Fire-Kissed BBQ Pulled Pork (Printable)

Tender pulled pork with smoky sauce and fresh herbs nestled in toasted buns for a flavorful meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pork & Marinade

01 - 3.3 pounds boneless pork shoulder
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 2 teaspoons kosher salt
10 - 1 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cooking Liquid

11 - 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
12 - 1/3 cup chicken broth
13 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

→ BBQ Sauce & Herbs

14 - 1 cup smoky barbecue sauce
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
16 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
17 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

→ Sandwich Assembly

18 - 6 brioche or rustic sandwich buns
19 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
20 - 1 cup coleslaw (optional)
21 - 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting buns)

# How To Make It:

01 - Combine smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Rub pork shoulder evenly with olive oil, then coat thoroughly with the spice blend.
02 - Place pork in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add apple cider, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until pork is tender and easily shredded.
03 - Heat a grill or large cast-iron skillet over high heat until hot.
04 - Remove pork from cooking liquid, shred with forks, and mix with half the barbecue sauce and chopped fresh parsley, chives, and thyme.
05 - Place shredded pork onto grill basket or skillet. Sear for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges develop a crispy, fire-kissed texture.
06 - Butter the inside of each bun and toast on the grill or skillet until golden brown.
07 - Pile pulled pork onto toasted buns. Drizzle with remaining barbecue sauce, then top with sliced red onions and coleslaw if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Hearty rustic dinner
  • Vibrant herb notes and smoky flavor
02 -
  • Use gluten-free buns for gluten-free option
  • Spice it up with cayenne or pickled jalapenos
03 -
  • Use a grill basket to easily sear shredded pork without losing pieces
  • Butter buns before toasting for extra flavor and crispness
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