Sweet & Smoky: Making Bbq Sauce For Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is a delicious dish that can be made in a variety of ways, but one of the most important components is the barbecue sauce. A good BBQ sauce can make or break the dish, and while there are many store-bought options available, making your own sauce can take your pulled pork to the next level. In this article, we will explore the steps and ingredients needed to create a sweet BBQ sauce that will perfectly complement your pulled pork. We will also discuss different ways to cook the pork, including slow-roasting and using a slow cooker, to ensure that your dish is mouth-wateringly tender and flavourful.

Choosing the right cut of pork

When it comes to making pulled pork, the cut of meat you choose is crucial. The best cut of pork for pulled pork is the shoulder, specifically the Boston butt, also known as the Boston roast. This cut comes from the upper part of the pig's shoulder and has a desirable balance of meat and fat. The fat content is essential for keeping the meat moist during the slow-cooking process, contributing to the dish's tenderness.

A full pork shoulder will weigh between 12 and 16 pounds and will have a bone, a joint, and plenty of collagen and fat. When shopping for pork shoulder, look for a piece with a good balance of fat and meat. The fat will add flavour and moisture to the dish.

If you can't find a whole pork shoulder, you can opt for a Boston butt or a picnic roast. These cuts will weigh between 6 to 8 pounds each. The Boston butt has less bone than the picnic, which can come with or without the bone. While the picnic roast is more similar to an unprepared ham, both cuts work well for pulled pork. Just make sure to choose a cut with the bone still in, as this adds more flavour.

Another factor to consider when choosing your pork is the quality of the meat. Try to select meat from pigs that have been raised healthily and naturally, without chemicals or preservatives. Also, opt for fresh meat that hasn't been sitting in the freezer for too long.

In summary, when making pulled pork, choose a pork shoulder, preferably a Boston butt, with a good balance of fat and meat. If you can't find a whole shoulder, a Boston butt or picnic roast will also work well. Remember to opt for high-quality, fresh meat to ensure the best results.

Making a spice rub

Ingredients:

First, gather your ingredients. For a basic spice rub, you will need:

• Salt
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Dry mustard
• Brown sugar
• Black pepper

Feel free to adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. You can also add other spices and seasonings, such as onion powder, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika, to create a unique flavour profile.

Mixing the Spices:

In a small bowl, combine all of the spices and mix until they are evenly distributed. You can also place the spices in a resealable bag and shake to mix. It is important to ensure that the spices are well combined so that the flavours are balanced in the final rub.

Preparing the Meat:

Before applying the spice rub, pat the pork dry with paper towels. Removing any excess moisture will help the spices adhere better to the surface of the meat. Place the pork in a roasting pan or slow cooker, depending on your preferred cooking method.

Applying the Rub:

Using your hands or a spoon, generously apply the spice blend all over the pork. Be sure to coat the meat evenly, turning it over and rubbing the spices into all sides and crevices. Don't leave any spice blend in the bottom of the pan; keep turning the meat until all the spices adhere to it.

Cooking the Pork:

Follow your chosen recipe's instructions for cooking the pork, whether it's in the oven or a slow cooker. The spice rub will infuse flavour into the meat as it cooks, creating a delicious and tender pulled pork dish.

Preparing the meat

Pulled pork is made using a cut of meat called pork butt, also known as Boston butt, or pork shoulder. This is a well-marbled, fatty cut of meat from the upper shoulder of the pig. It is perfect for pulled pork because the fat keeps the meat juicy and it benefits from a long cooking time to become tender. You can also use a boneless pork butt, but the cooking time may be a little less.

You will need a 3.5-4.5kg/5-7lb piece of pork for this recipe, which will make a large batch—perfect for feeding a crowd or for freezing. If you are cooking for fewer people, you can use a smaller piece of meat, but be aware that the cooking time will be reduced and the flavour may be affected.

Before cooking, pat the pork dry with paper towels. Then, make your spice rub by combining the following ingredients in a small bowl:

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Mix the spices together until they are evenly combined, then rub the spice blend all over the pork, turning the meat to ensure it is evenly coated.

Place the pork in a roasting pan and roast, uncovered, in the oven for 6-6 1/2 hours. You will know when it is done when the meat is fork-tender and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork registers 195°F.

Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and place it on a cutting board or platter. Tent it with aluminium foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Then, use two forks to pull the meat away from the bone into large shreds, removing and discarding any large pieces of fat or sinew.

Place the shredded pork in a large bowl or dish and pour over your barbecue sauce. Toss the pork gently to ensure it is evenly coated, then taste and add more sauce if desired.

Making the sauce

Ingredients

• Ketchup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard (yellow, spicy brown, or dry)
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Hot sauce/cayenne pepper (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)

Method

• Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Stir well to combine, ensuring that the sugar is dissolved.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
• Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency and the flavours have melded.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you want to add some spice, include ingredients like chipotle pepper, sriracha sauce, or red pepper flakes.
• Once the sauce is ready, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly before using.
• If not using immediately, store the sauce in an airtight container, mason jar, or squirt bottle, and place it in the refrigerator.

Tips

• For a thinner sauce, use tomato sauce instead of ketchup as your base.
• If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute red wine vinegar or rice wine vinegar, though the latter may make the sweet flavours overpowering. Lemon juice can also be used for a zippier taste.
• For the best flavour, use light or dark brown sugar, not other varieties.
• Honey adds a magical touch to the sauce, but if you don't have any, you can substitute it with syrup or molasses.
• Worcestershire sauce is the secret ingredient that balances the sweetness of the sauce with savoury undertones.
• Smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavour to the sauce. If you don't have any, you can use liquid smoke instead.
• If you're making a kid-friendly version, add spicy ingredients like hot sauce or cayenne pepper after you've portioned out some of the sauce for the little ones.
• This sauce tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time if possible.

Serving suggestions

Pulled pork is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sandwiches or sliders: Stuff the pulled pork into soft rolls or buns with coleslaw for a classic, hearty option. You can also add a slice of melted cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, for an extra indulgent touch.
• Southern BBQ dinner plate: Create a hearty plate with classic sides such as baked mac and cheese, cornbread, steamed corn slathered with butter, coleslaw, and a side of something green, like steamed greens or a salad.
• BBQ pork pizza: Use the pulled pork as a topping for a BBQ chicken pizza. The sweet and tangy sauce will complement the cheese and dough perfectly.
• Dip: Serve the pulled pork as a dip with sweet potato fries and ranch dressing for a fun and casual appetizer or snack.
• Tacos or nachos: Use the pulled pork as a filling for tacos or nachos, adding your favourite toppings and sauces. Try using a blend of cheeses, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or chopped onions and cilantro.
• Salads: Create a BBQ chicken salad by tossing the pulled pork with mixed greens, chopped vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette. You can also add other ingredients like croutons, hard-boiled eggs, or avocado for extra texture and flavour.
• Bowls: Make a hearty bowl by layering rice, beans, pulled pork, and your favourite toppings. Try adding pickled onions, chopped cilantro, salsa, or a fried egg for a delicious and filling meal.
• Sides: If you're looking for something simpler, serve the pulled pork with a side of baked beans, coleslaw, or potato salad. These classic BBQ sides will complement the sweet and tangy flavours of the pork perfectly.

Frequently asked questions