaze for Perfect Flavor

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A slow-cooked pork shoulder recipe with a rich homemade barbecue glaze that delivers tender, juicy pulled pork perfect for sandwiches or sides.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend evenly over the pork.
  2. Pour apple cider vinegar and water or broth into the slow cooker.
  3. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker, fat side up. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until tender enough to shred.
  4. While the pork cooks, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and Dijon mustard to make the barbecue glaze.
  5. Transfer the cooked pork to a large dish. Shred finely with two forks or meat claws, discarding large fat chunks.
  6. Pour the barbecue glaze over the shredded pork and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve immediately on buns, with sides, or store for later.

Notes

If pork isn’t shredding easily, cook longer. Thin glaze with water or apple cider vinegar if too thick. Let pork rest 10-15 minutes after shredding and glazing for best flavor. Use fresh spices for optimal taste. For gluten-free, verify Worcestershire sauce or substitute with tamari. Instant Pot cooking option: 90 minutes high pressure.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, BBQ glaze, slow cooker, barbecue, pork shoulder, homemade sauce, comfort food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/tender-pulled-pork-recipe-easy-homemade-bbq-glaze-for-perfect-flavor/