The art of cooking North Carolina-style pulled pork sandwiches is a tradition passed down through generations, capturing the essence of Southern barbecue. With its tender and smoky flavor, this dish has become a culinary staple, enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a novice cook, embarking on a journey to find the best recipe for this delectable sandwich is an adventure worth taking. From selecting the perfect cut of pork to mastering the art of slow-cooking, there are many factors to consider in creating the ultimate pulled pork experience.
Let's cook with our recipes!
NORTH CAROLINA-STYLE PULLED PORK SANDWICHES AND COLESLAW
A pulled pork recipe from the October 2008 issue of "Every Day with Rachael Ray." Looks really good!
Provided by Karabea
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 5h30m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Mix together the salt, pepper, and paprika; sprinkle all over the pork and rub inches
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook, turning occasionally, until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a 24-inch-long sheet of heavy duty foil and double wrap the pork.
- Place the pork, skin side up, in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish; roast until tender, about 4 1/2 hours. Remove from the oven and carefully unwrap the top of the pork, revealing the skin. Increase the heat to 450 degrees and roast for 20 minutes more.
- Transfer the roast to a large bowl, along with any juices. Using two forks, shred the pork. Add the vinegars, sugar, and hot sauce; toss. Serve on the hamburger buns, topped with coleslaw (recipe follows), if using.
- For the coleslaw: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegars, sugar, hot sauce, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the cabbage and toss. Let stand for 30 minutes, then toss and serve.
NORTH CAROLINA-STYLE BBQ PULLED-PORK SANDWICHES
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 15h30m
Yield 8 to 10 servings, with leftovers
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Make small holes all over the pork shoulder with a thin sharp knife and stuff in garlic cloves. Rub the meat all over with the Memphis Shake; cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Prepare an outdoor grill with an indirect medium-hot fire with a mix of briquettes and hardwood charcoal in half of the grill. Set grate over coals. Place pork, skin side up, in an aluminum pan with about 1 1/2 cups water on the cooler side of the grate. Toss 1 cup of the soaked and drained wood chips onto the coals and cover the grill, making sure the lid's vents are directly over pork.
- When the coals cool to medium-low heat, preheat a chimney-full of hot briquettes and hardwood charcoal. Whenever smoke stops coming out of the vents, about every hour, add more hot coals and 1 cup of soaked and drained wood chips to the fire. The goal is to maintain a medium-heat, smoky fire (but don't worry if it is hotter when the coals are added and cooler while preheating the coals). Rotate the pork when you add coals so it cooks evenly. Cook the meat until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork registers 180 degrees F, about 6 hours.
- Set aside 1 quart of the North Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Sauce. Once the pork reaches 180 degrees F, begin mopping the entire surface of the meat every 20 minutes with some of the remaining sauce and the pan drippings. Continue to cook the pork, covering the grill between mopping, until an instant-read thermometer registers 200 degrees F, about 1 to 2 hours more.
- Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let rest for at least 15 minutes. Remove the outer skin and discard. Cut large chunks from the bone and shred, using 2 forks or your fingers, (when cool enough to touch) or chop. Toss with about 1 cup of the reserved barbecue sauce for every 3 cups of meat. Tuck the pork into the soft rolls and serve with pickles.
- Whisk paprika, brown sugar, oregano, garlic, ancho powder, salt, and celery salt in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months.
- Heat the vinegar and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Off the heat, stir in the ketchup, honey, salt, red pepper, and black pepper.
Tips:
- Choose the right cut of pork: Boston butt or pork shoulder is the best cut for pulled pork sandwiches.
- Use a good quality rub: A good rub will help to flavor the pork and create a delicious crust.
- Cook the pork slowly and low: This will help to tenderize the pork and make it fall apart easily.
- Use a good quality barbecue sauce: A good barbecue sauce will help to add flavor and moisture to the pulled pork.
- Serve the pulled pork on a soft bun with your favorite toppings: Some popular toppings include coleslaw, pickles, and onions.
Conclusion:
North Carolina-style pulled pork sandwiches are a delicious and easy-to-make meal. With a few simple tips, you can make sure that your pulled pork sandwiches are perfect every time. So fire up your grill or smoker and get started today!
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