Nothing screams comfort food like a delicious, savory BBQ pulled pork recipe in a Dutch oven. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, weekend dinners, or even summer barbecues. The beauty of making this dish in a Dutch oven is that it combines the flavors and tenderness of slow-cooked pulled pork with the rich, smoky BBQ taste that everyone loves.
Why Use a Dutch Oven for Pulled Pork?
The Dutch oven is an incredibly versatile piece of cookware, ideal for long, slow cooking. Its heavy-duty construction allows for even heat distribution and retention, making it perfect for a big piece of meat like a pork shoulder. If you’re curious about how a Dutch oven works compared to other pots, here’s a great comparison of Dutch oven vs. Pot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 5-6 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make BBQ Pulled Pork in a Dutch Oven
Step 1: Preheat Your Dutch Oven
Before you begin, preheat your oven to 300F (150C). On the stovetop, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Doing this gets your Dutch oven ready to sear the meat, which locks in all the juicy flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat
While the Dutch oven is heating, season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, and onion powder. Dont forget to rub these spices all over the meat to ensure every bite is flavorful. If you need a good cutting board for prep, consider this cutting board.
Step 3: Sear the Pork
Once the Dutch oven is hot, place the seasoned pork shoulder in the pot. Sear each side of the meat until brown, which takes about 5-7 minutes per side. This step is crucial as it adds a beautiful crust to the pork that enhances the overall flavor.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Remove the pork shoulder from the Dutch oven and set it aside. In the same pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Saut these aromatics until they are soft and fragrant, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine the Liquids
Pour in 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 cup of chicken broth into the Dutch oven with the sauted onions and garlic. Stir to combine and make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot; these bits add incredible depth of flavor.
Step 6: Slow Cook the Pork
Place the seared pork shoulder back into the Dutch oven. Cover it with a tight-fitting lid and place the pot in your preheated oven. Allow the pork to cook low and slow for about 4-5 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily shredded.
Step 7: Shred the Pork
Remove the Dutch oven from the oven and take out the pork shoulder. Using two forks, shred the meat into pieces. Once shredded, return the pork to the pot and stir it well to coat all the meat in the flavorful sauce. This process ensures every bite is as juicy and flavorful as the last.
Serving Suggestions
There are endless ways to serve your BBQ pulled pork. Place it on a toasted bun for a classic pulled pork sandwich, or serve it over a bed of coleslaw for a lighter option. You can even use it as a topping for nachos or as filling for tacos. Whichever way you choose, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect BBQ Pulled Pork
Choose the Right Cut of Meat: A pork shoulder or Boston butt is ideal for this recipe as it has the right amount of fat for a tender, juicy result.
Dont Rush the Process: Slow cooking is key to breaking down tough fibers and making the meat tender.
Use a Good BBQ Sauce: The sauce you choose will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Opt for a high-quality, smoky BBQ sauce for the best results.
Let It Rest: After shredding, let the pork sit in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb all the flavors fully.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you can place the pork in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, or use the microwave. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the meat moist.
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Cleaning Up
Cleaning your Dutch oven after cooking this BBQ pulled pork might seem daunting, but its crucial to maintaining your cookware. Here’s a guide on seasoning your cookware to help you out. Additionally, consider using a reliable cookware cleaner and cutting board conditioner.
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