Perfect Pulled Pork: The Secret to Juiciness

Perfect Pulled Pork: The Secret to Juiciness

4h 30min
6 servings
Medium

Recipe for succulent pulled pork using pork shoulder, slow-cooked in a smoker (pit) until it reaches a high internal temperature, and finished in the oven with barbecue sauce.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Carne
  • 4,5kg de Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt)
Tempero / Umidade
  • Oyster Sauce opcional
    Substitui por: mostarda, molho inglês
  • Dry Rub
Finalização
  • Barbecue Sauce
Combustível
  • Applewood (for smoking)
Coleslaw
  • Shredded Cabbage
  • Shredded Carrot
  • small amount de Mayonnaise
  • small amount de Lime Juice
  • to taste de Salt
  • small amount de Chopped Scallions (Green Onions)
  • small amount (for balance) de Sugar
Montagem
  • Hamburger Buns

Instructions

1
defumar

Set up the smoker (pit) to maintain a constant temperature of approximately 275ºF (130ºC), using applewood if available.

130°C

Dica: Maintaining a stable temperature is crucial for the process.

2
cortar

Cut the pork shoulder into large pieces, about two to two-and-a-half inches thick, roughly the size of the palm of your hand.

5min

Dica: The size should be intermediate; neither too thin nor too thick.

3
umedecer

Brush the meat pieces with oyster sauce, mustard, or Worcestershire sauce, ensuring both sides are well coated.

2min

Dica: This binder helps the dry rub adhere.

4
temperar

Generously apply the dry rub to all sides of the moistened meat.

3min

Dica: The rub is essential for the bark and flavor of the meat.

5
assar

Place the meat in the smoker, away from direct heat, leaving a small gap between the pieces to ensure air circulation.

2min
130°C

Dica: Arrange the pieces spaced out for even cooking.

6
defumar

Cook the meat in the smoker for about 2 hours, or until it is nicely browned, caramelized, and reaches an internal temperature of at least 162ºF (72ºC).

120min

Dica: Monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

7
envelopar

Remove the meat from the smoker, place it in a pan, add barbecue sauce, and wrap the assembly tightly with two layers of aluminum foil.

3min

Dica: Seal the wrap very tightly to retain all the juices.

8
assar

Place the wrapped meat in a preheated oven at 400ºF (200ºC) to cook for another 2 hours.

120min
200°C
9
misturar

Prepare the coleslaw by mixing shredded cabbage and carrot with mayonnaise, lime juice, chopped scallions, and salt to taste.

5min

Dica: Adjust the mayonnaise and salt to your liking, and add a little sugar to balance the flavors.

10
desfiar

After removing the meat from the oven, discard the foil and shred the meat immediately, without letting it rest, so that it reabsorbs the released juices.

5min

Dica: Shredding the meat immediately (unlike other cuts) is a secret to keeping it juicy, as it will pull the steam back in.

11
temperar

If desired, apply a finishing touch of the dry rub to the shredded meat to enhance the flavor.

1min
12
montar

Assemble the sandwich by placing the pulled pork on the bun, topping it with the coleslaw, and serving optionally with more barbecue sauce.

2min

Dica: Serve immediately after assembly.

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Nutrition Facts

TACO Table - per serving

Nutrient
Amt.%DV*
  • Energy
    1597 kcal80%
  • Carbohydrates
    3 g1%
  • Protein
    268 g358%
  • Total Fat
    49 g89%
  • Dietary Fiber
    1 g2%

*Daily reference values based on a 2,000 kcal diet (ANVISA). Data calculated from the TACO Table (UNICAMP).

Cuisine Type

brasileira

Required Equipment

churrasqueira (pit)forma de alumíniotermômetro culinário

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