15 Best Southern Style Pulled Pork Recipe Unlock Flavor Sensations!
Published on: Mar 28, 2024
Southern style pulled pork is a classic dish that has been perfected by generations of cooks in the American South. This melt-in-your-mouth, savory and smoky pulled pork is a staple at barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. While there are many variations of this beloved recipe, there are a few key elements that make for the best southern style pulled pork. In this article, we will share our favorite recipe and tips for creating the most delicious and authentic southern pulled pork. So, grab your apron and get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering dish.
Main Ingredients: Pork Roast, Salt, Black Pepper, Cider Vinegar, Brown
If you love the flavors of the South, this pulled pork BBQ recipe is a must-try. The tender and smoky pulled pork pairs perfectly with the tangy and sweet BBQ sauce. Serve it in a sandwich or on its own for a satisfying and delicious meal.
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Redneck Tacos {pulled pork + hoecakes}
Main Ingredients: Pulled Pork, Barbecue Sauce, White Distilled Vinegar
Who says tacos have to be made with traditional tortillas? These redneck tacos feature hoecakes, a cornmeal pancake, as the base. Top it off with some succulent pulled pork and your favorite taco toppings for a unique and tasty twist on a classic dish.
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Pulled Pork-Stuffed Cornbread Muffins
Main Ingredients: Milk, Unsalted Butter, Honey, Large Eggs, All Purpose
Looking for a fun and portable way to enjoy pulled pork? These cornbread muffins are stuffed with tender pulled pork and topped with a tangy BBQ sauce. They make for a great appetizer or snack for any gathering.
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Tots and Pulled Pork Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Brioche, Pulled Pork, Slaw, Tater Tots, Bbq Sauce
This recipe takes the classic pulled pork sandwich to a whole other level. Instead of using traditional buns, this sandwich features tater tots as the base. The combination of crispy tots and tender pulled pork is a match made in heaven.
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Brunswick Stew
Main Ingredients: Shredded Cooked Pork, Frozen Corn Kernels, Baby Lima
This hearty stew originated in the southern United States and is a perfect way to use up leftover pulled pork. It combines pulled pork with vegetables, beans, and a tangy BBQ sauce for a flavorful and filling meal.
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Georgia Brunswick Stew
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Large Garlic Cloves
For a spicier take on Brunswick stew, try this Georgia-style recipe. It adds in some hot sauce and cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat. Serve it with some cornbread for a true southern comfort food experience.
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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork & Creamy Coleslaw
Main Ingredients: Pulled Pork, Onion, Garlic, Beef Broth, Water, Brown
If you don't have a grill or are short on time, this slow cooker pulled pork recipe is a game-changer. The pork is cooked low and slow in a flavorful BBQ sauce, and the creamy coleslaw is the perfect side dish to cool down the heat.
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The Juiciest Smoked Pulled Pork
Main Ingredients: Pulled Pork, Olive Oil, Seasoning, Salt, Beer
If you have a smoker, this is the perfect recipe to try out. The combination of the smoky flavor and tender pulled pork will have your taste buds dancing. Serve it with your favorite BBQ sauce and some homemade cornbread for a delicious meal.
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Pulled Pork Sliders
Main Ingredients: Slider Rolls, Butter, Pulled Pork, Barbecue Sauce
These pulled pork sliders are perfect for any party or gathering. The small buns make for the perfect bite-sized sandwiches, and the pulled pork is topped with a tangy and zesty coleslaw for an extra crunch.
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Pulled Pork Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Pulled Pork, Red Cabbage, Spring Onion, Carrot, Lime
For a classic and simple pulled pork sandwich, look no further. This recipe features a homemade BBQ sauce that perfectly complements the tender and juicy pulled pork. You can also add some spicy pickles for an extra kick.
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Basic Pulled Pork
Main Ingredients: Top Loin, Cumin, Salt, Pepper, Cooked Pulled Pork, Flat
If you're just starting out with pulled pork, this basic recipe is a great place to start. It uses simple ingredients and easy steps to create a delicious and versatile pulled pork that you can use in various dishes.
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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Tangy BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Pulled Pork, Medium Onion, Garlic, Chicken Broth, Brown
Another slow cooker recipe, this one features a tangy BBQ sauce that adds a delicious twist to the pulled pork. The pork is cooked low and slow and then shredded and mixed with the flavorful sauce for a mouth-watering meal.
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Pulled Pork Tacos
Main Ingredients: Taco Shells, Pulled Pork, Spicy Barbecue Sauce
Tacos are a fan favorite, and this pulled pork version is no exception. The pulled pork is paired with a zesty lime coleslaw and topped with spicy avocado salsa for a refreshing and flavorful meal.
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Pulled Pork Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Pulled Pork, Pasta, Cheddar, Salt, Black Pepper
Who says pulled pork can only be used in sandwiches or tacos? This pasta bake features tender pulled pork mixed with penne pasta, BBQ sauce, and cheese for a comforting and hearty meal that the whole family will love.
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Slow-Cooker Beach House Pulled Pork
Main Ingredients: Pulled Pork, Boston Butt, Yellow Mustard, Salt, Ground
This Hawaiian-inspired pulled pork recipe is perfect for a summer beach BBQ. The pork is marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce and cooked low and slow to create a tender and flavorful dish.
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Southern BBQ Pizza with Pulled Pork
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Bbq Sauce, Pulled Pork, Bacon, Red Onion
Pizza and BBQ may seem like an unlikely combination, but this recipe will make you a believer. The pizza is topped with tender pulled pork, BBQ sauce, red onions, and cheese for a unique and delicious twist on a classic favorite.
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Pulled Pork Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Pulled Pork, White Corn Tortillas, Red Chile Sauce
Enchiladas are another great way to use up leftover pulled pork. These enchiladas are filled with pulled pork and cheese, topped with a zesty enchilada sauce, and baked to perfection. Serve them with some spicy salsa and sour cream for a delicious meal.
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Pulled Pork Nachos
Main Ingredients: Tortilla Chips, Pulled Pork, Shredded Sharp Cheddar
Nachos are a staple game day snack, and this pulled pork version will take your nacho game to the next level. The pulled pork is combined with cheese, beans, and other toppings for a delicious and spicy snack.
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Pulled Pork Tacos with Cilantro Lime Aioli
Main Ingredients: Pulled Pork, Corn Tortillas, Cilantro, Limes, Mayo
These tacos are packed with flavor and are perfect for any taco lover. The pulled pork is mixed with a zesty cilantro lime aioli and topped with your favorite taco toppings for a fresh and delicious meal.
This basic pulled pork recipe features a homemade BBQ rub and sauce that perfectly complements the tender pork. It's great to use in sandwiches, tacos, or any other dish that calls for pulled pork.
The Importance of the Cut of Meat
When it comes to making the best southern style pulled pork, the cut of meat is crucial. The most commonly used cut for pulled pork is the pork shoulder or pork butt, also known as the pork shoulder blade roast. This cut of meat has the perfect balance of fat and marbling, which is essential for creating tender and juicy pulled pork. Avoid using lean cuts of pork, as they tend to dry out during the cooking process.
Seasoning and Rub
To achieve the signature smoky and savory flavor of southern style pulled pork, a good seasoning and rub is key. A classic southern rub consists of a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. This combination of spices creates a rich and complex flavor that will make your pulled pork stand out. Be sure to apply the rub generously and evenly to the entire surface of the meat.
Slow and Low Cooking
One of the secrets to achieving the perfect southern style pulled pork is cooking it low and slow. This allows the fat to render and the meat to become tender and fall apart easily. The ideal temperature for cooking pulled pork is between 225-250°F. Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the cut, but a general rule of thumb is to cook for 1 1/2 hours per pound of meat. To ensure an even cook and to keep the meat moist, consider using a smoker or a slow cooker.
Sauce it Up
While the seasoning and rub add plenty of flavor to the pulled pork, a good sauce can take it to the next level. In the South, barbecue sauce is the go-to condiment for pulled pork. However, there are many variations of this sauce, from tangy and vinegar-based to sweet and molasses-based. Whichever you choose, be sure to serve it on the side so that each person can add as much or as little as they like.
Now that you have the inside scoop on creating the best southern style pulled pork, it's time to put your skills to the test. Remember, the key ingredients are a good cut of meat, a flavorful rub, slow and low cooking, and a delicious sauce. So fire up the grill or set up your slow cooker and get ready to impress with this crowd-pleasing and mouthwatering dish. Happy cooking!