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Oven Pulled Pork Recipe Easy 5-Step Method for Juicy Tender Meat

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This oven pulled pork recipe uses a simple five-step method to create tender, juicy meat with a perfect crust, ideal for family dinners or gatherings. It requires easy-to-find ingredients and minimal fuss, delivering smoky flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 45 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (60 ml)
  • 1/2 cup water or broth (120 ml)
  • Optional: BBQ sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
  3. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder if desired, leaving about 1/4 inch for flavor and moisture. Pat the pork dry with paper towels.
  4. Massage the spice rub all over the pork shoulder, covering every inch.
  5. Place the pork in a roasting pan or Dutch oven. Add apple cider vinegar and water or broth to the bottom of the pan. Cover tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
  6. Roast for 4-5 hours, checking after 4 hours with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach about 195°F (90°C) for ideal shredding. Continue roasting and check every 30 minutes if needed.
  7. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest covered for 20-30 minutes.
  8. Use two forks or meat claws to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding large chunks of fat or gristle.
  9. Serve plain or mixed with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches 195°F for perfect shredding. Cover the roasting pan tightly to trap moisture and keep the meat juicy. Let the pork rest after cooking to redistribute juices. If pork seems dry when shredding, add a splash of pan juices or apple cider vinegar. For gluten-free, verify chili powder and smoked paprika are gluten-free. Optional BBQ sauce can be added for serving.

Nutrition

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